Citizenship
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How to get European citizenship by investment: complete guide

Most often citizenship of the European Union, EU, is obtained by naturalisation. You need to obtain a resident status and live in the country for several years.

In some EU countries, there are investment residence permit programs that simplify the path to citizenship. In Malta, cosmopolitans can obtain citizenship for exceptional services by direct investment after 1 or 3 years of residence.

Albert Ioffe
Author • Albert Ioffe

Answered questions on how to obtain citizenship in European countries

Fact checked byPaul Lauber

Reviewed byVladlena Baranova

Everything about EU Citizenship by Investment

How to get European citizenship by investment: complete guide

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What is EU citizenship?

EU citizenship is a legal status granted automatically to anyone holding the nationality of an EU member state.

Citizenship allows a person to live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union, access healthcare in other EU countries on the same terms as locals, and vote in local and European Parliament elections.

Paths to citizenship. There are four primary routes to an EU passport: by repatriation, descent, marriage to an EU national, or naturalisation.

With marriage and naturalisation, foreigners must first get a residence permit and are eligible for citizenship several years later. Residence permits can be obtained by employment, studying, family reunification, or investment.

Purchasing an EU passport is impossible; any claim to the contrary is almost certainly a scam.

Find your best-suited second passport

Practical Guide

Find your best-suited second passport

European Union countries. As of 2025, the Union comprises 27 countries. These states work together under shared policies on trade, travel, and legislation. For example, the EU maintains a single market, allowing free movement of goods, capital, services, and people.

Most member states also use the euro as their official currency, though some, like Poland and Hungary, retain their national currencies.

List of EU member states

at-flag

Austria

be-flag

Belgium

bg-flag

Bulgaria

hr-flag

Croatia

cy-flag

Cyprus

cz-flag

Czechia

dk-flag

Denmark

ee-flag

Estonia

fi-flag

Finland

fr-flag

France

de-flag

Germany

gr-flag

Greece

hu-flag

Hungary

ie-flag

Ireland

it-flag

Italy

lv-flag

Latvia

lt-flag

Lithuania

lu-flag

Luxembourg

mt-flag

Malta

nl-flag

Netherlands

pl-flag

Poland

pt-flag

Portugal

ro-flag

Romania

sk-flag

Slovakia

si-flag

Slovenia

es-flag

Spain

se-flag

Sweden

Difference between the EU and the Schengen Area. Although the European Union and the Schengen Area are closely connected, they serve different purposes.

The EU is a political and economic union whose citizenship grants legal rights across member states. The Schengen Area is a collection of countries that have abolished internal border checks to allow passport-free travel.

Most EU members participate in the Schengen Area, but Ireland and Cyprus do not, while Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein are in the Schengen Area without being EU members.

In short, EU membership defines your citizenship and associated rights, whereas Schengen agreement participation determines where and how you can cross borders without routine passport controls.

European Union and Schengen Area countries

As of 2025, the Schengen Area includes 29 countries. The latest additions are Bulgaria and Romania, which joined in January 2025. Cyprus is also expected to join in 2026

9 benefits of EU citizenship

1. Residence in any EU country. As of 2025, the EU comprises 27 member states. Citizens of any one of these countries may live in the other 26 without obtaining additional residence permits. Their stay is indefinite, although they need to register with the local police for stays over 90 days; this process usually takes a few days.

2. Access to the EU labour market. EU citizenship entitles you to work in any of the 27 member states without a work permit. This simplifies finding employment, changing jobs, or pursuing cross-border career opportunities with the same rights and protections as local workers.

3. Visa-free travel within the EU and Schengen Area. EU citizens do not require visas to visit other EU or Schengen countries. Upon arrival they simply present a national ID card.

When flying, EU-citizens follow the specially dedicated lanes at passport control, which are typically much faster than those for non-EU travellers.

4. Visa-free travel to over 170 countries. EU passports rank among the world’s strongest. Spain sits second globally with visa-free access to 176 destinations. Cyprus, the EU passport with the least extensive visa-free access, offers entry to 170 countries.

The visa-free destinations include the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Singapore, the EEA states such as Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland, and, in most cases, the United States.

5. Purchase of real estate. EU citizens may buy property in any member state without the restrictions often imposed on non-EU nationals. In many countries they also enjoy easier access to local mortgages with better terms, lower interest rates and streamlined approval processes.

