Getting European citizenship is a strategic move many are making for decades now. The advantages are many, and before you ask why would anyone go through such trouble besides their home country, hear us out! Many European countries offer certain privileges to their citizens, such as free healthcare, free education, state-financed integration courses, language learning opportunities, and more.
These and other benefits are becoming the sole motivation, but Europe is a vast continent and the rules and regulations can vary drastically. Switzerland by far has the strictest regulations and a wait time of up to 10 years. Norway, Sweden, Finland, and others don’t fall far behind, with the easiest being mostly countries overlooked by foreigners.
In the text below, we’ll discuss some of these countries, the wait time, and how easy (or hard) it might be. Read on!
Malta
The mesmerizing country of Malta has been a popular tourist attraction for quite some time, and many just adore the calm weather, the refreshing breeze of the air, and the outstanding cuisine and culture. Of course, Malta is also one of the countries with EU status, and getting citizenship is more than easy if one takes the necessary steps. There are a few ways, among them through investment and birthright. With a small investment of around 600,000 euros in real estate, you can apply for permanent residence and later acquire a passport within a few years.
There is also the option of dependence if your grandparents happen to be born on the island, and by neutralization which means: staying in the country for 5 years, working, and having a clean record.
Portugal
Portugal, the neighboring country of Spain, is another one on the list of beautiful EU states with looser rules and regulations when it comes to getting citizenship status. Portugal has opened its door to new investment programs allowing you to acquire permanent citizenship within five years. You’ll be obliged to invest the money in real estate located in Portugal, and the Portugal Golden Visa program also requires you to spend seven days in Portugal each year. Of course, after the initial investment, you’ll have a chance to get the passport after two months and travel visa-free to over 180 countries around the world including all the counties of the Union.
It also means you’ll have access to their healthcare system and education, and you’ll have permanent residency status.
Spain
Spain is a country of beautiful people, extraordinary history, and food to die for. Yes, Spain has EU status and is one of the countries always looking for new residents to relocate and make it their permanent residence. With this in mind, the government has made new policies with fewer restrictions and a vast number of different possibilities to make this possible. The average time span of getting a passport is anywhere between 3 to 5 years and the easiest way to do so is through investment or neutralization.
The latter is basically always the same process, which means you’ll have to learn the language and get acquainted with the culture.
Latvia
Latvia is a beautiful country with a rich culture and many job prospects. It’s smaller than some of the above-mentioned, but you can get EU citizenship within a time span of 5 years. The general rules are: a clean criminal record, passing the language test, and demonstrating that you can support yourself financially with written records of your previous employment and bank account statements.
So, practically, the basics you’ll need for any citizenship. You don’t even have to invest in the country, just be an upright citizen, participate in the community, work, and try to learn the language within 5 years. And voilà, you’ll get citizenship status with ease.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria is another European country that offers relatively easy citizenship for non-EU citizens. One of the advantages is the low cost of living and the rich culture and history you’ll enjoy with each breath. Sure, there is a certain stigma around the country due to its troubling past but since acquiring EU status, the country has been a favorite pick for many. To become a citizen of Bulgaria, you must live in the country for at least 5 years and have a clean slate without any previous convictions.
Also, there is another interesting procedure: citizenship through birthright. In short, if your grandparents or parents have Bulgarian citizenship or were even born within the borders of what is now Bulgaria, you can apply for citizenship and get a passport within a few years. But, if you weren’t that lucky, just follow the general rules, learn the language, and, of course, pass the citizenship test.
Germany
Of course, Germany had to find its way on the list, it’s the powerhouse of Europe, the pumping heart of the machine, and the country most welcoming to immigrants and foreign citizens since their policies have been mostly friendly in these regards. Now, the citizenship program differs from the above-mentioned, and although investments might help, the easier way for those lacking money is to spend at least 5 years in the country and find employment. After passing the citizenship test, learning the language, working, and paying regular taxes, you’ll get a passport in no time (hopefully).
Ireland
Though many tend to overlook Ireland due to its specific location out in the open sea, it has been one of the strongest economies within the EU. Besides, Ireland has amazing citizenship programs and a lot of new industry branches, giving you a number of potential job prospects. Their passport is ranked high regarding visa-free traveling due to their positive diplomatic relations with a number of different countries around the world. And acquiring citizenship is basically the same as with others: through investment, neutralization, decency, or birthright.
Denmark
Denmark is also in need of workers in all branches of industry, and professionals from abroad are wanted. Qualified workers from the fields of science, law, medicine, the IT sector, and education, as well as craftsmen such as blacksmiths, electricians, and metal turners, are needed.
If your contract is less than four years, your residence permit will be valid for the length of your job. After a few years with the residence permit, you can apply for citizenship status, pass the test, and wait for your passport. Learning the language and culture is a MUST, and having a clean criminal record goes without saying.
We know it seems scary, but Europe is a warm and welcoming continent with a rich history and plenty of opportunities, so believe us – getting citizenship is easier than it might seem.
