Which Country Give Free Citizenship in Europe?
- Ahmed hamdy Ahmed hamdy
- 0 Comments
Many people dream of becoming a citizen of a European country, whether for visa-free travel, high-quality healthcare, education, or work and residency rights across the EU. But when people search for “which country gives free citizenship in Europe,” what they really want to know is: Which countries have the easiest, most affordable, and most accessible pathways to European citizenship?
While no EU country offers truly “free” citizenship with zero requirements, several offer fast-track routes via ancestry, marriage, naturalization, or residency, and a few even offer investment options with clear timelines. In this guide, we’ll explore the easiest EU countries to get citizenship, clarify what “free” really means, and provide a country-by-country breakdown of how to qualify.
What Does “Free Citizenship” Mean in Europe?
In Europe, free citizenship typically refers to low-cost or simplified paths to nationality, such as citizenship by descent or naturalization with minimal fees, rather than zero-cost or automatic citizenship. These are often accessible to:
- People with European ancestry (parents or grandparents)
- Long-term residents or legal immigrants
- Spouses of EU citizens
- Individuals who invest in specific countries
It’s important to understand that every EU member state has its own legal framework for acquiring nationality. Some countries offer fast-track citizenship in Europe, while others require longer residency or language exams.
Easiest Countries in Europe to Get Free Citizenship
Below is a list of the most accessible European countries to obtain citizenship based on residency duration, dual citizenship policies, and legal flexibility.
Portugal
- Residency required: 5 years (via Golden Visa, D7 Visa, or employment)
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
- Language test: A2 Portuguese
- Citizenship routes: Naturalization, descent, marriage, and citizenship by investment
Read Also: Does Portugal Allow Dual Citizenship
Ireland
- Residency required: 5 years, not necessarily continuous
- Descent eligibility: Citizenship through an Irish parent or grandparent
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
- Language: English
Italy
- Descent eligibility: No generational limit on paternal line
- Residency required: 4 years for nationals of an EU Member State and 10 years for non-EU nationals
- Language test: B1 Italia
- Dual citizenship: Permitted
Sweden
- Residency required: 5 years
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
- Language test: None (as of now)
Spain
- Residency required: 10 years (reduced to 2 for Latin Americans, Andorrans, Sephardic Jews)
- Language test: Spanish (A2) + cultural test
- Dual citizenship: Allowed only for select countries
Poland
- Descent eligibility: Widely recognized
- Residency required: 3–5 years with permanent residence
- Language test: B1 Polish
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
France
- Residency required: 5 years (2-3 years for students)
- Language test: B1 French + cultural integration
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
Netherlands
- Residency required: 5 years
- Language test: A2 Dutch + civic integration exam
- Dual citizenship: Generally not allowed
Germany
- Residency required: 5 years (6 with integration course, 3 if married to a citizen)
- Language test: B1 German
- Dual citizenship: Limited, with exceptions
What Are the Main Citizenship Routes in Europe?
To fully understand the easiest way to get citizenship in Europe, it’s helpful to break down the five most common legal paths:
Citizenship by Descent (Ancestry)
Often, the most affordable route, especially for those with recent European lineage.
- Available in countries like Ireland, Italy, Poland, Spain, France, and Germany
- Usually requires documentation like birth and marriage certificates proving unbroken lineage
Read Also: 19 Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship
Citizenship by Birthright
Some countries automatically grant citizenship to individuals born on their soil, though this is rare in Europe.
- Examples: France, Portugal (under specific conditions), Ireland (before 2005 reforms)
Citizenship by Naturalization
Standard pathway requiring years of legal residence.
- Typically 5–10 years
- Requires language tests, clean record, and financial stability
Citizenship by Marriage
Marrying a citizen can reduce the naturalization timeline.
- Ireland: 3 years of marriage + residence
- Italy: 2 years of residence after marriage
- Spain: 1 year of legal residence post-marriage
Citizenship by Investment
CBI programs are not free, but they’re the fastest citizenship in Europe for those who can afford it.
- Countries offering Citizenship by Investment: Malta, Bulgaria, Austria
- Countries offering Residency by Investment (leading to citizenship): Portugal, Greece, Spain
Why Consider European Citizenship? 🌍
European citizenship offers more than just a second passport—it opens doors to a lifestyle and future planning enhancement that resonates deeply in today’s global environment. Here’s why making the move can be one of the most transformative decisions:
-
Enhanced Quality of Life: Countries like Germany, Greece, Malta, and Portugal are known for their high global rankings in healthcare, education, and public safety.
-
Freedom to Live, Work, and Travel: An EU passport grants access to the Schengen Area, enabling travel and work across member countries without visas. It also supports employment and study opportunities in top economies like Germany and France.
