How to Get EU Citizenship: Your Essential Guide in 2026

Imagine the freedom to live in Paris, launch a business in Berlin, or enjoy retirement in Portugal, all without the burden of visas, border restrictions, or endless paperwork. That's the everyday reality for millions of EU citizens. And it's precisely why so many people around the world are now asking, how do I get EU citizenship?

In this complete guide, we'll show you exactly how to become a citizen of the European Union, whether you qualify through ancestry, marriage, work, investment, or European residency.
No legal mumbo jumbo. No fluff. The advice is clear and practical, covering everything from the real options available to the hidden details you need to know.

EU Citizenship at a Glance: What It Really Means

5 Pathways to EU Citizenship

EU citizenship is crucial if you're planning to live, work, or travel across Europe.

Let's break it down.

What EU Citizenship Really Is

When you hold citizenship in any of the 27 EU member states—such as Italy, Germany, Portugal, or Spain, you are automatically recognised as a citizen of the European Union. This status grants you fundamental rights not only within your country of nationality but also across the broader EU region.

Thanks to additional agreements, these rights extend to countries like Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland, offering seamless access to much of Europe for living, working, studying, and travelling.

Core Rights of EU Citizens

Here's what being an EU citizen unlocks for you:

Ultimately, EU citizenship offers life-changing opportunities, from total freedom of movement to powerful benefits for you and your family.

Now, let's take a closer look at how you can qualify for EU citizenship based on your background, goals, and situation.

EU Citizenship vs Residency: Not the Same

Being a resident of an EU country (through a visa or permit) is not the same as being a citizen.

Many people confuse the two, but citizenship is the ultimate goal if you want full security, rights, and future-proof options.

Dual Citizenship: Can You Keep Your Original Passport?

One of the biggest concerns people have is whether they'll lose their original citizenship (like U.S., Canadian, British, Australian, etc.) when they become an EU citizen.

The good news?

• Many EU countries allow dual citizenship, like Italy, Ireland, Portugal, France, and Sweden.
• Some are stricter, like Austria or Germany (although Germany is relaxing its laws in 2024).
• Rules vary, but most non-EU countries (like the U.S., Canada, and Australia) don't force you to give up your original citizenship either.

How to Qualify for EU Citizenship

There are five main ways you can qualify for EU citizenship:

• By Descent: If you have parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents from an EU country.
• By Marriage: Through marrying an EU citizen, leading to a faster naturalisation process.
• By Naturalisation: After living legally in an EU country for several years.
• By Investment: Through Golden Visa programmes or direct investment in select EU countries.
• By Work and Employment: Building residency rights through long-term employment and legal stay.

Each path has different requirements depending on the country.

You may need to show:

• Minimum years of residency
• Basic language skills
• Integration into local culture
• Clean criminal background

Important to Know

Not all EU countries make the path to citizenship equally easy.

Some countries offer:

• Fast-track citizenship for investors
• Shorter residency periods before applying
• Flexible dual citizenship policies
• Special programs for Americans, Brits, Australians, and other non-EU citizens

How to Get EU Citizenship Through Investment

For those without European ancestry, investing in certain EU countries can offer a powerful route to citizenship.

Through strategic real estate purchases, business investments, or government contributions, you can gain residency and later full EU citizenship while building assets at the same time.

Here are the top countries offering real investment pathways in 2026:

Portugal: Golden Visa & Citizenship by Investment

Key Updates

• In late 2023, real estate investments were no longer eligible for Golden Visas.
• The five-year residency period for citizenship now starts from the application date, following a 2023 nationality law reform.
• In 2023, the introduction of new Golden Visa investment options included funds, scientific research, cultural support, and business creation.

Timeline to citizenship

• 5 years of legal residency (with minimal stay requirements: 7 days/year).
• Recent law updates (2024) have clarified that the 5-year countdown begins when you apply for residency, not when it receives approval, thereby saving valuable time.