6. Access to social security. Wherever you live or work in the EU, you have the right to social protection including unemployment benefits, pensions and family allowances, ensuring a reliable financial safety net.

7. Education in prestigious universities. The EU hosts over 500 universities, including top institutions, such as Université PSL and Institut Polytechnique de Paris in France, the Technical University of Munich in Germany, and TU Delft and the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

Tuition fees are generally lower for EU citizens and they can participate in Erasmus, a program offering study and internship exchanges with financial support for travel, accommodation, and living costs.

Degrees from any EU university are recognised across the European Union as well as in the United States, the United Kingdom, and beyond.

8. High-quality healthcare. EU member states provide excellent medical services. According to CEOWorld Magazine’s Health Care Index 2024, which ranks systems by quality, cost, and access, Sweden, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Germany place among the world’s top 10.

EU citizens carry a European Health Insurance Card that grants free or reduced-cost care in any EU country.

9. High quality of life and safety. The EU is celebrated for political stability, robust legal frameworks, and high living standards.

The 2024 Global Peace Index ranks Austria, Ireland, Portugal, Denmark, and Slovenia among the world’s top 10 safest nations, while the Numbeo Quality of Life Index 2025 places Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, and Sweden among countries with the highest overall quality of life.

Uncover the advantages of European citizenship and the fastest way to obtain an EU passport

How to get EU citizenship

There are four main ways to become a citizen of the European Union:

  • repatriation;

  • descent;

  • marriage;

  • naturalisation.

Citizenship by descent. Foreigners can obtain citizenship by descent in an EU country if one or both of their parents, or in some cases their grandparents, are citizens of that country.

To qualify, applicants must prove their family link by presenting official documents such as a birth certificate or an extract from the birth register. Continuous residency is generally not required.

Citizenship by repatriation. Repatriation generally means returning to one’s ancestral homeland, often through a process that allows you to regain or claim citizenship. The term is commonly applied to ethnic or historical groups who were displaced or who maintain ancestral ties to that country.

Some repatriation programs impose restrictions based on participants' date of birth or the period during which their relatives lived in the country. For example, in Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania, citizenship can be obtained only if relatives lived there during the countries' periods of independence. If relatives lived in these countries during the Soviet era, it will not work to obtain a passport upon repatriation.

Applicants seeking citizenship by repatriation must submit documentary proof of their heritage, for example birth certificates, former passports or identity documents, or church or community records.

Repatriation is similar to descent but not the same. While both relate to ancestry, repatriation focuses on restoring ties disrupted by history, often with additional cultural or language requirements. It usually targets communities affected by historical events like war or political persecution. Descent is a universal right based purely on lineage.

Citizenship by marriage is available to individuals wed to EU citizens, including same-sex spouses and partners in registered partnerships.

Spouses do not become citizens immediately; they must first secure a residence permit and, after several years of marriage and cohabitation with their EU partner, submit an application for citizenship.

Overall, the route via marriage is typically faster than naturalisation. In Germany, for example, a third-country national must generally reside in the country for at least 5 years before applying for citizenship by naturalisation, whereas spouses of German citizens become eligible after 3 years.

Citizenship by naturalisation assumes that a person first receives a residence permit, then a permanent residency, and only then a passport. The process typically takes 5 to 10 years, with 7 being the region average. Obtaining citizenship by naturalisation is relatively difficult. First, a residence permit is issued, but it is not easily granted, as you need a valid reason to move. Acceptable reasons include: an invitation from an employer, university studies, or reunification with a family member.

After several years of permanent residence, you can apply for a permanent residence permit, and later, citizenship.

Residence permits by investment offer a streamlined route toward citizenship by naturalisation. Investors do not need family ties in an EU country or local employment; instead, they secure residency by making a financial contribution to the economy.

Depending on the country, the required investment ranges from €182,000 to 1,250,000. This option is currently available in, for instance, Malta, Portugal, and Greece.

How to get EU citizenship

Malta citizenship by naturalisation for exceptional services by direct investment

Malta offers the fastest route to citizenship by naturalisation for investors. Foreigners first get a residence permit and, after 1 or 3 years, can apply for a Maltese citizenship.

Investment requirements. The minimum investment is €690,000 and consists of three mandatory elements:

  1. Contribution to the National Development and Social Fund, NDSF — €600,000 for the 3-year residency route, or €750,000 for the 1-year residency route.

