What is the easiest way to obtain EU citizenship in 2021?

What is European citizenship

The EU is an international organization that includes 28 European countries that are members of the union, and another 5 countries are in accession mode. Citizens of EU countries have two types of citizenship at once: the country in which they live and citizenship of the European Union. There are a number of states that are not part of the EU, but also provide visiting benefits to European citizens.

In fact, European citizenship is a designation on the passport of a citizen of a country that is part of the European Union. And this mark gives the right to a number of advantages when visiting other countries that are also members of the EU, or have some agreements with the EU.

Process of obtaining EU citizenship

Stages of obtaining EU citizenship

In most cases, it is possible to obtain EU citizenship by going through three mandatory stages:

1. Obtaining a residence permit (residence permit). To do this, it is enough to enter the country on one of the above grounds and live in it for a specified amount of time. At the same time, the requirements that apply to applicants for citizenship remain the same in relation to applicants for obtaining a residence permit. A residence permit allows you to stay in the country for a longer period than on the basis of a visa. Based on a residence permit, you can legally stay in the country for at least a year; after the residence permit, it can be extended for a year or two. It is possible to obtain a residence permit at the consulate, where you must submit an application and the corresponding package of documents. The conditions for submission and the list of documents should be clarified at the consulate of the selected country, as they may differ slightly depending on the current legislation, the country’s migration policy and the basis for obtaining a residence permit. The standard package of documents for a residence permit includes a foreign passport, a medical insurance policy, an account statement indicating the availability of sufficient funds for living, documents providing grounds for obtaining a residence permit (certificate of enrollment, work contract, marriage registration certificate, etc.) . All documents must be provided in the language of the state issuing the residence permit. If the document was originally issued in another language, then the original and its copy, translated and certified in accordance with the norms of office work, are provided.
2. Obtaining a permit for permanent residence (permanent residence) in the country . Permanent residence is issued to citizens who have lived in the country on the basis of a residence permit for 5-7 years and have complied with the laws of the country and migration policy. The key condition for obtaining permanent residence is maintaining the relevance of the reasons for entering the country (marriage, employment, doing business, investments, and so on). Permanent residence provides almost the same benefits as citizenship of the country, with the exception of taking part in the political life of the country, including participating and voting in elections and holding public office. A number of categories of citizens can obtain permanent residence under a simplified scheme, without waiting for the established period of residence in the country of 5-7 years. These categories of citizens include citizens who have married a citizen of a European state, citizens moving to the country to reunite with their family, and investors in the country’s economy.
3. Citizenship. Based on residence in the country for several years with permanent residence status, you can apply for citizenship of the country. The time frame may vary in different countries; on average, you can apply for citizenship after 2-5 years of residence under permanent residence. These terms will depend not only on the chosen state, but also on the basis for which the move was made. In this case, passing an exam on knowledge of the national language will be a mandatory condition. Citizenship of an EU country gives you the opportunity to hold public office, the right to vote and be elected.

In most EU countries, despite differences in legislation and migration policies, the scheme for obtaining citizenship is quite similar. Therefore, you can rely on general instructions and algorithm, taking into account the distinctive features of the country, which are most often associated with the timing of submission and consideration of documents and the requirements for financial security of the future citizen of the country.

Obtaining EU citizenship for Russian citizens is as follows:

• Submitting an application and the required package of documents,
• Passing an interview, testing (oral or written) for language proficiency, knowledge of the history, culture and laws of the host country,
• Screening the candidate for compliance with requirements and compliance with laws,
• Taking the oath. If citizenship is granted with the condition of renunciation of the previous one, then before this moment it is necessary to submit documents on renunciation of Russian citizenship. If citizenship is retained, the country's authorities must be notified of the acquisition of a second citizenship within three years.

How to choose a country to obtain citizenship?

In order to choose a particular country, you should not just visit it several times, but carefully study the culture, living conditions, national characteristics, and the laws of the country, including regarding migration policy. Since moving will require significant financial expenses, you should make sure of your financial capabilities and plan a budget for the near future.

It is important to evaluate the following aspects:

• The standard of living in the country, the most promising countries in this regard are England and Switzerland,
• Crime rate and residential safety,
• infrastructure,
• Features of the mentality of local residents, the closest mentalities can be considered the former Soviet republics, as well as Malta, where many people from the CIS live,
• Laws of the country
• The system of payment and calculation of taxes, the most attractive conditions of the tax system in Malta and Cyprus,
• Local traditions and customs,
• Quality and variety of food,
• Opportunities for education and employment,
• Level of daily household expenses (transport, Internet, cellular communications, utility costs),
• Features of the organization of the social sphere (medical care, child care facilities, pensions, availability of social benefits and payments).

