Gaining EU citizenship can change lives. It offers more freedom, better mobility, and increased security. If you work remotely, are retired, run a business, or have European ancestry, you can enjoy many personal and professional benefits by obtaining citizenship in an EU country. With an EU passport, you get to travel without a visa. You also have access to great healthcare and education. Plus, you can live or work in any EU country freely.
What to Discover in This Guide?
- How To Qualify for EU Citizenship
- How to Get EU Citizenship Through Investment: Top Countries
- How Much Does It Cost to Get EU Citizenship or Residency
- How to Get German Citizenship as an EU Citizen
- How to Get EU Citizenship as an American
- Becoming Naturalized in Europe: Requirements and Options
- How to Get EU Citizenship Through Work
- How to Get EU Citizenship by Marriage
- Easiest EU Countries to Get Citizenship
- Final Thoughts: Your Path to EU Citizenship
Key Aspects of EU Citizenship
- There are four main ways to get EU citizenship: by descent, marriage, naturalization, or investment.
- Some countries offer faster or easier routes- such as Malta (by investment) or Spain (by marriage).
- Residency is often required before applying for citizenship, typically ranging from 5 to 10 years.
- Citizenship by descent is possible in countries like Ireland, Italy, and Poland with documented ancestry.
- Non-EU citizens (including Americans and Canadians) can apply through work, family, or Golden Visa programs.
- EU citizenship grants full rights, including visa-free travel, the right to work and study in any EU country, and participation in European elections.
How To Qualify for EU Citizenship
There are four main pathways to becoming an EU citizen:
- By Descent: If you have a parent or grandparent from an EU country
- By Marriage: Through a spouse who is an EU national
- By Naturalization: After several years of legal residence in an EU country
- By Investment: Via residency or Golden Visa programs in select EU countries
Each method has its own citizenship requirements depending on national laws. These may include:
- Minimum years of residency
- Language skill
- Cultural integration
- Clean criminal record
Not All EU Countries Are Equal
All EU countries recognize European citizenship, but the process to get it differs a lot. Some EU countries offer:
- Fast-track options for citizenship by investment
- Shorter timelines for permanent residence
- Flexible rules for dual citizenship
- Easier paths for non-EU citizens, like Americans or Brits
In this guide, we will show you how to get EU citizenship. We will cover the main pathways and key requirements. Also, we will point out the easiest EU countries for non-EU citizens, such as Americans and UK nationals.
How to Get EU Citizenship Through Investment: Top Countries
Non-EU citizens can gain EU citizenship through Golden Visa programs. These programs let you invest in certain EU member states. Here are the main programs and their paths to permanent residence and citizenship.
Portugal: Golden Visa & Citizenship by Investment
Key Updates:
- As of October 2023, real estate investments no longer qualify.
- The updated Portuguese Citizenship Law (Feb 2024) says that you can get citizenship after 5 years. This time starts when you apply for residency, not when you receive approval for your application.
Current Eligible Investment Options:
- Job creation
- Investment in research or innovation.
- Support for cultural heritage and artistic production
- Launching a business that creates jobs.
Why Portugal?
- 5-year timeline for EU citizenship
- High quality of life, stable economy.
- An EU passport provides full citizenship rights. This includes the freedom to live and work in any EU country.
Greece: Greek Golden Visa
Updated in July 2023:
- Minimum real estate investment increased from €250,000 to €500,000.
- Applies to selected areas: Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and Santorini.
Key Benefits:
- No minimum stay is required.
- Access to public healthcare and education.
- Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area
- Eligibility for family members
- Covered by the Double Taxation Treaty
Path to EU Citizenship: You can apply for Greek citizenship after 7 years of legal residency, if you meet other national law criteria.
Malta: Citizenship for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment
Malta offers one of the few legal EU citizenship by investment programs.
Requirements:
- Contribute to Malta’s economic development.
- Reside in Malta for 12 to 36 months.
- Pass due diligence and background checks.
Benefits:
- Full EU citizenship rights
- Family members can be included.
- Strong passport with access to over 180 countries
Spain: Golden Visa & Citizenship Path
Investment Options:
- Real Estate: Min. €500,000
- Government Bonds: €2 million
- Spanish Companies: €1 million
General Criteria:
- Age 18+, no criminal record, health insurance.
- Golden Visa allows you to live, study, and work in Spain.
Path to Citizenship:
- 5 years: Apply for permanent residence.
- 10 years: Apply for citizenship by naturalization (with language and integration requirements).
Italy: Golden Visa and Naturalization Route
Program Overview:
- Launched in 2017.
- Residence permit: Valid for 2 years, renewable for 3 more.
