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.
Key Aspects of EU Citizenship
- There are four main ways to get European citizenship: by descent, marriage, naturalization, or investment.
- The fastest and easiest European country to get citizenship is Malta (by merit) 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.
What to Discover in This Guide?
- How To Qualify for EU Passport?
- Top 10 Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship in Europe
- How Much Does It Cost to Get EU Citizenship or Residency?
- Becoming Naturalized in Europe: Requirements and Options
- How to Get EU Citizenship Through Work or Study
- How to Get EU Citizenship by Marriage
- EU Countries That Allow Citizenship by Descent
- How to Get German Citizenship as an EU Citizen
- How to Get EU Citizenship as an American
- Easiest EU Countries to Get Citizenship
- Challenging Countries to Get Citizenship in Europe
How To Qualify for EU Passport?
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 European 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.
Top 10 Countries Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship in Europe
1. Portugal: Golden Visa & Citizenship by Investment
- Minimum investment: €500,000
- Residency: 5 years
- Visa Free Travel to the Schengen Area: Yes
- Path to citizenship: Available after 10 years
- Family Inclusion: Yes
- Processing time: 8-12 Months
Portugal’s Golden Visa program offers a 5-year residency for non-EU citizens in exchange for a minimum investment of €250,000 donation, or €500,000 fund investment.
Thanks to its reliability and minimum 7-day residency requirement per year, the program makes Portugal the best EU country to get citizenship after 10 years*.
Current eligible investment options for the Portuguese Residency by Investment program:
- Job creation
- Investment in research or innovation.
- Support for cultural heritage and artistic production
- Launching a business that creates jobs.
Once you make your investment and get your residency card, you can enjoy the benefits of becoming an EU resident.
*Portuguese citizenship eligibility, timelines, and naturalization requirements are governed by nationality law and related legal interpretation, which are separate from the Golden Visa residency framework. This content is provided for informational purposes only and reflects the information available at the time of publication. It should not be construed as legal advice or as a guarantee of eligibility, approval, processing timeline, or future citizenship outcome. Laws, regulations, administrative practices and legal interpretations may evolve over time, and applicants should consult a qualified legal advisor to understand the implications of any current or potential regulatory changes before making decisions.
2. Greece: Greek Golden Visa
- Minimum investment: €250,000 (property investment)
- Residency: 5 years
- Visa Free Travel to the Schengen Area: Yes
- Path to citizenship: Available after 7 years (requiring full-time residency)
- Family Inclusion: Yes
- Processing time: 6-9 Months
Launched in 2013, the Greek Golden Visa offers 5-year residency via real estate purchase of at least €250,000. This property must be converted from commercial usage to residential use or restored to registered buildings. There are no location or size restrictions for €250,000 Greece property purchase.
The other investment options include €400,000 and €800,000. For €400,000 real estate purchase, you should choose a property in rural areas that is at least 120 m2. On the other hand, you need to purchase a property of at least 120 m2 in islands with more than 3,100 inhabitants, including Athens and Thessaloniki.
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.
3. Malta: Citizenship for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment
Malta previously offered the easiest EU citizenship by investment program. In fact, it was one of the few legal and fastest EU citizenship-by-investment programs. However, on April 29, 2025, the European Court of Justice ruled that Malta must discontinue the Malta Citizenship by Investment Program. Therefore, you can no longer apply for citizenship in Malta via investment.
However, Malta’s Citizenship by Merit route continues. It requires exceptional contributions to Malta.
4. Italy: Golden Visa and Naturalization Route
- Minimum investment: €250,000 (Start-Up investment)
- Residency: 2 years
- Visa Free Travel to the Schengen Area: Yes
- Path to citizenship: Available after 10 years (requiring full-time residency)
- Family Inclusion: Yes
- Processing time: 3-4 Months
Italy introduced its residency by investment program in 2017. According to Italy’s Investor Visa program, applicants can get a 2-year residency, which is renewable 3 times. The minimum investment starts from €250,000 in an Italian start-up. The other investment options include:
- €500,000 investment in an Italian limited company
- €2 million investment in Italian government bonds
- €1 million donations to a philanthropic initiative in Italy
Once you get your residency, you can be eligible for permanent residence and citizenship after 10 years of legal stay. So, 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.
5. Hungary: EU Residency by Fund Investment
- Minimum investment: €250,000 (Fund investment)
- Residency: 10 years
- Visa Free Travel to the Schengen Area: Yes
- Path to citizenship: Available after 8 years (requiring full-time residency)
- Family Inclusion: Yes
- Processing time: 4-6 Months
As one of the Golden Visa countries in Europe, Hungary offers a 10-year residency by investment. There are two available options; the first one requires €250,000 investment in a real estate fund. The second one includes a €1 million donation to the Non-refundable Public Trust donation.
The processing time for Hungary Golden Visa takes around 4-6 months. Once you complete your documentation and get your approval, you can enjoy the benefits of visa-free travel across the Schengen Area and low tax rates in the EU. Lastly, you can apply for citizenship after 8 years of continuous residence.