Where is the easiest way to obtain EU citizen status?

In a number of countries, it is quite difficult to obtain citizenship; the process itself is accompanied by very thorough checks; the slightest errors in documents lead to the cancellation of the request. Such countries include Denmark or Austria.

The easiest way to obtain EU citizen status is in those countries that need serious financial injections into the economy. That is, if they have money and are willing to invest it, wealthy citizens can obtain citizenship of the country in a fairly short time. It is also easy to obtain citizenship in countries where there simply are not enough workers in certain specialties.

Such countries include:

• Spain, which gives a residence permit in exchange for an investment of 160,000 euros, but will still have to pay annual taxes on all owned property, including those located in Russia or other countries,
• Bulgaria, where a residence permit can be obtained when purchasing real estate worth more than 300,000 euros or when opening a business with a certain efficiency,
• Hungary, where a residence permit can be obtained by purchasing government bonds in the amount of 250,000 euros for a period of 5 years,
• Latvia, where in exchange for purchasing real estate worth more than 250,000 euros or opening a deposit of 280,000 euros for 5 years in a Latvian bank, you can obtain a residence permit in a short time and quickly become an EU citizen,
• Greece, which issues a residence permit for the purchase of real estate in the amount of 250,000 euros or a similar deposit in a local bank, subject to its monthly replenishment of 2,000 euros,
• Poland, where a Pole card is valid, giving the right to reside in the country. It is quite easy for residents of Russia to obtain such a card, even without historical roots in the country. If you wish, the Polish authorities themselves will “find” these same roots for you. Based on the Pole's card, permanent residence is issued, and after two years you can apply for citizenship.
• Lithuania, where you can get a residence permit by opening a business with a capital of 14,500 euros and creating a small number of jobs,
• Estonia.

These countries are relatively new to the EU, so when choosing them, it is worth knowing about some of the existing restrictions for citizens of these states in movement within the EU, employment and education.

Benefits of European citizenship

What does EU citizenship provide - a number of advantages:

Study and work in EU countries

An EU citizen has the opportunity to live and work in any EU country, as well as in a number of additional states. To do this, it is enough to obtain a foreign passport - no other documents or permits are required. Considering the economic stability of these countries, this point is an important advantage.

Tourism without a visa

To travel around the EU countries and a number of other countries, you do not need to spend time and money on obtaining visas and permits. This will allow you to visit a maximum of desired points in a short vacation period.

European education

European education is considered prestigious. In addition, it is easier to study in the EU than in the USA or Russia. An EU citizen has the right to free education in most EU countries. Diplomas from EU universities are accepted almost all over the world, even without confirmation.

Quality medicine

Of course, the quality of medicine depends on the country itself, but a citizen of the European Union has the right to choose the corner of Europe that he likes best and go there for treatment without any additional documents - he only needs a foreign passport. At the same time, the EU provides its citizens with insurance that guarantees quality medical care even for people with low incomes.

Doing Business

Doing business in Europe is not difficult, as the law provides equal rights for all entrepreneurs. Corruption is at a minimum level, conditions for businessmen are transparent, and the state is ready to provide support to budding entrepreneurs. Add here the absence of bureaucracy and a developed consumer market - this provides ideal conditions for doing business.

High level of social development

EU countries are focused on a decent standard of living. The quality of products, favorable prices in comparison with salaries, the safety of citizens in the legal field - these are priority factors for the EU countries.

Advantages of EU citizenship for Russians

What attracts Russians to the EU? Architecture, culture, history, painting? This will certainly be of interest to tourists. But those who consider the EU countries as an alternative to Russia probably think in slightly different terms. For them, citizenship of one of the eurozone countries will guarantee:

• Possibility to travel without visas. Most civilized EU countries are in the Schengen zone. This means the right to freedom of entry and movement within this zone if you have citizenship of one of the member countries.
• Right of residence. The holder of a passport from one of the EU countries has the right to live in any other country of the union without additional visa or residence permit/permanent residence permit.
• Economic rights. Citizenship of an EU country allows a Russian to legally work in any of the countries of the union, buy real estate in them, and conduct business.
• Social benefits. Despite having a Russian passport, the person will receive the right to healthcare, education, insurance and other opportunities of the state social security system of the country of second citizenship.
• Diplomatic protection. While in any country other than the EU and the Russian Federation, a binational citizen will be able to claim protection from a European state.
• Reliability and stability. The EU is considered one of the most stable economic and political interstate entities on the planet. It includes countries with the highest standards of living in the world. It is not for nothing that prosperous EU countries are the most attractive for immigration.