Key Benefits

• This is one of the fastest paths to EU citizenship (eligible after 5 years of legal residency).
• Residency flexibility: Only 7 days of physical presence required per year.
• Strong passport: visa-free access to over 180 countries worldwide.
• Family inclusion: spouse, children, and dependant parents included.
• Attractive lifestyle: top healthcare, international schools, and overall quality of life.
• Tax incentives: Tax planning opportunities (note: the NHR regime closed to new applicants in 2024).

Spain: Golden Visa Program (Real Estate Option Ended)

⚠️ Important Update: Spain's Golden Visa real estate investment option ended on April 3, 2025. The Spanish government terminated this route due to housing market concerns.

Historical investment options included:

Investment Options (Historical)

• €500,000 real estate purchase (no longer available)
• Business investment creating jobs or adding innovation
• Significant bank deposit or government bond

For those seeking Spanish residency, alternative routes include work visas, the Digital Nomad Visa, non-lucrative visas, or entrepreneur visas. Citizenship still requires 10 years of legal residency (or 2 years for nationals from Latin America, Portugal, the Philippines, Andorra, or Equatorial Guinea).

Malta: Citizenship for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment (Program Terminated)

⚠️ Important Update: Malta's MEIN citizenship-by-investment program was declared illegal by the European Court of Justice on April 29, 2025, ruling it violated EU law. The program is no longer accepting new applications.

Malta previously offered a rare direct citizenship route, without needing years of residency first. Historical requirements were:

Requirements (Historical)

• €600,000 contribution to the national development fund after 36 months of residency, or
• €750,000 contribution after 12 months (fast-track option).
• €700,000 property purchase (or €16,000/year lease).
• €10,000 charitable donation.

For current EU citizenship options via investment, consider Portugal's Golden Visa or Greece's Golden Visa, which offer residency leading to citizenship after 5-7 years.

Italy: Investor Visa Leading to Citizenship

Italy offers an attractive investor visa program, opening residency for

• €250,000 investment in an innovative startup.
• €500,000 in an Italian company.
• €2 million in government bonds.
• €1 million in a philanthropic initiative.

Timeline to citizenship

Ten years of legal residency are required.

Key Benefits

• You have access to the entire Schengen Zone.
• There is no mandatory physical stay beyond the basic annual renewal.
• Once they are naturalised, they will have full rights to public healthcare and education.

Greece: Golden Visa Program

Investment Options (2026 Thresholds)

• €800,000 for prime areas: Athens (entire Attica region), Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, plus 32 other popular islands including Crete, Rhodes, Corfu.
• €400,000 for all other areas.
• €250,000 available only for commercial-to-residential conversions or restoration of listed heritage buildings.

Timeline to citizenship

The requirement is 7 years of legal residency.

Key Benefits

• There is no requirement for physical residency; simply owning the asset suffices.
• The Schengen Zone allows for movement without the need for a visa.
• Access to affordable European healthcare and education.

Citizenship by Descent (Ancestry)

For many people, proving ancestral ties is one of the most powerful and emotional ways to become an EU citizen.

If you have parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents from an EU country, you might qualify for citizenship automatically. But each country has its own rules, and the documentation standards are strict.

How to Prove Ancestral Ties

Typically, you'll need to prove an unbroken chain from your EU ancestor to yourself. This means collecting and submitting:

• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Citizenship or naturalisation records
• Apostilled and officially translated documents

Small issues, like name misspellings, missing records, or unclear timelines, can derail your application, so careful preparation matters.

Portugal

Portugal allows citizenship by descent if at least one parent is Portuguese at the time of your birth.

If your grandparent is Portuguese, you may still qualify if you can show a strong connection to Portugal (such as language ability or cultural ties).

Generally, people don't accept great-grandparent claims unless they provide exceptional proof.

Italy

Italy has some of the most generous ancestry laws in Europe.

