How to Obtain EU Citizenship

EU citizenship refers to the legal status of nationals from the 27 member states of the European Union. Foreign nationals can obtain EU citizenship through naturalization (such as study, employment, marriage, or business), repatriation, or by making investments in the economy of a chosen EU country.

The legal foundation for the concept of an EU passport was established with the signing of the Treaty on European Union in February 1992 (Maastricht, Netherlands). EU citizenship grants the right to live, work, study, conduct business, and travel freely within the EU, as well as to enjoy the fundamental rights guaranteed to citizens of European countries. Another key benefit is visa-free access to over 150 countries across various continents.

What Does EU Citizenship Offer?

The term EU passport refers to the official identity documents issued by EU member states that have signed the Maastricht Treaty. Obtaining an EU passport means acquiring the citizenship of a European state within the Union. When granting citizenship, each national government takes into account not only its own domestic laws, but also the general requirements set by the European Union.

Regardless of nationality, an EU citizen is entitled to:

• Reside in prosperous European countries and benefit from social security and welfare programs;
• Vote in elections and hold public office within the EU;
• Hold dual citizenship (permitted in several European countries);
• Move freely across EU and Schengen countries, and clear customs quickly and efficiently;
• Access affordable or free higher education, and enjoy student benefits for housing and meals while studying at European universities;
• Apply for low-interest bank loans;
• Rent or purchase real estate in Germany, Poland, Portugal, and other EU nations.

Pathways to Obtaining European Union Citizenship

The main legal pathways to acquiring EU citizenship include:

• Naturalization — the process of becoming a citizen through progressive stages: temporary residence, permanent residence, and eventually citizenship. EU passports can be obtained through study, employment, or marriage to an EU citizen;
• Restoration of citizenship — a legal mechanism that allows individuals who lost their citizenship involuntarily or due to exceptional circumstances to reclaim it;
• Repatriation — the issuance of citizenship based on confirmed ethnic origins or ancestral ties to a specific EU country. This is often the most cost-effective route to «returning home»;
• Investment — a relatively straightforward option for affluent individuals to acquire an EU passport. Applicants may invest in the economy of an EU member state or, alternatively, in a Caribbean country like St. Kitts and Nevis. The choice depends on the applicant’s budget and goals.

The right to acquire, restore, or purchase EU citizenship is granted to candidates who meet the basic eligibility criteria.

Required Documentation for Immigration Authorities

To apply for EU citizenship, applicants must typically provide:

• A certificate of no criminal record, confirming the absence of convictions for criminal or tax-related offenses;
• Proof of lawful income sources sufficient to support all family members. Each country sets a minimum monthly income requirement to cover housing, food, and living expenses;
• Language proficiency certificate (at least basic level) in the official language of the country. This is required to pass an interview on the country’s political system, culture, and traditions. Note: this requirement is usually waived in citizenship-by-investment programs.

Once these documents are submitted and all residency and legal requirements are met, the applicant becomes eligible to obtain European Union citizenship.

EU Citizenship Through Naturalization

Naturalization in the European Union is a legal process that involves first obtaining a residence permit (temporary and then permanent) and later applying for an EU passport. The key requirement is continuous legal residence in the country for a period specified by national legislation.

How to Obtain EU Citizenship by Naturalization

• Obtain a long-term visa for the purpose of study, employment, or marriage (if the spouse is a citizen of the respective EU country);
• Apply for a residence permit before the long-term visa expires. In addition to work, study, business, or marriage, a residence permit may also be granted for family reunification or upon receiving refugee status;
• Renew the residence permit when it expires, in order to become eligible for permanent residency or to apply for an EU Blue Card;
• After the required period of uninterrupted legal residence, submit an application for citizenship.

Each EU member state sets its own specific requirements for naturalization applicants. The duration of legal residence needed to acquire citizenship varies by country, typically ranging from 5 to 10 years.

Timeframes for Obtaining EU Citizenship via Naturalization:

Additional Pathways to Acquiring an EU Passport

You can become the holder of a European passport through the following legal routes:

• Marriage to an EU citizen. While marriage provides grounds for obtaining a residence permit, residency is not granted automatically. After registering the marriage, the foreign spouse must reside continuously in the country for at least three years before becoming eligible for citizenship;
• Studying at an educational institution in the EU. Students enrolled in universities or long-term language programs are eligible for a residence permit, which can later be extended. Over time, this can lead to permanent residency and eventually to citizenship;
• Legal employment in an EU member state. This is a viable route for those working in developing sectors of the European economy. Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands offer the most competitive salaries, though the cost of living is also highest in these countries;
• Family reunification, if the applicant has close relatives who are citizens of an EU country. National laws define the degree of kinship required to apply for naturalization through this route;
• Starting and operating a business in Europe. Establishing a company, generating steady income, and paying taxes to the national budget can serve as a legitimate basis for obtaining a residence permit, permanent residency, and eventually citizenship in an EU member state.

EU Citizenship by Investment

Investing in the economy of an EU member state is a popular route to acquiring European Union citizenship. Investment programs may involve purchasing residential or commercial real estate (both new and under restoration), government bonds, or investing in new businesses with a minimum capital requirement and the creation of a certain number of jobs. Acquiring shares in existing enterprises or providing financial support to scientific institutions is also encouraged. Wealthy Turkish nationals often choose this path to obtain a second citizenship in the EU.

EU member states typically offer two options for acquiring a European passport through investment:

• Direct citizenship by investment (available in Austria, Malta, Montenegro, and Cyprus).
• Residency by investment, with a pathway to citizenship and dual nationality over time (available in Portugal, Greece, Latvia, Bulgaria, and Spain).

