The Easiest European Country to Get Citizenship

Would you believe me if I told you that some people have walked into Europe with nothing more than a suitcase, and a few years later, they’re holding a second passport?
This isn’t some obscure fairytale. It’s happening all across Europe. But the real question is, where is it easiest to get that coveted European citizenship? Well, the answer isn’t straightforward. It depends on your background, resources, and even where you’re willing to live. But let me cut to the chase: some countries make the process significantly smoother than others.

Portugal: The Golden Visa Highway
If you’ve got some money to invest, Portugal is often hailed as one of the easiest countries to obtain citizenship through its Golden Visa program. Here’s the kicker: after five years of residency (yes, five), you’re eligible to apply for full citizenship. The residency requirements are incredibly lenient—you only need to spend about seven days per year in the country. Imagine that! Seven days a year in a sun-soaked European paradise, and you’re on your way to holding one of the most powerful passports in the world.
So, what’s the investment threshold? For as little as €280,000, you could be buying a property, starting a business, or even funneling money into government-approved funds. After this, it’s a smooth ride to becoming Portuguese. And, let’s not forget, Portugal allows dual citizenship, so you won’t have to give up your current passport.

Malta: Fast-Tracking to Citizenship, But It’ll Cost You
For those who prefer an even quicker route, Malta is the top contender. The country offers citizenship within just 12 to 36 months through its Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services program. But make no mistake, this program doesn’t come cheap.
To become a citizen of Malta, you need to make a hefty contribution to the Maltese government, donate to a local charity, and purchase or rent real estate. This total investment can run upwards of €700,000 or more. While it’s a steep price, the benefits are undeniable. Malta offers a high standard of living, access to world-class healthcare, and—perhaps most appealing to many—visa-free access to over 185 countries.
While the program faced criticism and was adjusted to ensure more transparency and ethical practices, it remains one of the most direct pathways to European citizenship.

Italy: Ancestry Opens the Door Wide
Maybe you don’t have €700,000 to spare. That’s perfectly understandable. But what if I told you that your family tree could hold the key to European citizenship? In Italy, there’s a legal principle called “Jure Sanguinis,” which allows individuals of Italian descent to claim citizenship, sometimes going back several generations.
Imagine this: if your great-grandfather was born in Italy and you can prove it with documentation, you might already qualify. The process is bureaucratic, sure, but it’s significantly less expensive than investment-based options. Plus, you get the added benefit of feeling connected to your roots. Italy is a cultural powerhouse, and becoming a citizen means you’re part of that grand narrative. All it takes is some paperwork and patience.

Ireland: Marriage and Descent
If you’ve got Irish ancestry or are married to an Irish citizen, you might already be well on your way to citizenship. Ireland allows individuals with an Irish parent or grandparent to apply for citizenship, and the process is relatively straightforward.
What’s more, the Irish government has been known for its friendly stance toward foreign nationals. Ireland is part of the European Union, meaning an Irish passport grants you access to 27 EU countries. Add to that the fact that Ireland’s economy is booming and it’s easy to see why it’s become such an attractive option for citizenship seekers. The requirements? Simply prove your descent and fill out the necessary forms.

Spain: The Latin American Loophole
For those from Latin American countries, Spain offers an incredible loophole. If you’re a citizen of any Latin American country, the Philippines, or even Andorra, you can apply for Spanish citizenship after just two years of residency. That’s a huge reduction from the typical ten-year requirement.
Spain’s rich history, fantastic climate, and global influence make it a highly desirable location to live and work. With Spanish citizenship, you’ll not only gain access to Europe but also the ability to travel visa-free to many countries worldwide. The residency requirements during the two years are quite flexible, and you won’t need to give up your original citizenship if you don’t want to.

Greece: The Affordable Investment Route
Like Portugal, Greece offers a Golden Visa program that provides a pathway to citizenship through investment. The minimum required investment is €250,000, making it one of the more affordable options for obtaining European residency, and eventually, citizenship.
However, here’s the catch: while residency is granted almost immediately, citizenship takes longer to acquire. Greece requires seven years of continuous residency before you can apply for citizenship. But, if you’re looking for a cost-effective route with minimal residency requirements, this is still an attractive option. After all, Greece’s islands and lifestyle are hard to beat.

Citizenship Through Employment: Not Always Easy
For those looking to gain citizenship by working in Europe, the process can be slower. Countries like Germany, France, and Sweden offer pathways to citizenship for long-term residents. Generally, after five to eight years of continuous work and residency, individuals can apply for naturalization.
The upside? You’ll be living and working in some of the world’s most advanced economies. The downside? These countries have more stringent language and integration requirements. Still, if you’re already working or studying in these nations, you’re well on your way to obtaining citizenship.

In conclusion, Portugal and Malta stand out as two of the easiest countries for obtaining European citizenship, thanks to their investor-friendly policies. If you have the financial means, these countries offer relatively quick routes to dual citizenship. Italy and Ireland, on the other hand, provide a more affordable but slower option through ancestry. And for those with a Latin American passport, Spain might just be your fast-track to Europe. Regardless of your path, the benefits of European citizenship—access to world-class healthcare, education, and visa-free travel—make it a highly desirable goal.