As of May 2025, claims are generally limited to first or second degree ancestors (parents or grandparents) unless specific exceptions apply as long as you can document the line.

However, births before 1948 are subject to additional restrictions when claiming through the maternal line (court applications may be required).

Spain

Spain offers citizenship by descent, primarily to the children of Spanish citizens born abroad.

Grandchildren may qualify if their parent registered with Spanish authorities before their birth.

Spain also offers simplified pathways for descendants of Spanish citizens affected by historical exile (Law of Democratic Memory).

Malta

Malta allows citizenship by descent if you have at least one Maltese parent at birth.

The program has recently expanded to allow descendants of Maltese emigrants (such as those born in Australia, the U.S., and Canada) to reclaim citizenship under certain conditions.

Greece

Greece grants citizenship to descendants of Greek citizens, especially if the birth was registered in Greece.

If you have a Greek parent or grandparent, you can apply, but you must prove the family link through official Greek documents.

Germany

Germany recognises citizenship by descent primarily for children of German citizens.

In 2024, Germany expanded eligibility to descendants of people who lost citizenship due to Nazi persecution.

Otherwise, claims based on ancestry beyond the first generation (i.e., grandparents and great-grandparents) are more restricted when compared to countries such as Italy.

Documentation Tips & Common Pitfalls

• Check records early: It can take months to collect old birth, marriage, or naturalisation certificates.
• Name spellings matter: consistency across generations is critical.
• Certified translations: Many EU countries require official translations, not just informal ones.
• Citizenship loss risks: If an ancestor gave up citizenship (for example, naturalised elsewhere), it could break the chain.
• Use experts when needed: Document retrieval and legal help can save you serious time and headaches.

How Much Does It Cost to Get EU Citizenship or Residency?

Getting EU citizenship or residency isn't just about paperwork; it comes with real costs that vary significantly depending on the pathway you choose.

Here's what to expect:

Common Expenses for Any Route

Whether you're applying through descent, marriage, work, or investment, you'll likely face some core costs:

Investment Minimums: Golden Visa Programs

If you're pursuing EU citizenship via a Golden Visa or investment residency program, the costs are significantly higher upfront:

Additional fees like processing charges, due diligence checks, and family member inclusion can easily add 30,000 to 100,000 euros or more depending on the country.

Golden Visa vs Naturalisation: Cost Comparison

Getting EU citizenship isn't simply about filling out forms; it's an investment of time, money, and strategy. Some paths are affordable but slow. Others are swift but expensive.

Let's break down the typical costs depending on the route you choose.

As you can see, naturalisation routes like descent or marriage are often far more affordable, but they demand time and patience. Investment paths like the Golden Visa come with a high price tag but reward you with faster residency rights and flexibility.

How to Get EU Citizenship as an American

1. Naturalisation Through Residency

Typically, the process involves living in a country for several continuous years, integrating into society, learning the local language, and demonstrating ties to the community.

Key Factors to Expect

• Proof of legal residence
• Language proficiency (varies by country)
• Knowledge of local culture or passing a basic civics exam
• Clean criminal record
• Financial self-sufficiency

Examples:

• Portugal: Allows naturalisation after 5 years of residency, with minimal stay requirements.
• Spain: Requires 10 years of residency, reduced to 2 years for citizens of Latin American countries, Portugal, the Philippines, Andorra, or Equatorial Guinea.

2. Citizenship by Investment

Several EU countries offer residency through investment, which can eventually lead to citizenship.

Investors are granted residency rights after making qualifying investments in real estate, business, funds, or government bonds. After maintaining residency and meeting national requirements, they may become eligible to apply for citizenship.

Portugal and Greece remain top destinations offering Golden Visa programmes with paths toward citizenship. (Note: Spain's real estate GV ended April 2025; Malta's citizenship program was terminated by ECJ ruling in April 2025.)

