Dreaming of European Citizenship? Here Are the 10 Easiest Countries to Apply

Europe is a popular destination for travellers from all over the world. With its rich history, culture, and stunning scenery, it’s no wonder that many people dream of living in Europe. But what if you want to become a citizen of a European country?

In the wake of various global events, the demand for skilled workers and investment in Europe has created new pathways to citizenship. In this article, we will delve into the list of the top 10 easiest countries in Europe to get citizenship.

Methodology

To compile this list, we considered a number of factors, including the residency requirements, language requirements, and other requirements for citizenship in each country. We also took into account the cost of living and the availability of jobs in each country.

Easiest Countries to Get European Citizenship

If you’re considering making a European nation your new home, there are a number of European countries that are relatively easy to get citizenship in. In this article, we’ll take a look at the 10 easiest countries in Europe to get citizenship for travellers.

10. Germany

Germany, known for its strong economy, is eager to attract foreign talent. To become a naturalized German citizen, you’ll need to meet certain criteria. This includes holding a valid residence permit and living in Germany for at least eight years. You must also pass a citizenship test on German politics and culture. After seven years, those who have completed an integration course are eligible for naturalization.

Recently the country has also approved a new citizenship law that will make it easier for immigrants to become citizens. The law is expected to come into effect in 2023.

9. United Kingdom

The United Kingdom has one of the largest labour forces in Europe and is renowned for attracting international talent. To become a UK citizen through naturalization, you must have lived continuously in the country for at least five years and demonstrate cultural assimilation and an intermediate level of English proficiency. The finance and health sectors offer ample opportunities for skilled workers in the UK.

8. Netherlands

The Netherlands, often referred to as the “gateway to Europe,” has a straightforward citizenship process. You’ll need to reside in the country for five years and demonstrate knowledge of the Dutch language. The key sectors attracting foreign talent are information technology, agriculture, chemicals, health, finance, and energy.

7. France

France offers a streamlined procedure for applicants with a postgraduate degree from a French university, reducing the residency requirement to two years. You’ll need to provide specific documents, including a valid passport, proof of income, and health insurance. France has a growing need for talent in sectors like agriculture, health, energy, and military.

6. Spain

Spain offers one of the simplest routes to citizenship through marriage. If you marry a Spanish citizen, you can become a citizen after just one year. For naturalization, ten years of residency and language proficiency are required. The Golden Visa program, requiring a real estate investment, is another option for those seeking Spanish residency.

5. Belgium

Belgium is in high demand for professionals in various sectors, including real estate, engineering, public health, education, and IT. To become a Belgian citizen, you need to reside and work in the country for at least five years, contribute to taxes and social security, and speak one of the national languages – Dutch, German, or French.

4. Ireland

Ireland’s healthcare, retail, and technology sectors attract skilled foreign workers. The citizenship process can be completed after five years, and language requirements are minimal. Investment options are also available for those seeking Irish citizenship.

3. Sweden

Sweden has some of the most lenient citizenship laws in Europe. With no language restrictions, a 5-year residency requirement, and quicker eligibility for those married to a Swedish spouse, Sweden is a welcoming destination for travellers. The main sectors that draw foreign talent are telecommunications, IT, healthcare, energy, and public transportation.

2. Malta

Malta offers fast-track citizenship through investment. You can become a citizen in one year with an investment of at least 750,000 Euros. For those interested in real estate, citizenship can be obtained in three years with a minimum investment of 700,000 Euros. Malta has a demand for professionals in various sectors, including finance, pharmaceuticals, and information technology.

1. Portugal

Portugal tops our list as the easiest European country to become a citizen. Basic Portuguese language skills and a minimum of five years of residency authorization are the key requirements. Portugal’s citizenship laws have been expanding rapidly, and options like the Golden Visa program have made it a favourable destination for investors. With the ability to travel to 183 countries, Portugal offers an attractive package for prospective citizens.

Recently, the country has also considering a significant overhaul of its citizenship laws to make it easier for foreigners to obtain citizenship.

Tips for Getting Citizenship in Europe

• Learn the language of the country you are interested in getting citizenship in. This will make it easier to integrate into society and meet the language requirements for citizenship.
• Get involved in the community. Volunteer, join clubs and organizations, and make friends with locals. This will help you to show your commitment to the country and its people.
• Be prepared to wait. The citizenship process can take a number of years, depending on the country. Be patient and persistent, and eventually, you will achieve your goal of becoming a European citizen

Benefits of Getting Citizenship in European Countries

Citizenship in a European country can offer many benefits, including the right to live and work anywhere in the European Union, visa-free travel to many countries around the world, and access to social benefits such as healthcare and education.

There are a number of different ways to get citizenship in a European country, but the most common routes are through naturalization and investment.

1. Naturalization

Naturalization is the process of becoming a citizen of a country by meeting certain requirements, such as living in the country for a certain period of time, passing a language test, and renouncing your previous citizenship.

The residency requirements for naturalization vary from country to country, but they are typically between five and ten years. In addition to the residency requirement, most countries also require applicants to have a basic knowledge of the language and culture of the country.

2. Investment

Some European countries offer citizenship programs to investors who are willing to invest a significant amount of money in the country. The investment requirements for these programs also vary from country to country, but they are typically in the hundreds of thousands of euros.

Other Routes to Citizenship

Other ways to get citizenship in a European country include:

• Marriage to a citizen of the country
• Descent from a citizen of the country
• Adoption by a citizen of the country
• Military service in the country

How to Choose the Right Country

When choosing a European country to apply for citizenship in, it is important to consider a number of factors, including the residency requirements, language requirements, investment requirements, and cost of living.

It is also important to consider your personal preferences, such as the climate, culture, and job market of the country.

Conclusion

Getting citizenship in a European country can be a challenging process, but it is definitely possible with the right planning and preparation. If you are interested in becoming a citizen of a European country, start by researching the requirements for each country and seeking professional advice.