  2. Real estate investment — leasing residential property for €16,000 per annum, or purchasing property worth €700,000 or more.

  3. Charitable donation — €10,000 to a Maltese NGO.

Albert Ioffe

Albert Ioffe,

Legal and Compliance Officer, certified CAMS specialist

If the investor chooses to rent real estate, the required property value and period of lease agreement varies depending on the type of status the investor is applying for.

When applying for a residence permit, there is no fixed minimum rental amount, but a recommended annual rent of €12,000 applies. The lease agreement must be concluded for 12 months in the case of the 1-year route to citizenship, and for 36 months for the 3-year route.

A minimum annual rent of €16,000 is required for citizenship applications. The lease agreement must be concluded for a minimum of 5 years.

Eligibility criteria. Main applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • be over 18;

  • have no criminal convictions, prosecutions, or pending charges;

  • not be subject to any international sanctions;

  • have no prior visa refusals from countries with visa-free access to Malta;

  • prove legitimate sources of income.

Investors can include family members in the application:

  • spouses or partners — legally married or in a registered partnership;

  • children under 29 — unmarried and financially dependent on the investor;

  • parents and grandparents — aged 55 or older and financially dependent on the investor.

Will you obtain Maltese citizenship?

Practical Guide

Will you obtain Maltese citizenship?

Procedure and timeframe. Investors can obtain Maltese citizenship for exceptional services within 1 or 3 years after receiving residence permits. The required period depends on the amount of the contribution to the NDSF.

Applications must be submitted through a government-licensed Maltese agent. Immigrant Invest is one such licensed agent.

1

1 day

Preliminary Due Diligence

Immigrant Invest conducts preliminary Due Diligence, aimed to identify any risks of refusal. If problems arise, lawyers offer solutions, such as choosing another residency or citizenship or collecting additional documents.

The check is confidential and requires the investor to provide only a passport.

2

Up to 2 weeks

Clearance

Immigrant Invest submits the investor’s dossier to the Community Malta Agency, CMA. The Agency conducts background and sanctions checks against Europol, Interpol, and other international databases. If checks are successful, a Clearance Certificate is issued.

3

4+ weeks

Obtaining residence permits

To apply for residence permits, investors must secure accommodation and a registered Maltese address, assemble the requisite documentation, and complete the government application forms. Immigrant Invest coordinates the preparation of all materials and provides guidance at every stage.

Each applicant must travel to Malta to submit biometric data.

Residence cards are typically issued within approximately 2 weeks of biometric enrolment.

4

4+ weeks

Eligibility Assessment

After obtaining residence permits, applicants have 12 months to undergo the Eligibility Assessment for citizenship.

Immigrant Invest helps to collect documents and file an application to the CMA.

If the check is successful, the Minister responsible for citizenship issues a preliminary approval.

5

1 or 3 years after a residence permit

Application for citizenship

Investors and their family members reside in Malta for 1 or 3 years. They provide updated documents to the CMA.

The Minister issues a final Letter of Approval that allows applying for citizenship.

6

Up to 4 months

Fulfilment of investment requirements

Investors make a contribution to the NDSF, lease or buy residential property, and make a charitable donation. They submit investment-related documents to the CMA.

7

Up to 2 months

Submission of biometrics and Oath of Allegiance

Investors attend in-person appointments in Malta to provide biometric data and to take the Oath of Allegiance.

Children under 18 are exempt from taking the Oath, and children under 6 do not need to submit biometrics.

8

4 days

Obtaining passports

4 days after submitting biometrics, investors can collect their Maltese passports at Malta’s Passport Department.

How to obtain EU citizenship after the residence permit by investment

A residence permit by investment, also known as a Golden Visa, is one of the simplest paths to citizenship, particularly for foreigners who do not have ancestors in an EU country. Investment allows individuals to become residents with minimal effort and stress, especially when working with a certified agent.

The main requirement is to make a contribution to the host country’s economy. The investment amounts vary by country. For example, in Portugal, Greece, and Hungary, the minimum investment is €250,000.

The process of obtaining a residence permit is straightforward and typically includes the following steps:

  1. Collection of required documents.

  2. Fulfilment of investment obligations.

  3. Due Diligence by the relevant authorities.

  4. In-person biometric submission.

  5. Issuance of residence permits.

According to Immigrant Invest’s experience, residency is usually granted within 4 to 12 months.

