Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship in Europe

If you’ve ever dreamed of securing European citizenship, you’re not alone. Europe offers some of the most desirable citizenship opportunities due to its high quality of life, excellent healthcare systems, and vibrant cultures. But which countries make it easiest to obtain citizenship? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore some of the most accessible European countries for acquiring citizenship and the processes involved.

1. Portugal: The Golden Visa and Beyond

Portugal is renowned for its relatively straightforward path to citizenship. The country’s Golden Visa program is a popular route for investors and their families. This program requires a minimum investment in real estate or a business, along with maintaining residency. After five years of residency, you can apply for citizenship, provided you meet the basic requirements, including a basic understanding of Portuguese and proof of integration into the Portuguese community.

2. Spain: Citizenship Through Residency

Spain offers a similar residency route to citizenship, but it comes with a slightly longer wait time. To apply for Spanish citizenship, you need to have lived in Spain for ten years legally. However, if you’re a citizen of a Latin American country, the residency requirement is reduced to two years. Spain also requires proof of integration, such as passing a language and culture test, and demonstrating economic stability.

3. Malta: Citizenship by Investment

Malta stands out for its Citizenship by Investment program. This program is relatively fast compared to other countries, allowing you to acquire Maltese citizenship within a year if you meet the investment requirements. Applicants must make a substantial contribution to the country’s economy, which includes a donation to a national development fund, real estate investment, and government bonds.

4. Italy: Citizenship Through Ancestry and Naturalization

Italy offers two primary routes to citizenship: through ancestry and naturalization. If you have Italian ancestry, you might be eligible for citizenship without the need for residency. The naturalization process requires ten years of legal residence in Italy. For those with Italian grandparents or great-grandparents, the process can be quicker and more straightforward. Italy’s dual citizenship laws also make it attractive for those who wish to maintain their original nationality.

5. Greece: The Golden Visa Program

Similar to Portugal, Greece has a Golden Visa program that grants residency to investors. The program requires a minimum investment in real estate, which can lead to Greek citizenship after seven years of residency. The Golden Visa is a gateway to a more permanent status in Greece, and while the road to citizenship is longer compared to some countries, the residency requirements are relatively easy to meet.

6. Austria: Citizenship by Investment

Austria also offers a citizenship by investment program, but it’s more selective and expensive compared to Malta. The process involves a significant financial contribution to the Austrian economy and the demonstration of exceptional achievements or investments that benefit the country. The route is lengthy and requires a significant financial outlay, but it provides a pathway to Austrian citizenship for those who can meet the criteria.

7. Switzerland: Residency and Integration

Switzerland, known for its high standard of living, requires a more involved process for obtaining citizenship. You must reside in Switzerland for twelve years, with the last three years spent in the same canton. Switzerland places a strong emphasis on integration, requiring applicants to demonstrate proficiency in one of the country’s official languages and active participation in community life.

8. Cyprus: Citizenship by Investment

Cyprus offers a Citizenship by Investment program, though it has become more stringent in recent years. The program requires a significant investment in real estate or a donation to the Cyprus Research and Innovation Foundation. Successful applicants can receive citizenship within a few months, making it a relatively fast route compared to some other European countries.

9. Hungary: Residency Bonds

Hungary used to offer a Residency Bond program, which was a straightforward route to obtaining Hungarian residency. However, this program was suspended in 2017. Currently, the path to citizenship involves a longer residency requirement of eight years, with a focus on integration into Hungarian society.

10. Belgium: Residency and Integration

Belgium offers a residency-based path to citizenship. After living in Belgium for five years, you can apply for citizenship. The process involves demonstrating integration into Belgian society, including language proficiency and economic stability. While the requirements are manageable, the process can be lengthy compared to some other countries.

In summary, obtaining citizenship in Europe can vary significantly based on the country and the specific route you choose. Whether through investment, residency, or ancestry, each country has its own set of requirements and processes. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision about which European country aligns best with your citizenship goals.