Which European Country Gives Citizenship Easily?

For many, European citizenship is the ultimate dream—a powerful passport granting visa-free access to dozens of countries and various rights, such as healthcare and education. However, the path to European citizenship isn’t uniform. Different countries in Europe have different processes and requirements. Some countries, like Germany, have stringent rules and long waiting periods, while others like Portugal, are more lenient, even offering various ways to acquire citizenship, like investment or residency.

But which country makes it easiest? Let’s start by taking a deeper dive into some key factors influencing this question: investment, residency duration, and ancestral ties.

Citizenship by Investment: An Open Door for the Wealthy

If money is no object, citizenship by investment can be one of the fastest routes to a European passport. Several European countries offer so-called "golden visas," where citizenship or permanent residency can be obtained in exchange for a significant financial contribution. The beauty of these programs is that, in some cases, you don’t even have to live in the country for a long time to gain citizenship.

Portugal’s Golden Visa Program

Portugal’s Golden Visa program is one of the most popular in Europe. Here, foreign nationals can gain residency through an investment in real estate or business. After five years of maintaining the investment, applicants are eligible for full citizenship—without even needing to live in the country during this period. A real game-changer, right?

Key Advantage: Portugal’s program stands out because it has a relatively short period before you can apply for citizenship, and you don’t need to live in the country full-time. You could buy property, meet the minimum stay requirements (a few weeks per year), and still get a Portuguese passport after five years.

Malta: One of the Fastest Options

Another country offering citizenship by investment is Malta. Malta’s citizenship by investment program is quicker than Portugal’s but requires a larger financial contribution. After making an investment of around €750,000 and contributing to the national development fund, you can get citizenship within just 12 months.

Key Advantage: Malta’s program is one of the fastest, allowing citizenship after just one year with sufficient investment.

Residency-Based Citizenship: Waiting It Out

For those who aren’t interested in or capable of making a large financial investment, citizenship can still be gained through residency. However, the time required to gain citizenship varies widely between countries.

Spain: A Decade of Residency

In Spain, for instance, the usual path to citizenship takes a whopping 10 years of continuous residency. Exceptions are made for nationals from Latin American countries and Andorra, who can apply after just two years.

Key Challenge: Spain’s program is long, but if you're from a former Spanish colony, it can be a much quicker process.

Italy: Leniency with Ancestry

Italy offers another path to citizenship: via descent. If you have Italian ancestors, you may be eligible for citizenship, no matter how far back your Italian roots go. The process can be lengthy and bureaucratic, but it’s one of the few countries that doesn’t have generational limits. The bloodline is key.

Key Advantage: If you have Italian roots, the process is straightforward.

Ireland: The Grandparent Clause

Ireland has a unique law that offers citizenship if you can prove you have an Irish grandparent. While many European countries offer citizenship based on ancestry, Ireland is one of the few that extends eligibility to the grandchildren of Irish citizens. This provides a more accessible pathway for those with Irish heritage.

Key Advantage: A grandparent with Irish citizenship? Congratulations, you might just be the next Irish citizen!

Easiest Countries for Citizenship Through Residency

Portugal: Flexibility and Ease

Portugal again ranks as one of the easiest countries to gain citizenship, not only through investment but also through residency. After five years of residency (even part-time), you can apply for citizenship. No major language or culture exams are required either, making it more accessible than other countries like Germany or Austria.

Key Advantage: Flexible residency requirements, short timeframe.

Greece: Fast but Requires Commitment

In Greece, after seven years of residency, you can apply for citizenship. However, Greece requires that applicants live in the country full-time, unlike Portugal.

Key Challenge: Full-time residency requirement.

Citizenship for Digital Nomads: A Growing Trend

With the rise of remote work and digital nomadism, several countries in Europe are offering special visas and paths to residency for remote workers, which can eventually lead to citizenship.

Estonia: The Digital Nomad Dream

Estonia has positioned itself as a hub for digital nomads, offering a visa specifically tailored for remote workers. While it doesn’t lead directly to citizenship, it provides a clear path to residency, which can eventually open the door to naturalization.

Key Advantage: Tailored for remote workers, a great first step toward European residency.

Special Cases: Marriage, Refugees, and EU Rights

Marriage: A Faster Route

In several European countries, marriage to a local citizen can fast-track your citizenship application. For example, in France, marriage to a French citizen allows you to apply for citizenship after four years, while in Germany, the period is three years.

Key Advantage: Quicker application process through marriage.

Refugees: Special Provisions

Refugees who have been granted asylum in certain countries also have a quicker path to citizenship. In Sweden, for example, refugees can apply for citizenship after five years, while non-refugees need to wait for a longer period.

Final Thoughts: Where to Look for Easiest Citizenship

When it comes to acquiring European citizenship, there is no "one size fits all" solution. However, based on the factors discussed above, Portugal stands out as one of the easiest countries to gain citizenship through both investment and residency. Malta offers one of the fastest programs but requires a large financial contribution. If you’re more interested in heritage, Italy and Ireland provide excellent pathways based on ancestry.

In the end, the ease of acquiring European citizenship depends on your specific situation—whether you can make a large investment, have the time to wait for residency, or have ancestral ties. Europe offers a variety of opportunities for those seeking citizenship, each with its unique set of advantages and challenges.

If you’re looking for a European passport, weigh your options carefully. Whether you’re eyeing the Mediterranean sun or the lush green hills of Ireland, there’s likely a path that fits your journey. But always remember, the easiest route may not always be the fastest, and the fastest route may not always be the cheapest.