Investors may later acquire citizenship by ordinary naturalisation, which involves residing in the country for a legally defined period and passing citizenship and language tests.

Cost and timing of obtaining EU citizenship after a Golden Visa

Country

Investment

€250,000+

Golden Visa acquisition period

12+ months

Time to citizenship

5 years

Residing for citizenship

7 days a year

Country

Investment

€250,000+

Golden Visa acquisition period

4+ months

Time to citizenship

7 years

Residing for citizenship

183+ days a year

Country

Investment

€300,000+

Golden Visa acquisition period

9+ months

Time to citizenship

8 years

Residing for citizenship

183+ days a year

Country

Investment

€250,000+

Golden Visa acquisition period

4+ months

Time to citizenship

10 years

Residing for citizenship

183+ days a year

Country

Investment

€250,000+

Golden Visa acquisition period

5+ months

Time to citizenship

11 years

Residing for citizenship

320+ days per year

Country

Investment

Golden Visa acquisition period

Time to citizenship

Residing for citizenship

€250,000+

12+ months

5 years

7 days a year

€250,000+

4+ months

7 years

183+ days a year

€300,000+

9+ months

8 years

183+ days a year

€250,000+

4+ months

10 years

183+ days a year

€250,000+

5+ months

11 years

320+ days per year

EU citizenship vs. EU permanent residency: differences

Visa-free travel. An EU passport grants its holder access to one of the world’s most powerful travel documents. Depending on the member state, EU citizens can visit around 170 countries without obtaining a visa in advance. Border crossings at international checkpoints are typically smooth, requiring only the presentation of a valid passport.

A long-term residence permit in the EU allows visa-free travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. No separate Schengen visa is required for short stays in other Schengen countries. However, this right is limited to Europe. Once outside the EU’s visa-free zone, holders are treated as third-country nationals.

Freedom of residence. EU citizens enjoy the unrestricted right to live, work, study, or retire in any member state. They must only meet basic conditions, such as possessing health insurance and sufficient financial resources to support themselves.

Long-term residents, however, initially hold these rights only in the issuing country. To relocate to another Member State, they must obtain a residence permit.

Economic and social rights. In terms of employment, social welfare, and education, EU citizens benefit from full equality with nationals in all member states. They can apply for any job, receive social security benefits, and access student grants under the same conditions as local citizens.

Long-term residents enjoy equivalent rights only within their host country. Moving to another Member State may involve labour-market access restrictions, waiting periods for social benefits, or limited access to educational support.

Political and consular rights. EU citizens may vote and stand as candidates in municipal and European Parliament elections in whichever member state they reside. They are also entitled to consular protection from any other EU country’s embassy when their own nation lacks diplomatic representation abroad.

In contrast, long-term residents have no voting rights at the local or EU level and are not eligible for consular protection under the same framework.

Benefits of permanent residency and citizenship: comparison

Feature

Living and working in the EU

Permanent residency

Allowed in a host country only

Citizenship

Allowed in any EU country without restrictions

Feature

Visa-free travel in the EU

Permanent residency

Yes

Citizenship

Yes

Feature

Visa-free travel outside EU

Permanent residency

No advantage over a national passport

Citizenship

170+ countries

Feature

Language requirement

Permanent residency

Often not required

Citizenship

Commonly required, level A2—B1

Feature

Healthcare and benefits

Permanent residency

Full access within a host country only

Citizenship

Full access within the EU

Feature

Voting rights

Permanent residency

None

Citizenship

Yes

Feature

Public office and civil jobs

Permanent residency

Restricted

Citizenship

No restrictions

Feature

Inheritance of status

Permanent residency

Not applicable

Citizenship

Typically allowed

Feature

Permanent residency

Citizenship

Living and working in the EU

Allowed in a host country only

Allowed in any EU country without restrictions

Visa-free travel in the EU

Yes

Yes

Visa-free travel outside EU

No advantage over a national passport

170+ countries

Language requirement

Often not required

Commonly required, level A2—B1

Healthcare and benefits

Full access within a host country only

Full access within the EU

Voting rights

None

Yes

Public office and civil jobs

Restricted

No restrictions

Inheritance of status

Not applicable

Typically allowed

Easiest EU countries to get citizenship

pt-flag Portugal has one of the most accessible naturalisation systems in the EU, requiring only 5 years of residence. However, the countdown starts from the application for the first residence permit. Applicants must show basic Portuguese language skills at an A2 level. Holders of Golden Visas are eligible without permanent residence, staying in Portugal just 7 days per year is enough.

