Which European Country is Easiest to Get Citizenship?

Imagine waking up tomorrow with dual citizenship in a European country. You could travel, work, and live freely in the EU, benefiting from healthcare and education systems, lower taxes, or simply enjoying the diverse cultural landscapes. The process sounds too good to be true, but it's not. Several European countries make obtaining citizenship relatively easier compared to others. But before you pack your bags, you need to know which country offers the most favorable pathway to citizenship. The answer might surprise you.

1. Portugal: The Gold Standard for Citizenship by Investment

Portugal's citizenship by investment program is one of the most sought-after in Europe, and for good reason. Portugal offers what is known as the Golden Visa program. This allows non-EU citizens to gain residency by investing in real estate, transferring capital, or creating jobs in Portugal. After five years of residency (during which you're only required to spend seven days a year in the country), you can apply for citizenship.

What makes Portugal particularly attractive is its lenient requirements. You don’t have to live in Portugal full-time to maintain residency. Additionally, the application process is relatively fast compared to other countries, making Portugal a popular choice among investors and expatriates. Portugal’s Golden Visa is especially attractive for individuals seeking minimal physical presence requirements.

Requirement	Portugal’s Golden Visa
Minimum Investment	€500,000 (real estate) or €350,000 (urban regeneration projects)
Residency Requirement	7 days per year
Citizenship Eligibility	After 5 years of residency

2. Malta: The Fast-Track Option

Malta offers one of the quickest paths to European citizenship. Through its Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment, it’s possible to gain citizenship within just 12 to 36 months. However, the financial entry point is steep. Malta requires a significant investment, including a contribution to the National Development and Social Fund (NDSF) of at least €600,000, plus the purchase or lease of real estate.

Malta is particularly attractive for high-net-worth individuals who want fast-track citizenship. Unlike Portugal, you must spend a minimum amount of time residing in Malta, but the processing time is considerably faster.

Requirement	Malta’s Citizenship by Investment
Minimum Investment	€600,000 (contribution) + €700,000 (real estate)
Residency Requirement	12 to 36 months
Citizenship Eligibility	After 1 to 3 years

3. Spain: A Long-Term Commitment

Spain, while offering a similar Golden Visa program to Portugal, has a longer path to citizenship. You can gain residency by investing at least €500,000 in real estate, but to apply for citizenship, you’ll need to live in Spain for 10 years. The plus side? Spain is an incredibly desirable place to live, with warm weather, a rich cultural history, and a high quality of life. However, the 10-year residency requirement can be a deterrent for those looking for quicker solutions.

Spain’s Golden Visa program does allow family members to be included in the application, making it an attractive option for families looking to relocate. The downside is the long waiting period to become a citizen.

Requirement	Spain’s Golden Visa
Minimum Investment	€500,000 (real estate)
Residency Requirement	183 days per year
Citizenship Eligibility	After 10 years

4. Greece: An Affordable Option

Greece offers one of the most affordable Golden Visa programs in Europe. By investing just €250,000 in Greek real estate, you can gain residency in the country. However, like Spain, Greece requires a longer residency period before you can apply for citizenship—seven years.

Greece's program is appealing for investors looking for a low-cost entry into Europe. You can include your family members in the application, and there’s no requirement to live in Greece full-time to maintain your residency. But if your goal is citizenship, you’ll need to wait and commit to living in the country longer than in Portugal or Malta.

Requirement	Greece’s Golden Visa
Minimum Investment	€250,000 (real estate)
Residency Requirement	None (for residency)
Citizenship Eligibility	After 7 years

5. Italy: Flexible Yet Lengthy

Italy offers a flexible residency-by-investment program, allowing you to apply for citizenship after 10 years of residency. Similar to Spain, Italy’s program is designed for long-term commitment. You can invest in government bonds, real estate, or make charitable donations to gain residency, but citizenship is only possible after living in Italy for a decade.

Italy stands out for its lifestyle appeal—think food, art, and fashion. However, the process to become a citizen can be slow, with no fast-track options like Malta. Italy’s lack of a stringent residency requirement for maintaining a visa makes it flexible for investors, but the citizenship timeline remains long.

Requirement	Italy’s Residency by Investment
Minimum Investment	€250,000 to €2 million
Residency Requirement	183 days per year
Citizenship Eligibility	After 10 years

6. Austria: The Elite Choice

Austria doesn’t offer a Golden Visa, but it does provide citizenship to those who make a significant contribution to the economy—typically through business investments or cultural contributions. Austria’s requirements are extremely high, and citizenship is granted only under exceptional circumstances. This option is generally reserved for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and is considered one of the hardest European citizenships to obtain.

Austria is a choice for the elite, and while it has stringent requirements, the benefits of Austrian citizenship are significant, including access to the entire Schengen Area and one of the world's highest standards of living.

Requirement	Austria’s Citizenship by Investment
Minimum Investment	Varies (case-by-case)
Residency Requirement	Discretionary
Citizenship Eligibility	Discretionary

Conclusion: Which Country is the Best?

If you’re looking for the easiest path to European citizenship, Portugal stands out as the best option due to its flexible residency requirements and reasonable investment threshold. For those in a hurry, Malta provides a fast-track to citizenship but at a much higher cost. On the other hand, countries like Spain and Italy require a longer commitment, and while Greece offers an affordable entry point, you’ll still need to wait several years for citizenship.

Ultimately, the best country for you depends on your financial capacity, timeline, and how much time you’re willing to spend living in your new country. Whether you prioritize cost, speed, or lifestyle, there’s a European country with a citizenship program tailored to your needs.