What is the easiest EU passport to get?

If you're dreaming of becoming a European citizen, you're not alone. European Union (EU) passports are highly coveted for their benefits, including visa-free travel across much of the world, access to some of the best healthcare and education systems globally, and the right to live and work in any EU country. However, acquiring an EU passport can be a complex and lengthy process that varies widely between member states.

But what if you want to find the easiest way to obtain one? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the simplest ways to secure an EU passport through various methods like citizenship by descent, naturalization, and investment. Let's start with the most significant tip: It all depends on your ancestry and investment capacity.

1. Citizenship by Descent: The Hidden Shortcut

This is, by far, the easiest way to get an EU passport if you have the right ancestry. Many European countries offer citizenship by descent, allowing people with European heritage to apply for citizenship based on their family ties. The countries that most actively provide this pathway include:

1.1. Ireland

Ireland offers one of the most generous citizenship by descent programs. If you have Irish parents or grandparents, you're eligible to apply for an Irish passport. You’ll need to provide birth certificates, marriage certificates, and proof of your descent, but the process is relatively straightforward compared to other EU countries.

1.2. Italy

Italy allows people with Italian ancestors to claim citizenship through Jure Sanguinis, meaning "by right of blood." Even if your family left Italy generations ago, as long as no one renounced their Italian citizenship, you could qualify. Unlike many other countries, Italy doesn’t place generational limits on citizenship by descent, making it one of the most accessible routes to an EU passport.

1.3. Poland

If your grandparents or great-grandparents were Polish citizens before World War II, you might qualify for Polish citizenship. Like Italy, Poland does not limit the number of generations you can go back, but the legal process can be complex.

1.4. Portugal and Spain

For those with Sephardic Jewish heritage, both Portugal and Spain offer citizenship to descendants of Jews expelled from these countries in the late 15th century. This policy is an acknowledgment of historical wrongs, and it provides a clear path to citizenship, though the process may take some time and effort to document lineage.

2. Citizenship by Investment (Golden Visas)

If you don’t have European ancestry, investment might be your next best option. Several EU countries offer Golden Visas, where you can invest in the country and, after some time, become eligible for citizenship. Here's a breakdown of the most popular Golden Visa programs:

2.1. Portugal

Portugal's Golden Visa program is one of the most popular due to its relatively low investment threshold and fast path to residency. By investing a minimum of €280,000 in real estate, you can qualify for a residency permit, and after five years, you may apply for citizenship. Portugal's citizenship requirements are relaxed, and you don’t need to permanently reside in the country during those five years.

2.2. Spain

Spain’s Golden Visa program requires an investment of €500,000 in real estate. The benefit of the Spanish program is that it allows visa-free travel across the Schengen Area, but you’ll need to maintain your investment for at least 10 years before applying for citizenship. It’s not the fastest route, but it’s straightforward.

2.3. Greece

Greece offers one of the most affordable Golden Visas in Europe. For an investment of just €250,000 in real estate, you can secure a residency permit. After seven years, you can apply for Greek citizenship. Greece’s real estate market has grown in recent years, making this a solid investment option.

2.4. Malta

Malta offers both citizenship by investment and a Golden Visa program. By making a substantial financial contribution—typically around €600,000—you can obtain Maltese citizenship within 12 to 36 months. This is one of the more expensive options, but it’s also one of the fastest ways to obtain an EU passport.

2.5. Bulgaria

With an investment of €512,000 in Bulgarian government bonds or in a local company, you can apply for residency and eventually citizenship. After five years, you can apply for citizenship, but the process is slower compared to other Golden Visa programs.

3. Citizenship by Naturalization: The Long Game

If you’re not eligible for citizenship by descent or don’t want to invest large sums of money, you can always go the traditional route: naturalization. While it’s not the fastest way to get an EU passport, it’s still a viable option for those willing to put in the time. Here are some countries where the naturalization process is easier than others:

3.1. Portugal

Portugal makes naturalization relatively simple. After five years of legal residence, you can apply for citizenship. You’ll need to pass a basic Portuguese language test, but the residency requirements are relatively lenient, allowing you to spend most of the year outside the country if needed.

3.2. Belgium

Belgium has a shorter naturalization process compared to other countries. After living in Belgium for just five years, you can apply for citizenship. The country is also quite welcoming to expats and international professionals, making it an attractive option for skilled workers.

3.3. Sweden

Sweden is known for its liberal immigration policies, and after five years of living in the country, you can apply for citizenship. However, Sweden does have some stricter requirements, such as proving integration into Swedish society and showing that you have learned the Swedish language.

3.4. Latvia

Latvia’s naturalization process is relatively straightforward, requiring five years of legal residency before applying for citizenship. The country offers a balance between ease of naturalization and affordability, especially when compared to Western European countries.

3.5. Finland

Finland is another country where you can apply for citizenship after just five years of legal residency. However, Finland does require you to pass a language test in either Finnish or Swedish, which can be challenging for many people.

4. Special Cases: Fast-Track Citizenship Programs

There are a few EU countries that offer fast-track citizenship under special circumstances, either by historical agreements or for talented individuals.

4.1. Cyprus

While Cyprus recently suspended its citizenship-by-investment program, it’s worth mentioning that the country previously offered one of the fastest routes to citizenship. With an investment of €2 million, applicants could receive citizenship in just six months. Cyprus may reintroduce this program in the future, so it's worth keeping an eye on.

4.2. Austria

Austria doesn’t have a formal citizenship-by-investment program, but it does grant citizenship in special cases for people who provide exceptional benefits to the country, such as large-scale investments or notable achievements in culture, science, or sports.

4.3. Romania

Romania offers a fast-track citizenship program for those who can prove descent from Romanian citizens or residents, particularly those from Moldova or Ukraine. This process is quicker than traditional naturalization routes and offers an alternative pathway to EU citizenship for people from these regions.

5. Dual Citizenship: An Important Consideration

Before applying for an EU passport, you should check whether your home country allows dual citizenship. Many EU countries, including Ireland, Italy, and Portugal, permit dual citizenship, meaning you can hold onto your original nationality. However, countries like Spain or the Netherlands impose restrictions, so it's essential to understand the legal ramifications before applying.

Final Thoughts

Acquiring an EU passport can significantly enhance your quality of life, offering you more freedom and opportunity in terms of travel, work, and residency. The easiest path to citizenship will depend largely on your ancestry, financial means, and willingness to invest time and money into the process. Whether you choose to pursue citizenship by descent, investment, or naturalization, the goal is achievable with the right approach and resources.

Ready to claim your EU passport? The first step is determining which path fits your circumstances best. From there, it's a matter of following the procedures, and soon enough, you might find yourself as a proud EU citizen!