Maltese Citizenship by Investment

Citizens of the European Union holding a Maltese passport enjoy visa-free access to 185 countries, the right to work and conduct business within the EU, and can enroll in universities without the need for additional residence permits. Citizenship by investment is available not only to the main applicant, but also to the spouse, children under 18, and financially dependent children up to age 29, including those from previous marriages.

Since November 2020, citizenship can be obtained through the Malta Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment program. Key financial requirements include:

A non-refundable contribution to the National Development and Social Fund:

• €750,000 after 12 months of residency, or
• €600,000 after 36 months of residency;
• €50,000 for each additional family member (spouse, child, or parent).

A charitable donation of €10,000 to one or more approved Maltese NGOs in culture, sports, or science, overseen by the Community Malta Agency (CMA).

Purchase of real estate with a minimum value of €700,000 or rental for five years with a minimum total lease value of €80,000. The property must be held for at least five years.

Application fees and government charges of approximately €15,000 for the applicant and €10,000 per family member.

Summary of EU Citizenship by Investment Programs:

Cypriot Citizenship by Investment

You can obtain a Cypriot passport by investing at least €300,000. Approved investment options include::

• Purchasing a new apartment or house from a licensed developer;
• Acquiring commercial real estate (such as an office, hotel, or retail space) on the primary or secondary market;
• Investing in the share capital of a Cypriot company employing at least five people and operating—and paying taxes—within the Republic of Cyprus;
• Buying units in Cypriot collective investment schemes, such as AIF, AIFLNP, or RAIF structures (Alternative Investment Funds).

The applicant is not allowed to withdraw the investment unless it is immediately replaced with one of equal value. Additionally, they must demonstrate an annual income of at least €30,000, plus €5,000 for each dependent family member.

All funds for investment and living expenses must come from foreign sources, such as pensions, salaries, dividends, personal savings, or ownership shares in businesses abroad.

EU Citizenship Through Repatriation

Repatriation is one of the easiest, fastest, and most cost-effective ways to obtain a European passport. It is available to foreign nationals who can provide documented evidence of ethnic origin or ancestral ties (up to the fourth generation) to a specific EU country.

Applicants do not need to reside in the country for several years with temporary or permanent resident status. The following countries offer well-established repatriation programs, as summarized below:

Repatriation Programs by Country:

To qualify for EU citizenship via repatriation, applicants must also:

• Provide a clean criminal record;
• Demonstrate a legal source of income sufficient to support themselves in the country of residence;
• Possess basic knowledge of the country’s official language, political system, and cultural traditions.

Repatriation to Romania

Article 11 of the Romanian Citizenship Law grants the right to restore Romanian citizenship to individuals who lost it due to circumstances beyond their control, as well as to their descendants up to the third degree of kinship.

Applicants may reside either in Romania or abroad. The key requirements are: documented proof of Romanian ancestry, a clean criminal record, and basic knowledge of the Romanian language.

Steps to restore Romanian citizenship through repatriation:

• Collect and legalize all necessary documents (with apostille);
• Submit an application to the National Citizenship Authority (ANC) in Romania;
• Receive confirmation of the issuance of the decision to review the application;
• Schedule an online appointment at the Romanian consulate for the citizenship oath;
• Travel to Bucharest to receive the Romanian passport.

The entire process typically takes 12 to 14 months, making this one of the fastest routes to EU citizenship.

Repatriation to Bulgaria

Holders of Bulgarian passports enjoy full rights of EU citizens. According to Bulgarian nationality law, non-residents with documented Bulgarian ancestry on the paternal or maternal line are eligible to apply for citizenship via repatriation.

Steps in the Bulgarian repatriation process:

• Prepare and notarize the application in Bulgarian;
• Submit the complete document package to the Ministry of Justice and attend an interview;
• Wait for the official decision on citizenship approval;
• Receive the Bulgarian passport.

On average, the process takes around 15 months, making it a relatively fast path to European citizenship.

Repatriation to Poland

The Republic of Poland takes a favorable stance toward foreigners seeking citizenship through repatriation. To qualify, applicants must prove Polish ancestry and obtain a Karta Polaka (Polish Card).

Steps in the process of obtaining Polish citizenship:

• Apply for a national D visa to enter the territory of Poland;
• Submit an application for permanent residence (karta stałego pobytu) for yourself and your family members;
• After 12 months of continuous legal residence, submit a citizenship application.

How to Obtain an EU Passport: Step-by-Step Guide to Fast-Track European Citizenship

Repatriation is considered the simplest and most efficient path to acquiring a European passport. However, comparing the eligibility criteria for citizenship by descent across EU countries can be extremely challenging—especially given that immigration laws change frequently.

Those who wish to obtain an EU passport quickly are strongly encouraged to consult with a specialized immigration firm.

During the initial consultation, an immigration expert will recommend the most suitable repatriation program, provide a customized list of required documents, and develop a step-by-step action plan with timelines. Professional legal guidance throughout the citizenship process minimizes the risk of rejection and helps streamline and accelerate the application procedure.

How to Become a Citizen of a Developed EU Country With Minimal Time and Costs:

• Choose a reputable immigration firm.
  Look for reviews, client testimonials, and overall reputation and reliability.
• Schedule an initial consultation.
  Prepare basic documentation ahead of time to help the immigration consultant assess your case.
• Gather supporting documents.
  This includes collecting proof of ancestry, translating documents into the official language, affixing apostilles, and compiling a complete application dossier.
• Prepare for submission.
  Learn the national language at a basic level, become familiar with the country’s cultural traditions and political system, and formulate a clear justification for your repatriation request.
• Await the government’s decision.
  Once your application is reviewed, the state authority will issue a decision on granting citizenship status.
• Receive your citizenship and passport.
  The final step involves obtaining both the internal and international passports, along with other official EU identity documents.