Obtaining citizenship in an EU country can be a long and complex process, but some countries have more accessible pathways compared to others. Whether through naturalization, descent, marriage, or investment, each EU nation has its unique set of requirements. This article explores the EU countries known for having relatively easier citizenship requirements, depending on the applicant’s circumstances.
1. Portugal: Citizenship Through Residency
Portugal is widely regarded as one of the EU countries with the easiest and most attractive citizenship options, particularly through residency. One of the key reasons for this is the relatively short naturalization period of five years. After legally residing in Portugal for five years (which can be done through a work visa, study visa, or residency through investment), you can apply for citizenship.
Portugal also offers a Golden Visa Program, which allows individuals to obtain residency by making a qualifying investment in real estate, business, or cultural sectors. This visa leads to citizenship after the five-year residency requirement is met, without the need to live in Portugal full-time. Unlike some other EU countries, Portugal does not require applicants to give up their original citizenship, allowing for dual citizenship.
2. Malta: Citizenship Through Investment
Malta offers a fast-track citizenship process through its Citizenship by Investment Program, one of the most straightforward in the EU. Known as the Malta Individual Investor Programme (MIIP), it grants citizenship in exchange for a significant investment in the country’s economy.
To qualify, applicants must make a financial contribution to the Maltese government, invest in real estate, and meet residency requirements. The entire process takes between 12 to 18 months, making Malta an appealing option for individuals who can afford to invest a substantial sum. Like Portugal, Malta allows for dual citizenship, which makes this an attractive option for high-net-worth individuals.
See also: What Do I Need to Travel to Malta?
3. Ireland: Citizenship Through Descent
Ireland is an EU country with relatively flexible rules for obtaining citizenship through descent. If you have an Irish parent or grandparent, you may be eligible to claim Irish citizenship. Ireland’s citizenship by descent rules extend to the second generation, meaning that even if your parents were born abroad but your grandparents were Irish citizens, you could qualify.
For individuals of Irish descent, this pathway is particularly attractive because there are no language requirements or residency obligations. Additionally, Ireland allows dual citizenship, so you won’t need to renounce your existing nationality when applying for an Irish passport.
4. Italy: Citizenship Through Ancestry (Jure Sanguinis)
Italy is another EU country with relatively simple rules for obtaining citizenship through ancestry, a process known as Jure Sanguinis. Italian citizenship by descent can be passed down indefinitely through generations, meaning if you have an Italian ancestor, you may be eligible.
The rules allow anyone with Italian lineage (dating back to as far as 1861 when Italy was unified) to apply for Italian citizenship, as long as the line of citizenship was not broken. This means that neither your Italian-born ancestor nor any of their descendants renounced their Italian citizenship before passing it to the next generation. Italy’s lenient rules on descent make it one of the easiest EU countries for individuals with Italian ancestry to acquire citizenship.
5. Spain: Citizenship Through Marriage
Spain offers a relatively straightforward path to citizenship for individuals who are married to a Spanish citizen. While most countries require five to ten years of residence before applying for citizenship, Spain has a shorter requirement for those married to a Spanish citizen. In such cases, applicants can apply for citizenship after only one year of marriage and residency in Spain.
Spain also offers citizenship through naturalization after ten years of continuous legal residency. However, individuals from former Spanish colonies such as Latin America, the Philippines, and Andorra can apply after only two years of residency, making Spain an appealing option for individuals from those countries.
See also: What Do I Need to Travel from the Uk to Spain?
6. Greece: Citizenship Through Residency and Investment
Greece has become popular for its Golden Visa Program, which allows non-EU nationals to obtain residency by investing in Greek real estate. This investment pathway can lead to citizenship after seven years of legal residency. Greece’s Golden Visa is one of the most affordable investment visa programs in the EU, with the minimum real estate investment requirement set at €250,000.
For those not pursuing the investment route, Greece also offers citizenship through naturalization, typically after seven years of continuous residency in the country. Greece allows for dual citizenship, meaning applicants can retain their original nationality while gaining Greek citizenship.
7. Hungary: Citizenship Through Investment and Ancestry
Hungary has a relatively straightforward process for those of Hungarian descent. If you can prove Hungarian ancestry and have basic knowledge of the language, you can obtain Hungarian citizenship relatively quickly through a simplified naturalization process. The country allows for dual citizenship, making it an appealing option for those of Hungarian descent.
Additionally, Hungary previously offered a Residency Bond Program, which allowed individuals to obtain residency through investment. While the bond program has been suspended, those who obtained residency through this program can still apply for citizenship after eight years.
Conclusion
The ease of obtaining citizenship in an EU country depends heavily on your circumstances—whether you qualify through descent, marriage, residency, or investment. Portugal stands out for its relatively short five-year naturalization period, accessible residency visas, and the Golden Visa Program. Malta offers one of the fastest routes to EU citizenship through its Citizenship by Investment Program, albeit at a high cost. Ireland and Italy are excellent options for those with ancestral ties, as both countries have lenient rules for citizenship by descent. Spain offers an expedited process for those married to Spanish citizens, with citizenship available after just one year of residency. Each of these countries offers distinct advantages, depending on your background and resources. If your priority is speed and affordability, Portugal and Malta’s programs might be the most accessible. However, for those with familial ties to Europe, Ireland and Italy offer simpler pathways that don’t require long periods of residency or substantial financial investment.