Easiest European Countries to Get Citizenship as an American
Let’s cut straight to the chase: if you’re an American looking to get European citizenship, the door is wide open in some places more than others. You might even be surprised at how straightforward it can be. Here’s a deep dive into some of the easiest European countries to get citizenship as an American, with details, loopholes, and clear steps to make it happen.
Portugal
Portugal stands out for its flexibility and accessibility. One of the easiest ways to get citizenship here is through Golden Visa programs or residency through investment. Americans can get residency by making a real estate investment starting from €280,000 or higher, depending on the region. After holding residency for just five years, you can apply for citizenship.
What’s even better? You don’t even have to live in Portugal full-time during those five years—staying there for just seven days a year qualifies. Portugal doesn’t require you to give up U.S. citizenship either.
Fast Facts:
- Investment required: €280,000 and up
- Residency required: Five years with minimal stay
- Language requirement: Basic Portuguese proficiency
Why it’s easy:
Portugal’s Golden Visa program is one of the most accessible in Europe, with relatively low investment thresholds and minimal stay requirements.
Spain
Spain also offers a Golden Visa program, but there’s a twist. You can get residency by investing in real estate worth €500,000 or more. But, unlike Portugal, you’ll need to live in Spain for ten years before applying for citizenship. That’s a longer period of residency, but it’s still an attractive option if you’re interested in living in Spain long-term.
An added bonus is Spain's rich culture and strong international connections, making it a popular choice for Americans. Just keep in mind, Spain doesn’t allow dual citizenship unless you’re from a Latin American country, so you may need to renounce your U.S. citizenship.
Fast Facts:
- Investment required: €500,000 and up
- Residency required: Ten years
- Language requirement: Proficiency in Spanish
Why it’s easy:
The process is straightforward, but the residency requirement is longer compared to Portugal.
Italy
Italy is an absolute winner if you have Italian heritage. Under Italy’s jus sanguinis laws, if you can prove that your ancestors were Italian, you can apply for citizenship without living there. The best part? There’s no residency requirement, and you can apply from the United States. However, the process can be lengthy and involve gathering extensive documentation, including birth and marriage certificates of your Italian ancestors.
If you don’t have Italian roots, Italy still offers residency by investment. You can apply for residency by making a business investment or donating to public projects. After living there for ten years, you can apply for citizenship.
Fast Facts:
- For descendants: No residency required
- For others: Business investment options
- Residency required: Ten years for non-descendants
- Language requirement: Italian proficiency
Why it’s easy:
For those with Italian ancestry, it’s one of the fastest routes to citizenship in Europe.
Ireland
Ireland offers citizenship to anyone with Irish grandparents. If you can prove Irish descent, you’re eligible for Irish citizenship without having to reside in Ireland at all. The process is straightforward, and once approved, you’ll hold an EU passport.
For non-Irish descendants, Ireland offers a residency program that leads to citizenship. After living there for five years, you can apply for naturalization. Ireland also allows dual citizenship, so you won’t have to renounce your U.S. nationality.
Fast Facts:
- For descendants: No residency required
- For non-descendants: Residency required: Five years
- Language requirement: English
Why it’s easy:
For Americans with Irish heritage, the process is quick and doesn’t require any physical presence in Ireland. For non-descendants, the residency requirement is still shorter than in other countries.
Malta
Malta has one of the most exclusive and expensive citizenship by investment programs in Europe. But if you’re willing to invest upwards of €600,000, you can apply for citizenship after just one to three years of residency. The program is highly regulated, and Malta offers a solid passport with visa-free access to numerous countries.
Fast Facts:
- Investment required: €600,000+
- Residency required: One to three years
- Language requirement: English is widely spoken
Why it’s easy:
Though it’s expensive, Malta offers a quick path to citizenship compared to other countries with similar programs.
Austria
Austria is more complicated. It doesn’t offer an easy Golden Visa program or heritage-based citizenship like Italy or Ireland. However, if you are a high-net-worth individual willing to invest significantly in the Austrian economy, there are possibilities for citizenship by discretion. This process is highly selective and requires significant contributions, typically in the form of business investment or job creation.
Fast Facts:
- Investment required: Substantial, case-by-case basis
- Residency required: Ten years
- Language requirement: German
Why it’s easy:
While not easy for most, for those with substantial financial resources, Austria offers a unique, though selective, pathway to citizenship.
Greece
Greece offers an accessible Golden Visa program where you can obtain residency by purchasing real estate worth at least €250,000. While the residency process is relatively easy, you will need to live in Greece for seven years before you can apply for citizenship.
Fast Facts:
- Investment required: €250,000 and up
- Residency required: Seven years
- Language requirement: Greek
Why it’s easy:
It’s one of the cheapest Golden Visa programs in Europe, making it a popular choice for those looking for a property investment.
Final Thoughts
Is there a perfect choice? It depends on your circumstances. If you’re looking for speed and flexibility, Malta’s investment option might be best. If you have European heritage, Italy and Ireland offer quicker, more direct paths. Portugal provides a balance with its low investment threshold and short residency requirement.
Ultimately, each country has its own rules and processes. Understanding your options and choosing the country that aligns best with your goals is crucial. For many Americans, European citizenship is more attainable than they might think, and the benefits of having an EU passport are significant—from freedom of movement to broader global access.
So, what’s stopping you? Take the next step and start exploring your options today.
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