- Eligible for permanent residence and citizenship after 10 years of legal stay.
Why Consider Italy?
- Work rights for you and your family
- Access to the Italian national healthcare
- Flexible investment options
- Attractive tax regime for foreign investors.
These programs allow non-EU citizens to obtain European citizenship through legal means. Each country has different requirements and timelines. Always consult up-to-date EU law and national law for eligibility and conditions.
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How Much Does It Cost to Get EU Citizenship or Residency?
The cost of obtaining European citizenship or permanent residence through investment varies by EU country and by program. For non-EU citizens, some of these investment options lead directly to citizenship, while others offer a residency path first.
Below is an overview of current investment amounts required in popular EU countries and associated citizenship programs:
Investment Options by Country
| Country | Program Type | Investment Amount | Citizenship Path? |
| Portugal | Fund Investment | €500,000 in qualifying investment fund | Citizenship after 5 years |
| Greece | Real Estate | €500,000 in property | Citizenship after 7 years |
| Malta | Exceptional Services | €600,000 (36 months) or €750,000 (12 months) | Direct citizenship route |
| Spain | Multiple Options | €500,000 (real estate) / €2M (bonds) / €1M (shares) | Citizenship after 10 years |
| Italy | Various Investments | €2M (bonds), €500K (company), €250K (startup), €1M (donation) | Citizenship after 10 years |
| Antigua & Barbuda | Citizenship by Donation | $100,000 – $1,500,000 | Direct citizenship route |
Key Notes
- These programs are most suitable for non-EU citizens seeking a fast-track route to an EU passport.
- Costs may vary based on real estate location, type of fund, or family size
- Some countries require residency duration, others offer direct citizenship by investment
Including these numbers in your citizenship planning helps you determine not just eligibility but also financial feasibility under different EU citizenship requirements.
How to Get German Citizenship as an EU Citizen
If you’re already an EU citizen, becoming a citizen of Germany is possible through naturalization-provided you meet specific citizenship requirements.
Key Requirements for Naturalization in Germany:
- Minimum 8 years of legal residence in Germany
- Financial stability (no dependency on public welfare)
- Sufficient knowledge of the German language
Pass a naturalization test (covering German laws and society)
Benefits of German Citizenship for EU Nationals:
- The right to vote in national and EU elections
- Full freedom of movement within the EU
- Access to public sector jobs and professional licenses
- Diplomatic protection abroad
- Security of permanent residence status
How to Get EU Citizenship as an American
For American citizens, there are multiple legal paths to becoming a citizen of an EU country. Whether you want to live, work, study, or simply gain dual citizenship, the EU offers several options.
Main Pathways to EU Citizenship for US Citizens
1. Citizenship by Descent
- If you have a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent from an EU member state
- Countries like Ireland, Italy, Poland, and Germany offer descent-based programs
- You’ll need to provide birth certificates, documentation, and proof of lineage
2. Citizenship by Naturalization
- After legally residing in an EU country for several years
- Requirements include:
Language proficiency
Integration into society
A clean criminal record
Demonstrated financial independence
3. Citizenship by Investment
- Available in select countries like Malta, Portugal, or Greece
- Requires significant economic contributions to qualify
- Often includes a residency stage before citizenship can be granted
These options allow many non-EU citizens, especially Americans, to eventually gain full EU citizenship rights-including holding an EU passport, participating in EU elections, and enjoying freedom of movement across 27 EU member states.
EU Countries That Allow Citizenship by Descent
Austria |
France |
Malta |
Belgium |
Germany |
Netherlands |
Bulgaria |
Greece |
Poland |
Croatia |
Hungary |
Portugal |
Cyprus |
Ireland |
Romania |
Czechia |
Italy |
Slovakia |
Denmark |
Latvia |
Slovenia |
Estonia |
Lithuania |
Spain |
Finland |
Luxembourg |
Sweden |
Becoming Naturalized in Europe: Requirements and Options
Naturalization is one of the most common ways to gain EU citizenship, especially for non-EU citizens living and working in the region. While the specific rules vary across EU member states, most countries require a combination of legal residence, language proficiency, and cultural integration.
General Citizenship Requirements for Naturalization in the EU:
- Long-term legal residence (typically 5–10 years)
- Proficiency in the national language
- Basic knowledge of the country’s laws, customs, and values
- Financial stability (no reliance on public assistance)
- A clean criminal record
- Respect for EU citizenship rights and responsibilities
How to Get EU Citizenship Through Work
If you’re working in an EU country with a valid work visa, you may be eligible to apply for citizenship by naturalization after a set number of years.
