Which European Countries Give Citizenship Easily?

You’re probably not dreaming of endless bureaucratic lines and endless paperwork to get citizenship, right? What if I told you that certain European countries make the process remarkably easy? While others might make you jump through hoops, a few nations stand out for their welcoming policies. And for some, you don’t even need to live there for long. Let’s break this down.

What Makes It "Easy"?

Before diving into the countries themselves, let’s clarify what "easy" means in the context of citizenship. Some countries offer quicker pathways due to ancestry, investment, or even naturalization without a long residency period. Others might have fast-tracked citizenship if you marry a national, or they provide citizenship to those who have lived there for a shorter time. Golden visa programs also play a significant role.

1. Portugal

Portugal tops the list when it comes to relatively straightforward citizenship. Why? Because Portugal’s golden visa program offers one of the quickest pathways to citizenship, without you needing to live there full-time. Here's how it works: after obtaining a residency permit (often through investment in real estate or capital), you only need to spend 7 days per year in Portugal for five years before you can apply for citizenship.

Portugal has a low residency requirement, and it offers the chance to get an EU passport, granting access to travel freely within the Schengen area. It’s perfect for those who want the perks of European citizenship without fully relocating. Even better, you don’t need to give up your original citizenship.

Key advantages:

• Low residency requirement: Only seven days annually
• Golden Visa Program: Investment leads to citizenship
• Dual citizenship allowed

2. Spain

Spain is another popular option, especially for those of Latin American descent. Descendants of Spanish citizens from former colonies can apply for citizenship after only two years of residency. This process is much quicker compared to the typical 10-year residency requirement for foreigners.

For everyone else, Spain offers a Golden Visa program similar to Portugal’s, but with a catch: while the residency requirement is lax, becoming a Spanish citizen can take a little longer, typically 10 years, unless you're from Latin America, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, or Portugal.

Key advantages:

• Two-year residency for Latin Americans
• Golden Visa Program available
• Requires some language proficiency

3. Malta

If you're willing to make a significant financial investment, Malta may be the most straightforward option. Malta’s Individual Investor Program (IIP) requires a €600,000 donation to the national development fund, alongside a real estate purchase and investment in government bonds. While the total cost is high, you can obtain citizenship within 12-14 months, making Malta’s path to citizenship one of the shortest.

Additionally, Malta allows for dual citizenship and provides access to the entire EU.

Key advantages:

• Citizenship in 12-14 months
• No residency requirement if applying through IIP
• Dual citizenship allowed

4. Ireland

Did you know that if you have Irish grandparents, you might already be eligible for Irish citizenship? Through its Foreign Birth Registration, Ireland offers one of the most flexible ancestral citizenship programs in Europe. If one of your grandparents was born in Ireland, you could be on your way to obtaining an EU passport without ever setting foot in the country.

For those without Irish ancestry, residency requirements apply. But Ireland’s naturalization process is relatively straightforward, with only five years of residency required. Ireland also permits dual citizenship, allowing you to maintain your original nationality.

Key advantages:

• Ancestry-based citizenship for those with Irish grandparents
• Five years of residency for naturalization
• Dual citizenship allowed

5. Greece

Greece has gained popularity recently for its Golden Visa program, which allows investors to obtain residency permits. With an investment in real estate starting at €250,000, applicants can secure residency in Greece, with an eventual path to citizenship after seven years.

The benefits of Greek citizenship go beyond its borders, as Greek nationals enjoy full EU citizenship privileges, allowing for free movement, work, and residence within the EU.

Key advantages:

• Golden Visa program for real estate investors
• Citizenship after seven years
• Full EU citizenship privileges

6. Italy

Italy’s ancestry-based citizenship program, Jure Sanguinis, is one of the broadest in Europe. If you have Italian ancestors, even if they emigrated generations ago, you may be eligible to claim Italian citizenship. Unlike Ireland, there's no generational limit, meaning you can apply for Italian citizenship even if your great-grandparents were born in Italy.

For those without Italian ancestry, citizenship can be acquired after 10 years of legal residence. Italy also recognizes dual citizenship, and obtaining an Italian passport grants you access to live, work, and travel freely across the EU.

Key advantages:

• No generational limit for ancestry-based citizenship
• Dual citizenship allowed
• Citizenship after 10 years for non-ancestry applicants

7. Austria

Austria stands out for its strict citizenship laws. Unlike the other countries on this list, Austria doesn’t have an easy path to citizenship through investment or ancestry. But it does offer citizenship by naturalization after 10 years of continuous residence. Although difficult to attain, Austria’s passport ranks among the world’s most powerful, providing visa-free access to 189 countries.

A unique pathway Austria offers is through extraordinary achievement. If you are an exceptional artist, scientist, or athlete, Austria may grant you citizenship without the typical residency requirements.

Key advantages:

• Powerful passport with visa-free access to 189 countries
• Citizenship through extraordinary achievement

8. Cyprus

For those willing to make substantial investments, Cyprus is another appealing option. Cyprus previously had one of the fastest paths to citizenship, but the investment thresholds have risen. The current program, often referred to as the Cyprus Investment Program, requires a €2 million investment in real estate or a €2.5 million overall investment. After five years, you can apply for Cypriot citizenship.

Key advantages:

• Fast-track citizenship for high-net-worth individuals
• Residency leads to EU citizenship

Conclusion

European citizenship opens a gateway to a host of benefits, from visa-free travel to enhanced career opportunities. Whether you have ancestry, are ready to invest, or simply want a new place to call home, Europe offers plenty of opportunities for those seeking an easy path to citizenship. While some countries have more lenient requirements, it’s crucial to weigh the costs, residency commitments, and long-term benefits before making a decision. Now the question is: where do you start your new life?