Portugal also historically offered citizenship to Sephardic Jews with ancestry linked to Portuguese communities expelled in the 15th century, often without requiring residence.

mt-flag Malta provides the fastest path to EU citizenship through investment-based naturalisation for exceptional services. By making approved investments in Malta’s economy, applicants can receive a passport in as little as 1 year. Knowing Maltese or English is not required.

Individual cost calculation for Maltese citizenship

Individual cost calculation for Maltese citizenship

es-flag Spain offers one of the fastest routes to citizenship by marriage. Foreign spouses may apply after just 1 year of marriage, provided they have also lived in Spain for at least 1 year since the wedding. Spanish language skills at A2 level, although this requirement is waived for nationals of Spanish-speaking countries.

Spain also simplifies naturalisation for citizens of Latin American countries, Andorra, and the Philippines. They can apply for citizenship after just 2 years of residency, compared to the standard 10 years for most other foreigners.

it-flag Italy provides a straightforward path to citizenship for spouses of Italian nationals. They may apply after 2 years of legal residence in Italy, or 3 years if living abroad. In both cases, proof of Italian language proficiency is required.

de-flag Germany grants automatic citizenship to recognised ethnic German resettlers from Eastern Europe or the former USSR. Applicants must prove German ancestry, demonstrate basic language ability before arrival, and show a connection to German culture.

In addition, Germany offers restoration of citizenship to descendants of those who were stripped of German nationality under Nazi rule between 1933 and 1945. This includes Jews, Roma, political exiles, and their descendants. No language or integration tests are required.

fr-flag France allows simplified naturalisation for individuals who meet certain integration criteria, waiving the usual 5-year residency rule. You may qualify if:

  • French is your mother tongue and you are from a French-speaking country;

  • you studied for at least 5 years in a French-language institution in a francophone country;

  • you graduated from a French university after completing 2 years of higher education.

se-flag Sweden offers citizenship to spouses or partners of Swedish nationals after 3 years of residence, provided the couple has lived together for at least 2 years.

For most applicants, citizenship by naturalisation is possible after 5 years of residence, making Sweden one of the fastest routes to EU citizenship with minimal bureaucracy and broad acceptance of dual citizenship.

Citizenship by investment in Europe

ro-flag Romania offers citizenship by restoration to descendants of former Romanian citizens, especially from Moldova and Ukraine. This process often requires no residence in the country and can be completed entirely from abroad. You do not need to speak Romanian

lt-flag Lithuania allows citizenship by repatriation for descendants of citizens who fled before 1990 due to Soviet occupation or political persecution. This route does not require residency and allows dual citizenship in qualifying cases. By contrast, naturalised citizens must renounce their original nationality. Knowing Lithuanian is also not required.

pl-flag Poland provides a repatriation path to citizenship for ethnic Poles, particularly families deported to Central Asia during Soviet rule. Applicants must relocate to Poland, but the government offers housing and integration support.

For others, Poland offers one of the fastest ordinary naturalisation routes in the EU: just 3 years of legal residence, a B1-level Polish language test, and proof of stable income are required.

Dual citizenship rules in the EU

Each EU country has its own legislation regarding dual citizenship, but many allow it. For example, holding more than one passport is permitted in Malta, Portugal, Hungary, and Greece.

Foreigners may obtain dual citizenship only if their country of origin also allows it. For instance, US and UK nationals are permitted to hold multiple passports, while Chinese nationals are not.

Some countries, such as Spain and Austria, prohibit dual citizenship. Foreigners must renounce their previous nationalities upon acquiring Spanish or Austrian citizenship.

Similarly, the Netherlands generally does not allow dual citizenship, with limited exceptions. For example, individuals married to Dutch nationals can keep their other nationality.

EU countries allowing and prohibiting dual citizenship

Allowed

Prohibited

Belgium
Cyprus
Czechia
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Hungary
Ireland
Italy
Luxembourg
Malta
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Sweden

Austria
Bulgaria
Croatia
Estonia
Latvia
Lithuania
Netherlands
Slovenia
Spain

Tax implications for new EU citizens

Tax residency. In general, a person becomes a tax resident of an EU country if they meet at least one of the following criteria by spending:

  • more than 183 days in a calendar year in the given Member State;

  • fewer than 183 days but have the bulk of their personal, social or economic ties in the country, such as family, property or principal source of income.

