How long does it take to get a European citizenship?

In recent years, the demand for European citizenship and residency by investment programs has reached unprecedented levels. Global investors, entrepreneurs, and families are increasingly turning to Europe for its freedom, stability, and opportunity.

Holding European Union citizenship offers far more than a travel document. It provides visa-free access to over 170 countries, the right to live, work, and study anywhere within the EU, and access to world-class healthcare and education systems. Beyond personal mobility, an EU passport also grants investors enhanced business access across global markets.

This growing interest has accelerated in a world marked by uncertainty. From political instability to economic volatility, many high-net-worth individuals are now seeking a second citizenship or EU residency as a means of diversification and long-term security for their families.

Whether through citizenship by investment or residency programs such as the Portugal Golden Visa or Malta Residency by Investment, Europe continues to attract discerning investors who value freedom of movement and a secure future.

Understanding the timeline for European Citizenship

1. Residency Leading to Citizenship

This is the most common path across the EU. Investors first obtain permanent or temporary residency, maintain it for several years, and then become eligible to apply for citizenship.

At Citizenship Invest, we support clients with several key European residency programs that can lead to citizenship:

• Portugal Golden Visa – One of Europe’s most popular residency programs, offering citizenship eligibility after five years of legal residence. It provides flexible investment options and grants the right to live, work, and study in Portugal, as well as travel freely within the Schengen Zone.
• Greece Golden Visa – A straightforward residency-by-investment route providing EU residency in just a few months, with the opportunity to apply for citizenship after seven years.
• Italy Investor Visa – Offers a pathway to residency through investment, with eligibility for citizenship after ten years of residence.

These programs are ideal for investors who wish to relocate or establish a base in Europe, enjoying the full benefits of EU residency before progressing toward citizenship.

2. Citizenship by Investment (CBI)

A limited number of EU countries allow investors to obtain citizenship more quickly through direct economic contribution:

• Malta currently offers a structured Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment, allowing investors to apply after 12 to 36 months, depending on the investment amount.
• Austria may grant citizenship in special cases to individuals who make exceptional economic or cultural contributions to the country, although this process is highly selective and not publicly advertised.

For investors seeking efficiency and predictability, these programs represent the fastest and most transparent paths to EU citizenship.

However, timelines can vary depending on several factors:

• The applicant’s country of origin and visa status
• The efficiency of local authorities and document processing
• Background checks, due diligence, and compliance procedures
• Changes in national or EU-level immigration policies

European reforms are shaping the future of citizenship and mobility

The landscape of European citizenship and residency programs is evolving rapidly. Recent policy reforms across the EU are redefining how global investors and families can access Europe, making it essential to understand the changes that affect eligibility, timelines, and investment requirements.

At Citizenship Invest, we continuously monitor these reforms to ensure our clients are guided toward the most strategic and compliant pathways. Staying informed is critical, as even small regulatory adjustments can influence the speed and success of your residency or citizenship application.

Key Trends in European Citizenship by investment and Mobility

1. Increased Due Diligence and Compliance
   EU countries are enhancing background checks and transparency measures to protect national security and maintain program integrity. Applicants must now meet stricter financial and legal compliance standards.
2. Shorter Residency Requirements in Some Programs
   Certain countries are adjusting residency-to-citizenship timelines, creating faster routes for investors who meet specific investment thresholds or contribute strategically to the economy.
3. Focus on Economic Contribution and Innovation
   Policymakers are prioritizing programs that attract active investment, entrepreneurship, and innovation rather than purely passive real estate purchases.
4. Harmonization of EU Standards
   There is an ongoing effort to harmonize mobility, residency, and citizenship requirements across member states, increasing transparency and predictability for international investors.

Europe continues to adapt and strengthen its international mobility policies, making it more important than ever to stay informed. For a detailed analysis of the latest EU measures and how they affect global investors and citizenship by investment programs, read our full article here.

Key benefits of obtaining EU citizenship

Obtaining European Union citizenship offers a range of strategic, personal, and financial advantages for investors and their families. At Citizenship Invest, we help clients maximize these benefits by guiding them through fully compliant and trusted programs.

1. Visa-Free Travel to Over 170 Countries
   An EU passport provides unmatched global mobility, allowing holders to travel visa-free to more than 170 countries worldwide. This freedom facilitates business, leisure, and education opportunities across the globe with minimal bureaucratic barriers.
2. The Right to Live, Work, and Study Anywhere in the EU
   EU citizenship grants full freedom of movement across all member states. Citizens can reside, work, or study in any EU country, offering flexibility for business expansion, career development, or family relocation.
3. Financial Security and Estate Planning
   European citizenship provides legal and financial stability, with access to transparent banking, investment, and taxation frameworks. Also, it supports efficient wealth management and succession planning, helping investors safeguard assets for future generations.
4. Transmission of Citizenship to Children
   EU citizenship can often be passed on to children, ensuring that the next generation enjoys the same mobility, opportunities, and protections. This long-term benefit secures a legacy of freedom and stability for the entire family.

At Citizenship Invest, we guide clients through programs that maximize these advantages. We ensure that each step of the process is transparent, compliant, and tailored to individual and family needs. Obtaining EU citizenship is not just a status, it is an investment in your family’s freedom, security, and future.

Source - Citizenship Invest