More information in the article “Citizenship in the European Union”.

Who can obtain EU citizenship

EU countries independently put forward requirements for potential visitors to their territory. However, there are a number of basic requirements for those wishing to obtain EU citizenship, which are relevant throughout Europe:

Clean criminal history

If in the past a person has committed crimes against human life, as well as violations in the tax sphere, then it is very likely that he will be refused a European passport and the corresponding citizenship.

Financial well-being

Living in Europe is an expensive pleasure, and when moving it is important to have a reserve of finances for the first time. We are not talking about large fortunes; you just need to confirm the availability of finances for living and renting an apartment for a period of three months. The applicant must also confirm a source of income that will provide a decent standard of living for him and his family.

Knowledge of and respect for language, laws and culture

The reason for refusal to obtain European citizenship may be expressed disrespect for language, law or culture.

The easiest way to get EU citizenship - Montenegro causes problems

The former Yugoslav Republic of Montenegro is viewed more as a potential member of the European Union, which at this stage offers to acquire citizenship for investments in small amounts compared to the same Cyprus.

The following categories of foreigners can participate in the Montenegro immigration program:

• Must be at least 18 years old for the main applicant.
• No criminal record under articles of the Criminal Code.
• The person is a citizen of a state that is not a member of the EU.

Investments are immediately divided into two mandatory financial options. The investor must not only make a non-refundable contribution to the State Development Fund in the amount of 100,000 euros, which will be used to support non-tourist regions of the country, but also purchase real estate in the amount of:

• 250,000 euros - in the underdeveloped northern regions of the state.
• 450,000 - in tourist-attractive developed areas of the country.

The selection of objects is made only from the list approved by the Montenegrin government.

Each applicant will bear the following additional costs. State data processing fee - 15,000 plus 10,000 for each dependent in an application from a family of up to 4 people. For the fifth and subsequent ones you have to pay an additional 50,000.

The legislation provides for up to 6 months for consideration of the application. Each applicant undergoes a thorough background check. And herein lies the main problem of this jurisdiction.

Perhaps the authorities want more trust from the European Commission in order to definitely become a full-fledged member of the European Union by 2025. However, the situation is such that almost half of the total number of applications for citizenship by investment are refused.

For Montenegro, the final final round of negotiations with European officials on accession to the European Union has begun. It could significantly impact the future of the nation's citizenship by investment program. Therefore, its prospects remain vague.

How to obtain EU citizenship: schemes

You can obtain EU citizenship in 3 ways, which are the main ones in immigration to most EU countries:

By right of birth or in case of adoption

A number of countries grant citizenship by birth, as well as in cases of adoption, provided that one of the parents is already a citizen of the country.

Repatriation

This option for obtaining EU citizenship is available to those whose ancestors lived in one of the countries in Europe. But the ancestors should not be too distant - at least great-grandparents. The most difficult thing in the repatriation procedure is to prove the fact of kinship and residence; if you can prove this, then after six months of consideration there is a real chance to receive a European-style passport. Some countries may require you to pass exams on knowledge of language and culture; you will have to prove your knowledge of the laws in any country. This method of obtaining EU citizenship is considered the simplest and cheapest.

Naturalization

The method is long, but does not require individual conditions. This option for obtaining an EU passport is popular among Russian citizens. The conditions are as follows: you need to legally live in the country for the specified period without leaving (some countries give minimum travel periods), and if you follow the rules, you can count on EU citizenship.

Investments

Obtaining EU citizenship through investment is considered the easiest, but at the same time financially expensive way. The EU for investment does not require long residence in the country, the presence of relatives or any grounds for obtaining a passport. It is necessary to invest a certain amount of funds as an investment and obtain citizenship. Some countries do not even require visiting the country; you can receive a passport by mail.

Some countries set investment retention periods, usually from one to 5 years, but this depends on the country - after which the finances can be returned.

It is worth noting that some countries do not provide for such citizenship, but it is possible to buy an EU passport in this way.

The easiest way to obtain EU citizenship - choosing a jurisdiction

The authorities of the European Union, including the European Parliament and the European Commission, do not want to issue citizenship for investments of their EU member countries, but welcome the issuance of a residence permit for the same funds. They can be understood, thus, foreigners receive the right to long-term residence in the territory of the European Union, but do not receive the right to vote. And the authorities are thus confident that the share of their supporters will not be eroded. That is, European officials are fighting to maintain their power.

