Looking for the easiest European countries to get citizenship? well, search no more because all those information are all here. Europe is the continent that lots of people like to visit the most. European countries are lovely, with lots of pretty places and old things to see. Europe also has good chances for learning and working. Some folks don’t just visit Europe, though. They want to become citizens of European countries.
Becoming a citizen of a country can be really good. Once you’re a citizen, you get the same rights as everyone else in that country. You can move around freely, go to school, get medical help, and more. There are different ways to become a citizen, like living there for a while, becoming a citizen by law, having family ties, getting married, or investing money.
What Are the Easiest Countries in Europe to Get Citizenship?
The following European countries are the easiest to get citizenship in:
- Portugal
- Malta
- Spain
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Belgium
- Ireland
- Sweden
- United Kingdom
- France
- Norway
Portugal
Portugal stands out as the most accessible European country for acquiring citizenship. The quickest route to Portuguese citizenship is through the Portugal Golden Visa program, where you simply need to make a €500,000 investment in a house, business, or property and spend just seven days a year in Portugal for five years. Alternatively, if you possess an A2 proficiency level in Portuguese and have resided in Portugal for a minimum of 35 days within the last five years, you can become a Portuguese citizen. This citizenship offers advantages such as passing nationality to your children and visa-free travel throughout the European Union.
Malta
For those seeking Maltese citizenship, the fastest path is through investment. A €600,000 investment in Malta allows you to apply for citizenship after residing there for three years. If you desire to attain Maltese citizenship within just one year of residence, a larger investment of €750,000 is required. Upon acquiring Maltese citizenship, you gain the privilege of visa-free travel to 186 countries, including the USA, and the right to work and study in EU nations, all without needing to demonstrate proficiency in Maltese or English.
Spain
Spain offers two routes to citizenship. The first is through residency, requiring ten years of living and working in Spain. This citizenship grants voting rights in Spain, freedom of movement across 183 countries, and the ability to live and work anywhere within the European Union. The second option is the Spanish Golden Visa program, where a property investment of €500,000 makes you eligible for citizenship after ten years of residency.
Netherlands
Dutch citizenship is attainable after residing in the Netherlands for five years and passing the civic integration test with a minimum Dutch language proficiency level of A2. Benefits of Dutch citizenship encompass free movement within EU states, the right to vote, passing citizenship to your offspring, and eligibility for various public roles like military service, police, mayorship, and judiciary positions. However, acquiring Dutch citizenship necessitates renouncing your current citizenship.
Poland
Poland offers the opportunity for Polish citizenship after three years of residency and demonstrating a stable income in the country. If you’re married to a Polish citizen for at least three years, you can gain citizenship after just two years of continuous residence. Benefits include unrestricted access to EU countries, quality education, and free healthcare.
Belgium
To become a Belgian citizen, you must continuously reside and work in Belgium for a minimum of five years. Meeting other requirements such as proficiency in one of the official languages (Dutch, German, or French) and social and economic integration is essential. Belgian citizenship grants the advantages of passing citizenship to your children, access to education, and welfare benefits.
Ireland
Ireland requires five years of residence with a valid permit for citizenship. Upon approval, a fee of around €950 is applicable. Proficiency in a specific language is not mandatory, and you don’t need to relinquish your current citizenship. Benefits of Irish citizenship encompass living, working, studying, and traveling within Ireland, the UK, EU, EAA, and access to free education.
Sweden
Swedish citizenship can be obtained by residing and working in Sweden for a minimum of five years, with no language requirement. If you’ve been married to a Swedish citizen for at least two years, you need only spend three years in Sweden before becoming a citizen. Benefits include border-free travel across various countries and access to quality education. Another option is acquiring Swedish citizenship through investment.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom allows naturalization for individuals who have lived in the country for at least five years, subject to passing the Life in the UK test and demonstrating English proficiency. British citizens can also pass citizenship to their children. Additionally, marriage to a British citizen can grant eligibility for citizenship after three years of residence.
France
Becoming a French citizen entails residing in France for five years. Post-graduate studies at a French university can reduce this period to two years. Proficiency in the French language and knowledge of French history, culture, and politics are necessary. French citizenship offers the freedom to travel within the EU, voting rights, and opportunities in military, police, or judicial roles.
Norway
Acquiring Norwegian citizenship necessitates a residence of at least seven years in Norway and meeting language requirements of either A1 or B2 Norwegian proficiency, depending on your nationality, along with passing the Bokmål og Nynorsk test. Norway permits dual citizenship and provides benefits such as visa-free travel to numerous countries, access to high-quality education, and healthcare.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages of obtaining second citizenship in Europe?
Second citizenship in Europe grants individuals rights equivalent to native citizens, including freedom of movement, education, and healthcare access.
What are the common ways to acquire European citizenship?
You can gain European citizenship through residency, naturalization (by fulfilling specific criteria), descent (if you have European family ties), marriage to a citizen, or making certain investments in the country. Each method has its own requirements and procedures.
Conclusion
Europe’s allure as a top tourist destination is matched by the abundant academic and job opportunities it offers. Obtaining citizenship in European countries provides numerous benefits, including equal rights and access to education and healthcare. Various paths, like residency, naturalization, descent, marriage, or investment, can lead to European citizenship.