Common Investment Types

• Investment in regulated investment funds
• Strategic real estate purchases (where still allowed)
• Business creation that generates local jobs
• Donations supporting scientific research or cultural projects

3. Citizenship by Descent

If you have European ancestry, you might be eligible for citizenship through descent. Key countries offering this pathway include:

• Italy: Generally limited to parents/grandparents since May 2025 law change; post-1948 maternal line claims may still apply if citizenship was not renounced.
• Poland: Available if ancestors maintained Polish citizenship after 1920.
• Germany: Recognised for descendants of German citizens, including those impacted by Nazi-era laws.
• Portugal: Available for descendants of Sephardic Jews and certain emigrants.
• Spain: Offered to descendants of Spaniards born abroad and under special historical laws.
• Ireland: Eligible if a parent or grandparent was born in Ireland.

4. Work and Business Pathways

Employment or entrepreneurship in the EU can lead to residency and eventually citizenship:

• EU Blue Card: For highly skilled workers; offers a pathway to permanent residency and citizenship.
• Startup Visas: Countries like France and Italy offer visas for entrepreneurs planning to establish innovative businesses. ​

Note: These pathways typically require a job offer or business plan, along with financial stability.

5. Citizenship Through Marriage

Marrying an EU citizen can significantly shorten the path to citizenship. Most EU countries offer accelerated naturalisation timelines for spouses, often reducing residency requirements compared to standard applicants.

Typical conditions include maintaining the marriage for several years, demonstrating ties to the country, passing basic language tests, and meeting residency obligations.

While timelines and integration requirements vary, countries like Portugal, Spain, Italy, and France provide well-established spousal routes to citizenship.

6. Dual Citizenship Considerations

The United States allows dual citizenship, and many EU countries permit Americans to retain US citizenship once they are naturalised.

However, a few EU nations require individuals to renounce prior citizenships unless specific exemptions apply.

Here's a quick overview:

How to Get EU Citizenship as a UK Citizen

Brexit reshaped the rights of British nationals across Europe— stripping automatic freedom of movement, work, and residency rights across the EU.

But many pathways remain open for those looking to regain their European status.

Restoring European Mobility: Main Pathways

While no single program "undoes" Brexit, several options help UK citizens reclaim access to the EU:

Ancestry Claims:
If you have Irish, Italian, Polish, or Portuguese heritage, you might be eligible for citizenship by descent, often without residency requirements.

Long-Term Residency:
Acquiring legal residency in an EU country (e.g., Portugal, Spain, or France) can eventually lead to citizenship after a qualifying period (typically 5–10 years).

Marriage or Family Routes:
Being married to or related to an EU citizen can significantly reduce the residency/naturalisation timeline.

Investment-Based Residency:
Golden Visa programs in Portugal and Greece provide a residency route leading to citizenship, which is particularly popular among British retirees and investors post-Brexit. (Note: Spain's real estate Golden Visa option ended in April 2025.)

Top Countries Where Brits Are Moving to Regain EU Rights

Certain EU countries have emerged as Britain's favourites for restoring their European footprints.

How to Get Citizenship Through Marriage

Marrying an EU citizen can offer a faster and simpler path to citizenship, but it's not automatic. Each country sets its own rules, and requirements can vary significantly.

In most cases, you'll need to:

• Live in the EU country where your spouse is a citizen for a few years before applying.
• Prove the marriage is genuine with shared residency, family ties, or joint financial commitments.
• Pass basic integration tests, such as a language or civics exam (depending on the country).
• Maintain a clean legal record and demonstrate financial stability.

Some countries offer notably faster timelines:

Portugal
Citizenship is possible after just 3 years of marriage, even if you don't live in Portugal — as long as you can prove a strong connection to the Portuguese community.

Spain
If you're married to a Spanish citizen and reside in Spain, you can apply for citizenship after just 1 year of legal residency.

Italy
You can apply after completing 2 years of residency in Italy or after living abroad for 3 years. If you have children with your spouse, the timeline reduces by half.