For the same reason, at the end of 2021, citizenship by investment can only be acquired in Cyprus among all member countries of the European Union. There is a lot of advertising on the Internet about second passports from Montenegro, Turkey and Moldova, but they are still only candidates for the European Union. And if they become full members, they will likely end their economic immigration programs.

Moldova has already done this under pressure from European officials. Its citizenship by investment program has been closed since September 1, 2020 by the relevant law.

Bulgaria, Greece and Portugal offer accelerated acquisition of citizenship by naturalization after acquiring a residence permit for investments in their economy or real estate.

Other EU member states offer their own residence permits for qualified foreign workers and investors, but obtaining citizenship status will take the same time as regular naturalization. For example, in Germany the process of naturalization before obtaining citizen status lasts 8 years from the date of granting a temporary residence permit on the basis of official work, business or study.

Therefore, the choice of jurisdiction is limited. Read our article to the end to find out the most acceptable and affordable option for the easiest way to obtain EU citizenship.

In which EU country is it easier to obtain citizenship?

It is impossible to answer the question “Which country is the easiest to obtain EU citizenship”, since everywhere has its own difficulties and individual characteristics. But we can distinguish 2 most popular schemes for quickly and easily obtaining EU citizenship - the option of obtaining a special applicant status (repatriates, refugees, married people, etc.) and the option of business immigration (investment). Each scheme should be considered separately.

On repatriation

A fast way, with simplified requirements and shortened deadlines. You just need to prove your ethnicity; living in the status of residence permit and permanent residence is not required, nor is it necessary to renounce your first citizenship. It is considered a fairly simple option in cases where evidence can be provided.

Poland, Romania, Lithuania and a number of other countries provide this program for residents of the CIS countries.

By marriage

All EU countries imply a simplified procedure for obtaining a residence permit for the life partner of an EU citizen, and it also allows one to significantly reduce the time frame for submitting a request for citizenship. But marriage must be real. It is difficult to maintain a fiction at the level of reality; the lie will be revealed and after that you can forget about EU citizenship, and sometimes about entering the country’s territory, forever.

Which EU country is the easiest to obtain citizenship in?

It's time to figure out which European country is easier to obtain citizenship in. The requirements of almost all countries are identical, but their implementation in each country has its own characteristics. For example, living in Italy continuously for 10 years is much easier than obtaining a permanent residence permit in Denmark.

But, given that the conditions for granting citizenship are presented according to a single scheme, the countries where it is easiest to obtain a European passport include countries that have a simplified system for granting citizenship “by investment”.

The fastest way to obtain citizenship is in Cyprus: it is enough to invest 2 million euros in Cypriot real estate and a passport of a European country is guaranteed.

There are also more budget offers. For example, to obtain a Maltese passport, you need to contribute 650 thousand euros to the National Social Development Fund, or buy real estate for 350 thousand euros and own it for at least 5 years, or invest at least 150 thousand euros in government bonds.

Spain has similar offers: here you can buy real estate for 500 thousand euros and get a residence permit, which, however, does not automatically give you the right to citizenship.

Latvia, Portugal, Greece and some other countries have similar programs. But it is faster, easier and cheaper to obtain citizenship in Bulgaria. The program, operating in 2021, allows foreigners to invest amounts of at least 2 million leva (1 million euros), obtain permanent residence and, within 1 year after receiving it, apply for a Bulgarian passport.

Immigration to Europe through work

If you have a high level of knowledge of a foreign language, as well as a profession in demand, immigration is possible by getting a job.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to accurately predict the conditions and timing of immigration, since this depends on a number of unstable factors - the demand for the profession in the labor market, communications, personal qualities.

To choose a country, you need to study the economic characteristics of the country and the market for in-demand professions on its territory. For example, moving to Eastern Europe to get a job will not work - there are too many unemployed people there and they hire citizens directly for positions. And in Western Europe, a foreigner can only get a job if he is a specialist in a narrow or in-demand field.

In addition, it is important to analyze the country for immigration, living standards and wages. The expected salary should not be at the subsistence level, in which case the relocation will be denied. The best countries for employment immigration are Germany, Sweden and Denmark. However, life in these countries is characterized by an extremely high standard, and therefore high prices - this should not be forgotten.

Studies

By entering university or taking long-term language courses, you can come to the country and settle in it. The option of learning a language is common, because it does not require much effort and investment.

Many EU countries allow foreigners to study either for free or for a fee. The only condition is that you need to study and take exams in the official state language of the country.