Once considered a tax resident, an individual must report and pay tax on their worldwide income to that Member State. Non-residents are typically taxed only on income earned within the country, such as employment income or rental income from local property.

Tax rates. Most EU countries use a progressive personal income tax structure. For example, Germany applies rates ranging from 0 to 45%. A few countries, mainly in Central and Eastern Europe, levy flat personal income tax rates.

Generally, Western and Northern Europe have higher tax rates. Finland has the highest rate at 57.65%, followed by Denmark at 55.9%, and Austria, which applies a top rate of 55%.

On average, Central and Eastern Europe have lower taxes. Bulgaria and Romania levy flat rates of 10%, while Hungary applies a flat rate of 15%.

Most EU countries apply a flat corporate tax rate. Malta has the highest corporate tax rate in the EU at 35%, while Hungary has the lowest at 9%.

Double taxation treaties. EU countries have signed double taxation treaties with many other countries worldwide. These agreements help dual citizens avoid being taxed twice on the same income.

Key points about EU citizenship by investment

  1. Portugal, Greece, Hungary, Italy, and Cyprus are among countries offering residency by investment.

  2. To obtain citizenship by naturalisation after receiving a residence permit, one needs to live in the country for 5 to 10 years.

  3. An EU passport can be obtained by descent, repatriation, marriage, and naturalisation. It is impossible to buy EU citizenship.

  4. An EU passport offers its holder the opportunity to travel visa-free to over 170 countries, improve the quality of life, educate children in prestigious schools and universities, as well as work or run a business in any EU country.

  5. Some countries do not permit second citizenship. For example, obtaining a Spanish passport requires renouncing any other nationality.

  6. Most investment programs do not require living in the country if a resident status is enough. Obtaining citizenship often requires spending at least 183 days a year in the country.

Immigrant Invest is a licensed agent for citizenship and residence by investment programs in the EU, the Caribbean, Asia, and the Middle East. Take advantage of our global 15-year expertise — schedule a meeting with our investment programs experts.

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Frequently asked questions

  • What are the benefits of EU citizenship?

    EU citizenship is a high standard of living, political and economic stability. With an EU passport, you can freely move and live in any of the countries of the Union, as well as travel without visas to many countries of the world.

    Also, EU citizenship makes it possible to:

    1. Get a job in any EU country.

    2. Teach children in the best schools and universities in the world.

    3. Get treated in clinics with modern equipment and quality service.

    4. Transfer savings to European banks.

  • How can you get citizenship in an EU country?

    EU citizenship can be obtained by descent, repatriation, marriage, and naturalisation.

    Citizenship by descent is granted to direct ancestors of EU nationals, typically parents and grandparents.

    Repatriation is the return of an ethnic group to their historical homeland, a practice in several European countries. For example, Germany grants citizenship to those who lost it due to political repression or exile during the Nazi era, as well as to ethnic Germans and Jews.Naturalisation is obtaining citizenship after long-term residence. The most common reasons for naturalisation are due to marriage, employment, and business registration.

    According to the legislation of the European Union, one cannot buy citizenship. However, in some countries, it is easier for investors to obtain citizenship. In Portugal, you can apply for citizenship five years after obtaining a residence permit for investment.

    In Malta, citizenship can be obtained by naturalisation for exceptional service by direct investment after 1 or 3 years of residency. The minimum investment amount is €690,000. You can also obtain citizenship in the EU countries for special services in the field of sports, culture, education, or medicine.

  • Is it possible to obtain EU citizenship by investment immediately?

    It is not possible to obtain EU citizenship immediately. A residence permit is the first step towards acquiring citizenship. Many countries only offer residence permits in exchange for investment. These include Portugal, Greece, Italy, Cyprus, and Hungary.

    After obtaining a residence permit, the investor can acquire citizenship by naturalisation. To do this, one must live in the country for 5 to 10 years.

  • What is the fastest way to get EU citizenship?

    To obtain citizenship in an EU country, you typically need to spend 5 to 10 years. It is necessary to comply with the terms of stay in the country and the requirements that are spelled out in the law. To obtain citizenship faster, you can take part in investment government residence permit programs.