6. Cyprus: Permanent Residency for Investors
- Minimum investment: €300,000 (Real estate investment)
- Residency: Permanent Residence
- Visa Free Travel to the Schengen Area: Yes
- Path to citizenship: Available after 8 years (requiring full-time residency)
- Family Inclusion: Yes
- Processing time: 4-6 Months
Launched in 2020, the Cyprus Golden Visa offers permanent residency by investment. To be eligible for it, you must invest €300,000 in a real estate purchase, business, or fund investment.
Once you submit your application and get your approval, you can benefit from lower taxes, no residency requirements, and affordable living. Although your residency status is valid for life, you must visit Cyprus once every two years to keep your residency status. You can also be eligible for citizenship after 5 years of living there full-time.
7. Bulgaria: Golden Visa for Permanent EU Residency
- Minimum investment: €512,000 (Fund Investment)
- Residency: Permanent residence
- Visa Free Travel to the Schengen Area: Yes
- Path to citizenship: Available after 5 years (but requires revoking your other citizenship)
- Family Inclusion: Yes
- Processing time: 8-9 months
Bulgaria introduced its Golden Visa program in 2023. Applicants can obtain direct permanent residency via Bulgaria’s Golden Visa program. The program requires €512,000 investment in EFT or AIF funds. The funds must be licensed by Bulgaria’s Financial Supervision Commission and hold at least 5,000,000 BGN (about €2.5M) in assets.
It also requires you to pass a pre-approval process, making it more reliable and secure before you make your residency. Additionally, it provides you a path to citizenship after 5 years. Therefore, it becomes one of the few programs that grants European Union citizenship easily. However, the main applicant must revoke their initial citizenship.
8. Latvia: The Cheapest Golden Visa in the EU
- Minimum investment: €50,000 (Business investment)
- Residency: 10 years
- Visa Free Travel to the Schengen Area: Yes
- Path to citizenship: Available after 10 years (requiring full-time residency)
- Family Inclusion: Yes
- Processing time: 1-3 Months
Located in the Baltic region of Northern Europe, Latvia offers the cheapest Golden Visa in Europe. With a minimum business investment of €50,000, you can apply for Latvia Golden Visa, which will grant you a 5-year residency. Other investment options include:
- Real Estate Investment: €250,000
- Bank Deposit: €280,000
- Government Bonds: €250,000
Once you complete the process successfully, you can benefit from no residency requirements, visa-free travel to Schengen countries, low cost of living, and short processing times. However, if your primary goal is to obtain citizenship, you must reside here full-time for 10 years.
9. Switzerland: EU Access via Investment
- Minimum investment: CHF 200,000 (lump sum tax)
- Residency: 1 year
- Visa Free Travel to the Schengen Area: Yes
- Path to citizenship: Available after 10-12 years (requiring full-time residency)
- Family Inclusion: Yes
- Processing time: up to 5 months
You can apply for the Swiss Golden Visa via a lump sum tax and the entrepreneurial investor scheme. In the lump sum tax requirement, you need to pay an annual flat tax of CHF 200,000 to CHF 600,000.
On the other hand, you are required to start or invest in a business with a minimum capital of at least CHF 1 million. Additionally, if you want Swiss citizenship, you must legally reside in Switzerland for 10 years.
10. Luxembourg: EU Residency by Investment
- Minimum investment: €500,000 (business investment)
- Residency: 3 years
- Visa Free Travel to the Schengen Area: Yes
- Path to citizenship: Yes, after 5 years(requiring full-time residency)
- Family Inclusion: Yes
- Processing time: 3-6 Months
Luxembourg provides a residency-by-investment program, which will be valid for 3 years. The program requires its participants to choose one of the following investment options:
- Investing in a registered Luxembourg office for at least €500,000
- Investing in an upcoming Luxembourg office for at least €500,000
- Contributing at least €3 million to a management or investment structure
- Contributing at least €2 million deposit into a Luxembourg financial institution
Although the Luxembourg Golden Visa program offers only residency, you can be eligible for citizenship after 5 years, but it requires full-time residency.
Get Golden Visa: How Can We Help You?
Get Get Golden Visa is a global mobility consultancy focused on residency and citizenship programs. We help international investors and families navigate available pathways through qualifying investment and contribution routes.
With our multilingual team based in Portugal and across multiple jurisdictions, we support clients throughout the residency and citizenship process with a transparent and structured approach.
Contact our team to discuss eligibility requirements, available routes, and the application process.
Contact Form
How Much Does It Cost to be eligible for Residency or Citizenship in the EU?
The cost of obtaining European residence through investment varies by EU country and by program. For non-EU citizens, none of these investment options lead directly to citizenship, while most offer a residency path first.