-
Political and Economic Stability: EU citizenship provides security in times of global uncertainty, offering a stable legal system, strong welfare benefits, and a powerful safety net for individuals and families.
-
A Legacy for Future Generations: Citizenship benefits extend beyond the holder—offering rights and privileges to dependent children and spouses, helping build a foundation for future generations .
-
Rich Cultural and Lifestyle Options: Europe’s geographical diversity—mountains, beaches, historic towns, and cosmopolitan cities—makes it easy to find an environment that matches your personal tastes and life stage.
In short, European citizenship provides freedom, security, and opportunity—a compelling opportunity for those looking to emigrate to Europe, secure long-term global mobility, and elevate personal and family well-being.
How to Apply for European Citizenship (Step-by-Step Guide)
Acquiring EU citizenship requires preparation, patience, and meeting country-specific legal requirements. Here’s a simplified step-by-step process that applies to most EU countries:
1. Determine Your Eligibility
Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for:
- Citizenship by descent (parent or grandparent from the EU)
- Residency-based naturalization
- Marriage to an EU citizen
- Investment route
Use your ancestry records, immigration status, or investment capacity to identify the right path.
2. Choose a Country Based on Your Goals
Ask yourself:
- Do you need the fastest EU citizenship?
- Are you looking for low-cost naturalization?
- Do you want to include your family members?
- Are you avoiding countries that don’t allow dual citizenship?
For fast-track paths, consider Portugal, Malta, Ireland, or Bulgaria.
3. Gather the Required Documents
You will typically need:
- Birth certificates (yours and your parents/grandparents)
- Marriage certificates (if applying by marriage)
- Residency permits or utility bills
- Proof of income or self-sufficiency
- Clean criminal background checks
- Language or civic knowledge certificates
4. Apply for Residency (If Required)
If you do not qualify through ancestry or marriage, you’ll likely need to obtain legal residency first.
Recommended routes:
- Portugal Golden Visa or D7 Visa
- Greece Golden Visa
- Malta Permanent Residency by Investment
- Latvia Residency by Investment
5. Meet the Residency Duration Requirement
Depending on the country, you may need to live there for:
- 2–3 years (Spain, Ireland if married)
- 5 years (Portugal, France, Greece)
- 6–10 years (Germany, Italy, Austria)
6. Pass Language and Integration Tests (If Applicable)
Language proficiency is required in most cases:
- Portugal – A2 Portuguese
- France – B1 French
- Germany – B1 German
- Netherlands – A2 Dutch + Integration Exam
Some countries like Sweden and Ireland are more lenient.
7. Submit Your Citizenship Application
Applications must typically be submitted through:
- The Ministry of Interior
- Local immigration offices
- Or consular services (for descent applicants)
Processing times vary but range from 6 months to 2 years.
8. Attend an Interview or Naturalization Ceremony
Some countries require a personal interview, especially for marriage-based applicants. Others may require you to swear allegiance or attend a formal ceremony.
Residency, Work Visas, and Naturalization Paths
For those not eligible by descent or marriage, starting with residency is often the only path toward citizenship.
Residency First, Then Citizenship
These countries offer easy pathways:
- Portugal – 5 years to citizenship with minimal stay (7 days per year) via Golden Visa
- Greece – Golden Visa leads to citizenship in 7 years (183 days residency per year)
- Spain – Requires continuous 10 years of legal stay
- Latvia – Residency program leads to citizenship in 10 years
Which country is Easier to get a work visa in in Europe?
If you’re skilled or a remote worker, these countries offer smoother visa processes:
- Germany – EU Blue Card
- Portugal – D8 Digital Nomad Visa
- Netherlands – Startup and Highly Skilled Migrant Program
- Spain – Digital Nomad and Freelance Visas
Work visas typically count toward your legal residency requirement.
Dual Citizenship and Travel Benefits
Dual citizenship is a key concern for many applicants, especially Americans and Indians. While not all EU countries allow dual citizenship, many do — and this can provide significant flexibility.
Countries in Europe That Allow Dual Citizenship:
- Portugal
- Italy
- Ireland
- France
- Sweden
- Malta
- Bulgaria
- Greece
Read Also: Does Greece allow dual citizenship?