    The residence permit program in Portugal gives a quick perspective of citizenship: you can apply for a passport after five years of maintaining the residence permit status. The investment amount for obtaining residency starts at €250,000.

    To obtain citizenship, the investor needs to prove knowledge of the Portuguese language at the A2 level, but is not required to reside in the country either before or after obtaining citizenship.

    A residence permit in Greece can be obtained in three months under the Greece Golden Visa Europe Program. The minimum investment amount is €250,000.

    After seven years of maintaining the residence permit status, the investor can obtain citizenship. To do this, you will need to have lived in the country for five years before submitting an application and passing a language proficiency test. Family members cannot be included in the citizenship application; they receive citizenship in the usual way.

  • How can you obtain Malta citizenship by investment?

    Malta does not grant citizenship by investment. However, it is possible to obtain a Maltese passport by naturalisation for exceptional services by direct investment.

    The amount of investment depends on when you plan to apply for citizenship — 1 or 3 years after the registration of the residence permit status.

    The investor makes a contribution to the National Development Fund of Malta and a charitable donation to a non-governmental organisation. It is also necessary to buy or rent property on the island.

    If you apply for citizenship after one year, the minimum contribution is €750,000. If you wait three years, the contribution will be reduced to €600,000.

  • What status besides citizenship gives a visa-free entry to the EU countries?

    Citizens of Vanuatu and Caribbean countries have the opportunity to travel without visas to the countries of the European Union. Citizenship investment programs operate in these states.

    Under the Vanuatu program, it is necessary to make a non-refundable contribution of $130,000 to the country’s economy. The foreigner confirms the legality of the investment and good health, as well as the absence of a criminal record. The passport is issued in 1—4 months.

    Caribbean citizenship by investment is issued by five countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis and Saint Lucia. The minimum investment amount is $200,000. The passport is issued within 6—8 months.

  • What are the differences between Schengen and EU countries?

    The EU is a political and economic union of 27 member states that cooperate on legislation, trade, and various policies. In contrast, the Schengen Area is a travel zone comprising 29 countries that have abolished internal border checks.

    The EU and the Schengen Area serve different purposes. The EU focuses on political and economic integration, including a common market, shared regulations, and institutions. The Schengen Area, on the other hand, focuses on border control and visa policy, allowing people to travel freely without passport checks between member states.

  • Can US citizens get EU citizenship?

    Yes, US citizens can obtain EU citizenship. The main pathways include:

    • naturalisation, usually after 5 to 10 years of legal residence in an EU country;

    • descent, if they are direct ancestors of EU citizens;

    • repatriation, if they have ancestral or ethnic ties to a country;

    • marriage, if they are married to an EU citizen.

    Each EU country has its own criteria and process for granting citizenship.

  • What is the most difficult EU citizenship to obtain?

    Austrian citizenship is often considered one of the hardest to obtain due to stringent requirements and the general refusal to allow dual citizenship. Key requirements include:

    • uninterrupted residency in Austria for at least 10 years;

    • knowledge of German at B1 level;

    • passing a citizenship test;

    • sufficient means of subsistence;

    • clean criminal record.

  • Can US citizens include family members in their EU citizenship by investment application?

    It is impossible to obtain citizenship by investment in Europe. US citizens obtain passports by descent, repatriation, naturalisation, or marriage.

    They can opt for Malta citizenship for exceptional services by direct investment. It is granted to investors who made a significant contribution to the Maltese economy and lived in the country for 1 or 3 years prior to applying for a passport. Those securing citizenship by exceptional services can add their family members to the application. Eligible family members are the following:

    • spouses;

    • children under 29;

    • parents and grandparents of 55 and over.

  • What happens if my application for EU citizenship by investment is rejected?

    There is no such thing as EU investment citizenship. Foreigners can only obtain citizenship in EU countries by descent, repatriation, naturalisation, or marriage. Therefore, it is not possible to file an application for citizenship by investment in the EU.

  • What are the long-term benefits of obtaining EU citizenship for US citizens?

    EU citizenship offers a wide range of advantages, including:

    • freedom of living, working, and studying within the EU;

    • access to social services and benefits;

    • ability to vote in local and EU Parliament elections;

    • general stability and safety.

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Whether aiming for a passport or residency, we’ll help achieve your goal with the most efficient solution.

Zlata Erlach
Zlata Erlach

Head of the Austrian office

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