Easiest Countries To Get Citizenship In Europe & Obtain an EU Passport in 2024

Imagine waking up as a citizen of one of Europe's vibrant countries, where history blends seamlessly with modernity, and unparalleled opportunities await in every city and village. European citizenship is not just about owning a passport; it's a gateway to a life of enriched cultural experiences, robust health benefits, and the freedom to work, travel, and live anywhere across this diverse continent. In this guide, we dive into the top 14 easiest countries to acquire citizenship in Europe, detailing pathways through descent and investment that simplify the journey to your European dream. Whether you're exploring your ancestral roots or seeking to invest in a new beginning, these countries offer the most straightforward routes to becoming a European citizen.

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What Makes European Citizenship Attractive?

European citizenship is highly prized for several compelling reasons:

• High Quality of Life: Countries in Europe are often ranked highest for quality of life indices, including safety, health services, and education.
• Freedom of Movement: A European passport allows the holder to live, work, and travel freely across 27 EU countries.
• Economic Opportunities: Europe's single market is ripe with business and job opportunities across diverse sectors.

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Ranking of the Easiest Countries for European Citizenship

The following countries provide some of the most accessible paths to citizenship, primarily through descent or investment.

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1. Ireland

• Pathway: Citizenship by Descent
• Eligibility: Individuals with at least one Irish parent or grandparent born on the island of Ireland.
• Notable Benefits: Visa-free access to many countries and the ability to live and work in the EU.

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2. Spain

• Pathway: Citizenship by Descent
• Eligibility Criteria: Typically available to individuals with at least one Spanish parent or, under specific conditions, Spanish grandparents.
• Notable Benefits: Full access to Spain's rich cultural heritage and the opportunity to participate fully in the economic and social frameworks of the EU.

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3. Italy

• Pathway: Citizenship by Descent
• Eligibility: Descendants of Italian citizens without generational limits, if the lineage is uninterrupted.
• Notable Benefits: Extensive visa-free travel and strong cultural heritage.

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4. Poland

• Pathway: Citizenship by Descent
• Eligibility: Individuals with at least one Polish parent or grandparent.
• Notable Benefits: Access to EU markets and freedom of movement within the Schengen Zone.

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5. Germany

• Pathway: Citizenship by Descent
• Eligibility: Descendants of German citizens, with some conditions linked to the date and circumstances of ancestors' emigration.
• Notable Benefits: Strong passport with excellent global mobility.

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6. Portugal

• Pathway: Citizenship by Descent
• Eligibility for Descent: Individuals with Portuguese grandparents are eligible under certain conditions.
• Notable Benefits: Minimal physical presence required, with full EU citizenship benefits.

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7. Greece

• Pathway: Citizenship by Descent or Golden Visa (Investment)
• Eligibility for Descent: Greek parent or grandparent.
• Investment Minimum: €250,000 in real estate.
• Notable Benefits: Visa-free travel within Schengen and a strategic location in Europe.

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8. Hungary

• Pathway: Citizenship by Descent
• Eligibility: Individuals with at least one Hungarian ancestor without generational limits.
• Notable Benefits: Central location in Europe and access to Schengen Zone.

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9. Czech Republic

• Pathway: Citizenship by Descent
• Eligibility: Descendants of Czech citizens, including those who lost citizenship due to historical reasons.
• Notable Benefits: Strong passport and central location in Europe.

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10. Slovakia

• Pathway: Citizenship by Descent
• Eligibility: Direct descendants of Slovak citizens.
• Notable Benefits: Access to Schengen Area and robust economic opportunities in the EU.

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11. Malta

• Pathway: Citizenship by Investment
• Investment Minimum: Donation of €600,000 to the national development fund and investment in real estate.
• Notable Benefits: Fast-track to citizenship with a robust due diligence process.

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12. Cyprus

• Pathway: Citizenship by Investment (program currently suspended, awaiting new regulations)
• Investment Minimum: Previously €2 million (for the old program).
• Notable Benefits: Previously offered instant citizenship; monitoring for new program details.

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13. France

• Pathway: Citizenship by Descent or Naturalization
• Eligibility for Descent: Individuals with at least one French parent.
• Notable Benefits: Powerful passport with extensive global freedom.

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14. Lithuania

• Pathway: Citizenship by Descent
• Eligibility: Descendants of Lithuanians, especially those who left the country during specific historical periods.
• Notable Benefits: Access to the EU and relatively straightforward application process.