Countries With Restrictions or Partial Allowance:
- Germany – Limited exceptions
- Netherlands – Must renounce unless special exemption
- Austria – Very strict (only case-by-case via investment)
For more details, see:
Country Comparison Table: Speed, Cost, and Accessibility
Choosing the easiest EU country to get citizenship depends on your goals — whether it’s speed, minimal residency, or cost-effectiveness. Here’s a comparison of key countries based on major factors:
| Country | Citizenship Path | Time to Citizenship | Dual Citizenship | Language Requirement | Investment Needed |
| Portugal | Residency/Naturalization | 5 years | Yes | A2 Portuguese | Optional (Golden Visa) |
| Ireland | Descent/Naturalization | 5 years (or less via descent) | Yes | None (for descent) | None |
| Italy | Descent/Naturalization | Varies | Yes | Required for residency | None (for descent) |
| Spain | Residency/Naturalization | 10 years (2 years for LatAm) | Limited | Yes | No (standard residency) |
| Sweden | Naturalization | 5 years | Yes | No (as of now) | No |
| Malta | Investment/Naturalization | 12 months (investment route) | Yes | Yes | Yes – €690,000+ |
| Latvia | Residency to Citizenship | 10 years | Yes | Yes | Yes – residency first |
| Greece | Residency to Citizenship | 7 years | Yes | Yes | Yes – €250,000+ |
| Germany | Naturalization | 8 years | Limited | Yes | No |
| France | Naturalization | 5 years | Yes | Yes | No |
This comparison helps those seeking fastest EU citizenship, or an easiest EU passport to obtain, decide wisely.
Why Some Countries Offer Easier Citizenship?
-
Low Residency Requirements: Shorter waiting periods to qualify—from 2 to 5 years of residency—increase accessibility.
-
Dual Citizenship Allowed: Nations with no restrictions on holding multiple passports make it simpler to retain current citizenship while naturalizing.
-
Expedited Processing Times: Faster administrative procedures help applicants avoid long waits and uncertainty.
-
Family-Friendly Policies: Spousal, parental, and descendant routes allow families to qualify together under simplified rules.
-
Generous Ancestry Rights: Citizenship-by-descent provisions spanning multiple generations make lineage-based applications straightforward.
Countries like Malta, Portugal, Ireland, Bulgaria, the Netherlands, and Germany are often considered easiest for these reasons—they combine favorable residency rules, dual nationality allowances, efficient systems, and heritage-based pathways
Country Gives Free Citizenship – Frequently Asked Questions
Which Country Give Free Citizenship in Europe?
There is no EU country that offers truly “free” citizenship without any requirements. However, many offer low-cost or no-cost citizenship by descent, especially if you have a parent or grandparent from:
- Ireland
- Italy
- Poland
- Hungary
- Germany
- Lithuania
Which Country in Europe Is Easiest to Get Citizenship?
From a practical and cost-efficiency standpoint:
- Ireland and Italy are best for those with ancestry.
- Portugal is ideal for residency-based applicants due to its short 5-year path and minimal stay requirements.
- Malta offers one of the fastest investment paths but requires substantial funding.
How to Get a EU Passport as an American?
Americans can get an EU passport by:
- Claiming citizenship through a European ancestor.
- Becoming a long-term resident (via visa, work, or investment).
- Marrying an EU citizen and fulfilling residency requirements.
Read Also: Does the US allow dual citizenship?
What European Countries Have Birthright Citizenship?
Most EU countries follow jus sanguinis (right of blood), not jus soli (right of soil). However:
- France allows birthright citizenship under conditions.
- Ireland used to, but changed the law in 2005.
Which Country Is the Easiest to Get a Work Visa in Europe?
Top options:
- Germany – Blue Card (for skilled professionals)
- Portugal – D8 and D7 visas
- Spain – Digital Nomad Visa
- Netherlands – Startup Visa
Work permits often lead to residency, which counts toward eventual citizenship.
Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship by Investment?
Citizenship-by-investment programs exist in:
These programs are not “free,” but are among the fastest paths for high-net-worth individuals.
See full list here: Citizenship by Investment Program
Final Thoughts: Easiest Way to Get Citizenship in Europe
While no country in Europe gives completely free citizenship, many offer accessible and affordable paths — especially through:
- Descent (Italy, Ireland, Poland)
- Residency (Portugal, Sweden, France)
- Investment (Malta, Turkey)
If you’re asking “Where can I get citizenship easily?”, start by assessing your ancestry, budget, and long-term goals.
To explore all available routes — from citizenship by descent to citizenship by investment — consult our full resources at: Premium-Citizen.com
Summary
Getting European citizenship isn’t about finding a free handout — it’s about choosing the most realistic path based on your background, goals, and budget. Whether you have European ancestors, qualify through long-term residency, or wish to invest in your future, the easiest countries in Europe to get citizenship offer multiple entry points. From Portugal’s friendly naturalization laws to Ireland and Italy’s descent-based access, and Malta’s investment programs, there is a path for nearly every applicant.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you’re an American seeking an EU passport, a remote worker planning a long-term base in Europe, or an investor looking for global mobility:
✅ Explore your options at Premium-Citizen.com
✅ View the latest updates on residency-by-investment
✅ Or contact us directly for a consultation.
Your second passport could be closer than you think.
Related Posts