Below is an overview of current investment amounts required in popular EU countries and associated citizenship programs:
| Country | Program Type | Minimum Investment Amount | Citizenship Path |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal | Fund Investment | €500,000 | After 5–10 years* |
| Greece | Real Estate | €250,000 | After 7 years |
| Italy | Start-Up Investment | €250,000 | After 10 years |
| Hungary | Fund Investment | €250,000 | After 8 years |
| Cyprus | Real Estate | €300,000 | After 8 years |
| Bulgaria | Fund Investment | €512,000 | After 5 years |
| Latvia | Business Investment | €50,000 | After 10 years |
| Switzerland | Lump Sum Tax | CHF 200,000 | After 10 years |
| Luxembourg | Business Investment | €500,000 | After 5 years |
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 ask for other requirements to be eligible for citizenship
Including these numbers in your residency and citizenship planning helps you determine not just eligibility but also financial feasibility under different EU citizenship requirements.
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 or Study
If you’re working in an EU country with a valid work or student 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.
EU Citizenship by Descent
You can consider the citizenship by descent path as a sort of free European citizenship. All you have to do is prove your relationship with that specific country and meet the legal requirements. Below you will find countries that offer free citizenship in Europe:
| Countries | ||
|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
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
There are multiple legal paths to becoming a citizen of an EU country for Americans. Whether you want to live, work, study, or simply gain dual citizenship, the EU offers several options. These are EU citizenship by descent, by marriage, by naturalization, and by investment.
1. European 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. European Citizenship by Naturalization
You can apply for European 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. European Citizenship by Investment
- European Citizenship by Investment is not directly available in any country
- An initial residency status requires significant economic contributions to qualify
- Some of these residency stages may lead to eligibility to apply for citizenship in certain cases, provided that the applicant fulfills all necessary conditions
These options allow many non-EU citizens 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.
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
Some EU Countries that Offer Residency
While none are “easy” per se, these countries are known for their clear processes to residency:
- Portugal
- Malta
- Spain
- Ireland
- Netherlands
- Luxembourg
Each country has different policies on dual citizenship, citizenship by descent, or residency-to-citizenship timelines. It’s crucial to match your profile to the right destination.
Challenging Countries to Get Citizenship in Europe
Not all countries make the path to citizenship easy for non-EU citizens. Below, you will find the hardest countries to get citizenship in Europe:
- Finland
- Austria
- Czechia
- Lithuania
- Poland
- Slovenia
Final Thoughts: Your Path to EU Citizenship
Gaining EU citizenship may take time, but it may be within reach depending on the conditions at the time you apply. 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.
European Countries that Allow Dual Citizenship
| EU Country | Dual Citizenship Allowed? | Notes / Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Austria | No (generally) | Allowed only in exceptional cases or by birth. |
| Belgium | Yes | Fully allowed. |
| Bulgaria | Yes | Fully allowed. |
| Croatia | Yes | Fully allowed. |
| Cyprus | Yes | Fully allowed. |
| Czech Republic | Yes | Fully allowed. |
| Denmark | Yes | Fully allowed. |
| Estonia | Limited | Allowed for children born dual; naturalized adults must choose. |
| Finland | Yes | Fully allowed. |
| France | Yes | Fully allowed. |
| Germany | Yes | Fully allowed. |
| Greece | Yes | Fully allowed. |
| Hungary | Yes | Fully allowed. |
| Ireland | Yes | Fully allowed. |
| Italy | Yes | Fully allowed. |
| Latvia | Limited | Allowed only for certain categories (diaspora, NATO/EU citizens, etc.). |
| Lithuania | Limited | Allowed only for specific groups (Lithuanian origin, born dual, historical emigrants). |
| Luxembourg | Yes | Fully allowed. |
| Malta | Yes | Fully allowed. |
| Netherlands | Limited | Allowed in specific cases (marriage, born dual, cannot renounce, etc.). |
| Poland | Yes | Fully allowed (but must use Polish citizenship inside Poland). |
| Portugal | Yes | Fully allowed. |
| Romania | Yes | Fully allowed. |
| Slovakia | Limited | Allowed only if gaining citizenship of OECD/EU countries, or in special cases. |
| Slovenia | No (generally) | Exceptions exist (diaspora or special approval). |
| Spain | Limited | Allowed only with certain countries (Latin America, Philippines, Portugal, Andorra, etc.). |
| Sweden | Yes | Fully allowed. |
Frequently Asked Questions on European Citizenship
Which is the easiest country to get citizenship in Europe without investment?
It would be unfair to call any of them easy. However, without investment, you can have a few options to get EU citizenship: by birth, descent, marriage, or naturalization. Considering this, you can become eligible to apply for citizenship in Portugal, Greece, Italy, Malta, and Cyprus without investment after spending several years in the country and meeting the legal requirements.
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
Which is the easiest EU Country 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.
What are some popular ways North Americans or Canadians get European 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
Which country is the easiest to get permanent residency in Europe?
Although there are no straightforward, easy programs, Portugal was historically a popular option to obtain permanent residency in Europe, 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 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.
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 European passport as a Canadian
You can apply for European 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.
