Gaining European citizenship in European countries offers a range of benefits, and each country has its own set of requirements. Here are the easiest European countries to get European citizenship, along with the reasons why you might consider them:
1. Portugal:
Portugal offers an excellent quality of life, with a favorable climate, beautiful landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage. Portuguese citizenship allows you to pass this status on to your family members, facilitating family reunification. The Portugal Golden Visa program enables you to obtain European citizenship by investing in property, a business, or a property of €500,000 value.
- Citizenship via Investment: The Portugal Golden Visa allows European citizenship through investments in property or business.
- Reasons to Consider: Access to 186 visa-free countries, favorable climate, and passing European citizenship to family members.
2. Malta:
Maltese citizens have visa-free access to 186 countries, including the USA, offering extensive global mobility. Malta boasts a high quality of life, with picturesque landscapes, a Mediterranean climate, and rich historical sites. Malta provides routes to citizenship through investment, such as investing €600,000 or €750,000, leading to European citizenship within 3-4 years.
- Citizenship via Investment: Investment options in Malta lead to European citizenship within 3-4 years.
- Reasons to Consider: Visa-free travel to 186 countries, excellent quality of life, and no language requirement.
3. Spain:
Spanish citizens enjoy visa-free access to 183 countries, making it easier to travel around the world. The Golden Visa program provides a pathway to citizenship via investments, such as purchasing property worth €500,000. Citizenship is attainable through ten years of legal residence in Spain, along with other eligibility requirements.
- Citizenship via Residency: Becoming a citizen in Spain typically requires ten years of residence.
- Reasons to Consider: Access to 183 visa-free countries, freedom to work and live in the European Union, rich culture.
4. Netherlands:
Dutch citizens have the freedom to live and work in the European Union, benefiting from its open borders. Dutch citizenship can be acquired after five years of legal residence, along with an A2 level of Dutch language proficiency. The Netherlands provides diverse opportunities for work and lifestyle, including a high standard of living.
- Citizenship via Residency: You can acquire Dutch citizenship after residing in the Netherlands for five years.
- Reasons to Consider: Freedom to live and work in the European Union, strong education system, and diverse opportunities.
5. Poland:
Polish citizenship offers access to the European Union, facilitating movement across its member states. You can gain Polish citizenship after three years of legal residency or two years if married to a Polish citizen.
- Citizenship via Residency: Polish citizenship is attainable after three years of residency or two years for spouses of Polish citizens.
- Reasons to Consider: Access to the European Union, quality education, and affordable healthcare.
6. Belgium:
Belgian citizenship allows you to pass on this status to your children, enabling family reunification. Belgian citizenship requires at least five years of continuous residence, social integration, and language skills.
- Citizenship via Residency: Belgian citizenship requires five years of residence and economic integration.
- Reasons to Consider: Access to education, welfare benefits, and the ability to pass European citizenship to children.
7. Ireland:
Irish citizens benefit from free education and have the opportunity to pursue quality academic programs. You can become an Irish citizen after residing in Ireland with a residence permit for five years.
- Citizenship via Residency: Irish citizenship is attainable after five years of residence.
- Reasons to Consider: Access to free education, work opportunities in Ireland and the UK, and no language requirement.
8. Sweden:
Swedish citizens enjoy border-free travel through various countries within the European Union. You can gain Swedish citizenship by living and working in Sweden for at least five years.
- Citizenship via Residency: Swedish citizenship is achievable after five years of residency or three years for spouses of Swedish citizens.
- Reasons to Consider: Border-free travel through various countries, high-quality education, and no language requirement.
9. United Kingdom:
The UK offers a wide range of educational and job opportunities, along with an excellent quality of life. The UK offers a wide range of educational and job opportunities, along with an excellent quality of life. British citizens have visa-free access to various countries, facilitating international travel.
- Citizenship via Residency: UK citizenship requires five years of legal residence or three years for spouses of British citizens.
- Reasons to Consider: Access to education, job opportunities, and visa-free travel to various countries.
10. France:
French citizens enjoy the freedom to move within the European Union and access a range of opportunities. You can acquire French citizenship after residing in France for five years, which can be reduced to two years for post-graduate studies. France is famous for its rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks, making it an appealing destination.
- Citizenship via Residency: French citizenship is attainable after five years of residency or two years for post-graduate studies in France.
- Reasons to Consider: Free movement within the EU, historical landmarks, and opportunities in the military or judiciary.
11. Norway:
Norwegian citizens have access to visa-free travel to numerous countries worldwide, simplifying international mobility. Norway allows individuals to maintain dual citizenship, providing flexibility in citizenship choices. Gaining Norwegian citizenship typically requires at least seven years of legal residence in the country.
- Citizenship via Residency: Norwegian citizenship can be acquired after seven years of residence.
- Reasons to Consider: Visa-free travel, access to high-quality education and healthcare, and the ability to retain dual citizenship.
Conclusion
The ease of gaining European citizenship may vary depending on individual circumstances, such as marriage to a citizen, investment capabilities, or language proficiency. The choice of the country should align with your specific goals, such as access to education, healthcare, travel benefits, and quality of life.
