A European Union (EU) passport remains one of the most sought-after assets for global investors and high-net-worth individuals, offering unparalleled freedom of movement, economic stability, and access to world-class healthcare and education. Widely regarded as one of the strongest passports in the world, it grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries, depending on the issuing member state.
The growing appeal of EU passports among people as a strategic investment has also been reflected in the Eurostat data over the past few years. In 2023, 1.1 million people acquired citizenship in an EU country where they resided, an increase of 6.1% (+60,200) compared to 2022. The majority of new citizenships were granted by Spain (240,200), Italy (213,600), and Germany (199,800), together accounting for over 60% of the total EU population. Notably, 87.6% of recipients were citizens of non-EU countries, while 10.7% came from another EU member state.
Many new citizens achieved this status through investment. While not all EU countries offer direct citizenship-by-investment programmes, many provide accelerated, low-barrier pathways through residency-by-investment, ultimately leading to citizenship within a transparent and predictable timeframe. This has also contributed to the economy of the member countries. A 2021 London School of Economics report estimated that citizenship-by-investment and related programmes attract approximately EUR 3 billion in annual investment to the EU.
This guide explores the EU nations with the fastest and most straightforward routes to citizenship, to help you make a strategic and informed decision about your future.
Portugal: Easy Residency and Citizenship in 5 Years
Portugal’s Golden Visa programme offers an efficient pathway to citizenship, with an 8–10-month processing time. Applicants benefit from visa-free travel to 33 European countries, including those in the Schengen Area. The investment route typically involves a minimum capital transfer of €200,000. The programme extends to family members, including spouses, children under 18, and financially dependent adult children and parents.
One of its standout features is the minimal physical residency requirement, just 14 days every two years, with no interviews, language tests, educational qualifications, or management experience needed. After five years from the date of Golden Visa application submission, individuals can apply for full citizenship. Additional advantages include exemption from inheritance tax and income tax liabilities, unless the individual resides in Portugal for more than six months annually.
Greece: Lowest Real Estate Investment, Citizenship in 7 Years
Launched in 2013, the Greek Golden Visa Programme offers non-EU citizens and their families a renewable five-year residency permit through real estate investment. With just a 3–6 months processing time, it grants visa-free access to 33 European countries, including those in the Schengen Zone. The minimum investment required is €250,000 in Greek Real Estate, and the programme covers spouses, children under 21, and parents or parents-in-law.
The process is straightforward, with no requirements for physical presence, interviews, language proficiency, educational qualifications, or management experience. Investors benefit from visa-free travel within Europe and can stay up to three months in any Schengen country for six months. The programme can also offer wealth protection through strong rental yields, with non-residents taxed only on income earned in Greece. Full citizenship and an irrevocable EU passport can be obtained after seven years, provided the applicant becomes a tax resident and meets specific cultural integration requirements.
Malta: A Fast Route to Citizenship
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme offers non-EU citizens a prestigious and efficient route to European residency through investment. With a processing time of just 4–6 months, the programme grants access to 29 Schengen countries. Applicants can choose between purchasing real estate starting from €375,000 or renting from just €14,000 per year, alongside a government contribution and charitable donation. Malta also requires proof of a minimum net worth of €500,000. The programme includes family members such as spouses, children under 18, and parents over 55. It features a streamlined application process without physical residency, interview, or language requirements.
As an English-speaking country, Malta provides an ideal environment for work and study with no time restrictions. Tax advantages are significant—only income earned or transferred to Malta is taxable, and no inheritance, capital gains, or wealth taxes exist. Additionally, Malta offers a corporate tax rate as low as 5%. Investors may become eligible to apply for Maltese citizenship after maintaining residence for five years.
Latvia: Low-Cost Residency, Long-Term Citizenship Route
Launched in 2010, Latvia’s Golden Visa offers a cost-effective and flexible route to residency for non-EU investors. Options include real estate, business investment, bonds, or bank deposits. With just a 3–4 months processing time, the programme grants visa-free access to 33 European countries including the Schengen Zone. The minimum investment starts from €50,000, plus government fees, and covers family members such as spouses and children under 18 under a single application.
The process is straightforward and affordable, with no physical residency requirements to maintain the residency permit. After five years of permanent residency, applicants can apply for Latvian citizenship. Latvia also offers lifestyle advantages, including a low cost of living and access to free, high-quality healthcare and education.
Which European residency programme is right for you?
Choosing the right residency or citizenship-by-investment programme ultimately depends on your individual goals. If speed is essential, Malta offers one of the fastest routes. For those prioritising affordability, Greece and Latvia provide exceptional value. Portugal, meanwhile, strikes an ideal balance with minimal physical presence requirements and a clear, relatively swift path to citizenship.
Navigating this complex landscape is best with a trusted partner. At Citizenship Invest, we can help guide you from application to approval, ensuring your long-term success every step of the way.