When studying, a residence permit is issued for a period of 1 year, which is extended when moving from course to course. After graduation, time is provided for employment.

For students, a residence permit is issued for 1 year with further extension. Graduates after graduation have a grace period to find a job. For example, in Germany, a student who receives a diploma is given a year to find a job. Afterwards you can apply for permanent residence and citizenship.

What does EU citizenship give?

Obtaining an EU passport is a cherished dream for a huge number of people around the world, including Russians, Ukrainians and Belarusians. This is not surprising, because this is what citizenship in a European Union country gives:

• Living and working in any EU country. For example, a Polish citizen can easily travel to Germany by presenting only a foreign passport.
• Visa-free travel, the number of countries available depends on each EU member state. Citizens of Spain can visit 168 countries without the need for a visa, and people with a Bulgarian passport can travel to 160 countries.
• High quality training. According to the international ranking of higher education institutions World University Rankings, in 2021 three European universities took places in the top ten. Education in the European Union is recognized as one of the best and most in demand. At the same time, it is affordable when compared with the United States: EU citizens can enroll in a higher education institution completely free of charge, and those universities that do require payment are affordable.
• Modern medicine. Its quality and cost differ in different parts of the EU, but in any country you can get quality medical care for any budget with the help of insurance. This is especially important in matters of dentistry, childbirth and operating activities.
• Convenient conditions for doing business. EU passport holders have the opportunity to conduct business according to transparent and fair rules, without corruption and with a minimum of bureaucracy.
• High quality of life. Affordable and high-quality food and consumer goods, low crime rates and social security are important advantages of EU citizenship.

Do you want to get EU citizenship in 12 months? Take the free test and find out your chances.

EU citizenship for Russians and residents of CIS countries

The easiest way for Russians to obtain EU citizenship is through long-term repatriation. To do this, you need to prove the presence of “roots”, then submit documents and wait about 24 months. A number of countries may have additional requirements, so it is better to familiarize yourself with the conditions in advance.

In 2021, the fastest way for a citizen of the Russian Federation to obtain EU citizenship is in Romania. The deadline for obtaining is 24 months, the conditions are to prove Romanian roots. A big plus is the possibility of obtaining dual citizenship.

The easiest way to get EU citizenship - Malta changes the rules

Malta is a full member of the European Union. Even before the middle of this summer, it was accepting applications under the economic citizenship program.

According to a recent government announcement, Malta has ended the Individual Investor Program (IIP), which offered citizenship by investment to foreigners, and is changing it to a residency (golden visa) scheme after September.

Applications for a second passport under the Malta Individual Investor Scheme Regulations will be accepted until 30 September 2021. Licensed immigration agents were accepting applications under this program until July 31, 2020. After this deadline, IIP will officially close.

Citizenship by investment will now be replaced by a new residence-based scheme (RPS), which offers two investment routes to become a citizen after living in Malta. Applications for IIP will not be accepted after September. The program has raised €1.4 billion so far.

The Malta Residency Scheme offers investment with improved investment conditions which will make it more expensive. The new program will also make it impossible to obtain citizenship without living in Malta for at least one year.

New changes from September 2021:

1. Two investment routes that are open to the residency scheme:

• pay 750,000 euros (citizenship after 1 year).
• pay 600,000 euros (citizenship after 3 years).

1. Limited quotas: 400 nationalities per year and a total limit of 1,500.
2. There is also a mandatory donation of €10,000 to a registered charity.
3. The purchase price of real estate increases to 700,000 euros (from 350,000 euros previously).
4. The minimum rent for renting housing, as an alternative to purchasing real estate, increases to 18,000 euros (from 16,000 euros) per year.
5. The candidate must undergo Due Diligence before submitting an application.
6. Applicants must pay an additional €50,000 for each dependent.

The agency that accepted applications for citizenship by investment will be closed and a new agency will be introduced to handle the affairs.

The names of new citizens will be published annually in the newsletter (no changes).

The new changes have been approved by the Cabinet of Ministers and will be approved by Parliament shortly.

The abolition of the citizenship by investment program was done to strengthen relations with the European Commission after it raised concerns about the risks posed by the scheme. The European Union categorically does not welcome the distribution of citizenship for money. The innovations are welcomed by the Malta Chamber of Commerce.

It is also worth noting that under the Malta Economic Citizenship Program there were 4 cases of problematic applicants. In this regard, two families have already been deprived of citizenship, two more families are being checked and are waiting for a final decision.

Thus, Malta has dropped out of the race of jurisdictions that offer citizenship by investment. Now its “golden visa” program is more similar to the Portuguese one.