Key Points
- Most countries require 5 to 10 years of continuous work and residence
- After this period, you may apply for permanent resident status
- You must prove financial self-sufficiency and language skills
- Countries like Germany, Austria, and France have clear work-based pathways
How to Get EU Citizenship by Marriage
Marriage to an EU citizen can significantly shorten the path to citizenship-but requirements still apply.
Common Requirements by Country:
- Minimum 3 years of marriage and legal residence (in countries like France, Greece, Germany, Portugal, etc.)
- Proof of shared life, joint residence, and integration into society
- Respect for the host country’s national law and customs
- Some countries require language tests or interviews
Note: The process and timeline vary widely between countries. Always consult the local immigration laws and regulations.
Easiest EU Countries to Get Citizenship
While “easy” is relative, these countries are known for their clear processes and/or shorter timeframes:
- Portugal
- Malta
- Spain
- Ireland
- Netherlands
- Luxembourg
Each country has different policies on dual citizenship, citizenship by descent, or residency-to-citizenship timelines-so it’s crucial to match your profile to the right destination.
Final Thoughts: Your Path to EU Citizenship
Gaining EU citizenship may take time, but it’s absolutely within reach. Whether through family roots, marriage, employment, or investment, each path offers its own unique route to becoming a part of the European community.
Remember:
- Research citizenship requirements for each country
- Consider your long-term goals: travel, career, family, tax residency
- Embrace the values and responsibilities of being an EU citizen
- Prepare early: gather documents, build language skills, and stay informed
Becoming a citizen of the European Union is more than just getting an EU passport — it’s joining a union of freedom, democracy, and shared opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you qualify for EU citizenship?
To qualify, you typically need:
- Legal residence (5–10 years depending on country)
- Language skills
- Financial stability
- No criminal record
- Integration into the local society
What is the fastest way to get EU citizenship?
Malta offers the fastest route through its Citizenship by Investment program. Citizenship can be granted in 12 to 36 months depending on the investment amount and residency period.
Which EU country is easiest to get citizenship by marriage?
Spain is one of the easiest: only 1 year of legal residence is required after marriage to a Spanish citizen.
How do Americans or Canadians get EU citizenship?
You can apply through:
- Ancestry (if you have EU-born relatives)
- Naturalization (by living in the EU long-term)
- Marriage to an EU citizen
- Investment in countries like Portugal or Malta
Which country is the easiest to get permanent residency in Europe?
Portugal is known for its straightforward and relatively quick residency process, especially for investors, retirees, and highly skilled professionals.
What are the main ways to get a European passport?
- By Descent: Family ancestry in an EU country
- By Naturalization: Long-term residence and integration
- By Investment: Significant economic contribution to a country
- By Marriage: Spouse of an EU citizen, depending on local laws
How can you get French citizenship?
To obtain French citizenship, you need to live in France for at least five years, demonstrate integration into French society, and have a stable income. You also need to pass language and citizenship tests.
Which EU country is the easiest to get citizenship by marriage?
Spain is considered one of the easiest. It requires just one year of legal residency if married to a Spanish citizen.
What is the most difficult EU citizenship?
Germany is often cited as one of the most challenging. It requires 8 years of residency, a B1 level in German language proficiency, and a strong understanding of German society and laws.
What is the cheapest citizenship to buy in Europe?
Montenegro offers a relatively affordable Citizenship by Investment program. It starts at around €350,000 and includes a donation to a national fund and real estate investment.
Can I travel in EU through Antigua and Barbuda citizenship?
Yes. The Citizenship by Investment program in Antigua and Barbuda started in 2013. You can obtain Antigua and Barbuda citizenship through significant economic contributions to the country. This Caribbean island’s investment program is affordable and draws numerous foreign investors.
The four primary investment options are as follows:
- The National Development Fund
- Real Estate Investment
- Business Investment
- The University of the West Indies Fund
How to Get EU citizenship through ancestry?
Research if your ancestors were citizens of an EU country. Each EU country has specific laws for citizenship by descent. Gather necessary documents like birth, marriage, and citizenship records of your ancestors. Apply through the relevant embassy or consulate.
How to get an EU passport as a Canadian
You can apply for EU citizenship through ancestry, naturalization, or marriage. Investigate if you have European ancestors for citizenship by descent. Or, you can live in an EU country for the required period and meet all naturalization requirements. Also, you can marry an EU citizen and follow the specific country’s procedures for citizenship.
Countries in Europe that are easiest to get citizenship
Portugal, Spain, and Greece offer more accessible citizenship options, especially through investment or Europe Golden Visa programs. Malta and Cyprus also have investment citizenship alternatives. In addition, Ireland and Poland are notable for citizenship through ancestry.