Greece
Marriage grants access to residency, and you may be eligible for citizenship after 3 years of cohabitation and cultural integration.

Malta
There's no automatic shortcut through marriage, but it can strengthen your case for naturalisation after 5 years of residency and proof of integration.

While this is one of the more affordable routes to EU citizenship, it still involves careful documentation and time.

Be sure to check the exact requirements in your spouse's country, and consider speaking with a local immigration expert to help navigate the process smoothly.

How to Get Citizenship Through Work or Business

Working or building a business in the EU can lead to long-term residency and full citizenship. This type of visa is a popular route for skilled professionals, digital nomads, and entrepreneurs who want to live in Europe long-term without relying on ancestry or investment capital.

While the path is usually longer than other routes, it's also one of the most accessible for non-EU nationals with employable skills or business plans.

Common Pathways to Citizenship Through Work

1. Long-Term Employment

If you legally live and work in an EU country for several consecutive years (usually 5+), you may be eligible for permanent residency and naturalisation. You'll typically need to prove stable income, local integration, and language proficiency.

2. Work Visas in Portugal and Spain

• Portugal offers various visa types for workers, including tech talent, teachers, and hospitality professionals. After five years of legal employment and residence, you can apply for citizenship. The Portuguese immigration law is particularly favourable, with mild stay requirements and family-friendly policies.
• Spain provides work permits to those with job offers in sectors with shortages or via intra-company transfers. After five years of residency, you can apply for permanent residency and citizenship, typically after 10 years (or just 2 years if you're from Latin America or select former colonies).

3. Entrepreneur and Freelancer Options

• Portugal supports entrepreneurs through the D2 Visa, designed for those launching small businesses or working as freelancers. This visa can lead to residency and eventually citizenship after five years.
• Spain offers a Self-Employment Visa and a Startup Visa (for innovative business plans). Both allow you to legally live and build a business in Spain with a path to permanent residency.
• Other countries like France, Italy, and Estonia also offer startup visas, but Portugal and Spain are generally more accessible in terms of cost, bureaucracy, and flexibility.

4. Digital Nomad & Remote Work Visas

Some countries (like Spain, Portugal, and Greece) now offer digital nomad visas, allowing remote workers to legally reside and work from within the EU.

These may not always lead to citizenship directly but can serve as a stepping stone to longer-term residency.

How to Become Naturalised in Europe

Naturalisation is the most common pathway to EU citizenship for people without ancestry, marriage, or investment options.

It involves legally living in an EU country for several years and meeting integration requirements, such as language skills, community ties, and a clean legal record.

Key Steps to Naturalisation in Most EU Countries

• Legal residency: Typically 5 to 10 years, depending on the country.
• Language proficiency: Often A2 or B1 level in the local language.
• Integration test: May include a cultural or civics exam.
• Clean background check: No serious criminal history.
• Financial stability: Proof you can support yourself and your family.

Examples

• Portugal: Naturalisation is possible after 5 years of legal residency, provided there is minimal physical presence in the country.
• Spain: Standard path is 10 years, reduced to 2 for citizens of Latin America and select countries.
• France: 5 years of residency (2 if you graduate from a French university), with strong integration.
• Germany: 5 years depending on integration; the new 2024 law simplifies dual citizenship.
• Italy: 10 years of continuous legal residence.

Final Thoughts: One Step Closer to EU Citizenship

Getting EU citizenship isn't a dream; it's a strategy. Whether through ancestry, marriage, work, or investment, there's a route that fits your life and goals.

Some paths are slow but cheap. Others are faster, but you'll pay for speed. Pick what suits your timeline, wallet, and ambition.

Europe isn't closing its doors yet. But the rules are shifting fast.

So don't wait for borders to tighten or timelines to stretch.

Start your journey today.

Because the sooner you begin, the sooner you're sipping espresso in Lisbon, strolling cobblestone streets in Madrid, or enjoying la dolce vita in Rome.

Your second passport? It's closer than you think.

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