European Countries Offering Citizenship by Investment: Your Ultimate Guide

Citizenship by investment (CBI) programs have become a popular pathway for individuals seeking to acquire a new nationality, offering a range of benefits from visa-free travel to economic stability. In Europe, several countries provide such programs, each with unique requirements and advantages. This article delves into the details of these programs, highlighting the essential aspects of acquiring citizenship through investment in different European nations.

1. Malta Malta stands out as one of the most sought-after destinations for CBI. The Malta Individual Investor Programme (MIIP) offers a route to citizenship through a combination of financial contributions, investments, and residency requirements.

• Financial Contribution: Applicants must make a significant non-refundable donation to the National Development and Social Fund. The amount is approximately €650,000 for the main applicant, with additional contributions required for dependents.
• Investment: A minimum investment of €150,000 is required in government-approved financial instruments.
• Real Estate: An investment in property worth at least €350,000 is required, or leasing a property with a minimum annual rent of €16,000.
• Residency Requirement: Applicants must reside in Malta for at least 12 months before citizenship is granted, although they can spend more time abroad as long as they remain a tax resident.

2. Cyprus Cyprus used to offer a citizenship by investment program known as the Cyprus Investment Program (CIP), which was discontinued in 2020. However, the country has introduced a new program, the Cyprus Permanent Residency Program, which offers a long-term residence permit.

• Financial Requirement: The new program requires an investment of at least €300,000 in real estate or development projects.
• Residency Requirement: Unlike citizenship, the permanent residency permit does not require physical residence in Cyprus, although holders must visit the country once every two years to maintain their status.

3. Austria Austria’s Citizenship by Investment program is highly selective and tailored to high-net-worth individuals. It does not have a formal, publicized program but offers citizenship through exceptional merit and significant financial contributions.

• Investment: Applicants must make substantial investments in Austria, including but not limited to donations to Austrian economic development, and investments in Austrian businesses that create jobs.
• Residency Requirement: Applicants usually need to establish a long-term presence in Austria and demonstrate integration into Austrian society.

4. Bulgaria Bulgaria’s Citizenship by Investment program provides a path to citizenship through an economic investment in the country.

• Investment: The program requires a minimum investment of €1 million in Bulgarian government bonds or in a Bulgarian business.
• Residency Requirement: Initial residency is required, but the process allows for accelerated citizenship after one year of permanent residency, compared to other countries with longer requirements.

5. Portugal Portugal offers a Golden Visa program, which, while not providing citizenship directly, leads to permanent residency and potentially citizenship through naturalization.

• Investment: The program requires an investment of €500,000 in real estate or €350,000 in property rehabilitation projects.
• Residency Requirement: Applicants must spend at least seven days in Portugal per year to maintain their residency status. After five years of residency, applicants can apply for citizenship, provided they meet language and cultural integration requirements.

6. Greece Greece’s Golden Visa program provides residency with the possibility of citizenship through naturalization.

• Investment: An investment of €250,000 in Greek real estate is required.
• Residency Requirement: Permanent residency is granted immediately, and after seven years of residency, applicants can apply for Greek citizenship, provided they meet the language and integration criteria.

Comparison Table of European Citizenship by Investment Programs

Country	Investment Amount	Key Requirements	Residency Requirement
Malta	€650,000 + €150,000 investment + property	Donation, investment, real estate	12 months
Cyprus	€300,000 (permanent residency)	Real estate investment	Not required, but must visit once every two years
Austria	Varies (high net worth individuals)	Significant investment, economic contribution	Long-term presence
Bulgaria	€1 million	Government bonds/business	1 year permanent residency
Portugal	€500,000 real estate or €350,000 rehabilitation	Real estate investment	7 days/year; citizenship after 5 years
Greece	€250,000 real estate	Real estate investment	Permanent residency; citizenship after 7 years

Conclusion The pathways to European citizenship through investment vary widely in terms of financial requirements and residency conditions. Malta offers a comprehensive and well-established program, while Cyprus and Bulgaria provide different investment thresholds. Austria’s selective approach contrasts with Portugal and Greece’s residency-based programs, each offering distinct advantages for potential investors.