EU states with the easiest citizenship procedures 

As experts in international migration and citizenship matters, we aim to provide valuable insights and guidance to individuals considering relocation and exploring the benefits of obtaining a European passport. In today's globalized world, having a European passport can offer a multitude of advantages and open up a world of opportunities.

Below you will find the information about the immigration procedure in several European Union states. We will describe the easiest ways of achieving residence or citizenship, and the main requirements for the applicants.

TOP7 EU countries with an easy registration of id-card

Have you ever thought about simplifying relocation to the EU? If yes, the article below will provide you with the appropriate information.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria presents the Fast-Track Citizenship Program, a remarkable opportunity for individuals to acquire citizenship by investment. The process encompasses the submission of an application, comprehensive background checks, and fulfilling the investment requirements.

Essential documents include a valid passport, birth certificate, police clearance certificate, medical certificate, proof of making an investment, and additional supporting documents in accordance with the program rules.

To be eligible, applicants must make a significant investment in the country, which can be in the form of government bonds or job creation. In 2023 this sum should be at least 500,000 BGN or the equivalent which is approximately 250,000 euro. Additionally, fulfilling residence requirements and passing background checks are necessary steps in the process.

Hungary

Hungary had closed its Residency Bond Program, a pathway to residence by making a financial investment. However, in 2023, there are new programs, which help people to get Hungarian citizenship faster and easier, than ever. The applicants should buy completed residential real estate (which costs approximately 150,000 euro).

Applicants are required to provide a valid passport, birth certificate, police clearance and medical certificates, proof of investment, and other supporting documents as deemed necessary.

Specific requirements include passing the Due Diligence testing and buying the property within 3 months after registering a temporary residence visa by the applicant.

Latvia

Latvia offers the Residency by Investment Program, enabling individuals to obtain residence and potential citizenship through investments in real estate or business. The application process comprises submission, fulfilling investment requirements, and undergoing background checks.

The necessary documents include a valid passport, birth certificate, police clearance certificate, medical certificate, proof of investment, and other supporting documents as per the program's requirements.

To be eligible, applicants need to make investment in real estate, capital, no-interest special bonds or a Latvian business. Moreover, fulfilling residence requirements and passing background checks are crucial steps in the process.

Latvian citizenship can be obtained within 5 years of achieving permanent residence permit.

Malta

Malta offers the Individual Investor Program (IIP), allowing applicants to obtain citizenship through investment. The process involves application submission, due diligence checks, and investment fulfillment.

There are only two ways of getting Maltese golden visa, such as investing in national development fund about 600,000 euro or 750,000 euro (the applicant will be able to acquire the citizenship within 3 years or one year accordingly) and Malta Permanent residency program, which requires €100,000 of investing. In accordance with the last one, the candidate will be able to apply for citizenship of the country after 5 years of residence.

Greece

Greece presents the Golden Visa Program, granting residence and potential citizenship through investment in real estate. The process involves application submission, fulfilling investment requirements, and meeting residence criteria.

The minimum investment amount for investing in a property is raised to €500,000 in specific regions. However, it still can be lower (approximately €250,000) in the others.

Slovenia

It is quite possible to become a citizen of Slovenia if you are willing to invest in a local business and then wait to become naturalized.

First of all, people, who are looking for making an investment, should know, that submission of the application to the Slovenian embassy must be proceeded in their country of residence.

However, there is the opportunity to become a citizen even faster – by repatriation. That means, all the applicants should present their territorial or national affiliation, to restore citizenship. Even though, that repatriation grants the immigrants with the citizenship, their family members will not be able to get it with them. Thus, using the investment procedure, family members of the applicants will obtain the citizenship either.

Requirements for the applicants will be different depending on the chosen immigration procedure.

Spain

Spain offers the Golden Visa Program, providing residence and a pathway to citizenship through investment in real estate. The application process comprises submission, fulfilling investment requirements, and meeting residence criteria.

Investment options:

• Real estate acquisition: (minimum 500,000 euro needed for investing). It does not matter if you want to buy commercial or residential real estate;
• Investing in Treasury Bonds (minimum of €1,000,000);
• Investing in bank deposits €1,000,000 (in Spanish financial institution);
• Opening a business, which will impact on the social aspect of the country in a positive way. On the other hand, it is possible to contribute to a business project. The sum of investment is €1,000,000;

Getting citizenship by investment procedure will be available just in 10 years of residing in the state.

Ending note

If you are looking to get an ID-card of the country of relocation or even if you still have doubts about picking the correct country for relocation, you should compare all the states above in accordance with your specific requirements. The countries listed by us are considered to be the easiest for getting citizenship for years. Nevertheless, it is important to note that the specific requirements and procedures may vary, and it is recommended to consult the experts before making a decision about starting the registration process.