Easiest Way to Get an EU Passport for Freelancers

Summary

This video provides a step-by-step guide on how to navigate the EU citizenship process for independent earners, including freelancers, business owners, and retirees. It highlights common mistakes, such as confusing residency with citizenship, and emphasizes the importance of consistent residency and a sustainable income. The video explores three main paths to residency—self-employment, remote income, and passive income—and details why the entrepreneur route is often the strongest. With practical country examples from France and Sweden, the video offers insights into building a credible and consistent path toward EU citizenship.

Takeaways

• 😀 Many people aim for an EU passport but often take the wrong approach by choosing easy visas that are difficult to renew.
• 😀 Residency doesn't automatically lead to citizenship—it's about the consistent, legal renewal of your residence status over time.
• 😀 For independent earners, there are three main categories for residency: self-employed/freelance, remote income, and passive income/retirement.
• 😀 The entrepreneur route (self-employed or business owner) is often the most reliable way to build towards EU citizenship.
• 😀 A real business, backed by financial support and a consistent record, strengthens your chances of securing long-term residency and eventual citizenship.
• 😀 The entrepreneur route requires planning, financial backing, proper registration, insurance, and consistent renewal of your status.
• 😀 France's talent passport offers a good pathway for entrepreneurs with a solid, credible business plan and financial backing (at least €30,000).
• 😀 In Sweden, entrepreneurs need to show proof of sufficient funds (around €18,900) to support themselves and their business, with family members also able to apply.
• 😀 Both France and Sweden offer a 5-year continuous residence rule before applying for citizenship, provided you meet all other requirements.
• 😀 Consistency is key—making sure your years of residency are clean and your paperwork matches your actual life is crucial to successfully applying for citizenship.

Q & A

What is the most common mistake people make when trying to get an EU passport?

The most common mistake people make is choosing an easy-to-enter visa that is difficult to renew, ignoring tax rules, or thinking that residency automatically leads to citizenship.

What does the video suggest is the best way to approach getting EU citizenship for independent earners?

The video suggests that independent earners, such as freelancers, business owners, and retirees, should focus on creating a consistent residence path, especially through the entrepreneur route, which involves having a real business and following the proper steps for residency renewal.

Why is the entrepreneur route considered the strongest path to EU citizenship?

The entrepreneur route is seen as strong because a business can answer key immigration questions: Why are you in the country? How do you support yourself? Are you contributing to the economy? If your business is consistent and sustainable, renewals become easier.

What are the three main categories of income that affect the EU residency process?

The three main categories of income are: self-employed or freelance income (working for yourself), remote income (working for foreign employers or clients), and passive income or retirement (living off pensions, savings, or rents without active work).

What are the essential steps for properly establishing an entrepreneur route in the EU?

To establish the entrepreneur route, you need a real business plan, proof of funds to support yourself, proper registration and accounting, health insurance, and consistency in renewing your residency year after year.

Can family members join the main applicant in the EU entrepreneur route?

Yes, in countries like France and Sweden, family members can join the main applicant. In France, spouses can also work, and in Sweden, family members can apply at the same time and receive permits for the same duration.

What is the general timeline for obtaining EU citizenship after obtaining residency?

Generally, after 5 years of continuous, habitual residence in a country, you can apply for citizenship, provided your residence status and paperwork are consistent and meet the country's specific requirements.

What is a key factor that immigration officers look for in your residency application?

Immigration officers look for consistency in your residency status over time. They assess whether your life aligns with the permit you hold and if your status makes sense year after year.

What role does financial backing play in the entrepreneur route for EU citizenship?

Financial backing is crucial, as EU countries like France and Sweden require proof that you have the funds to support your business and yourself. For example, France often requires a minimum of €30,000 in financial backing.

What are some additional factors that could impact the citizenship application process in EU countries?

Additional factors include the potential for interviews, language requirements, and extra checks. Citizenship is not an instant process, and applications and renewals take time.