The Easiest Countries in Europe to Obtain Citizenship | EU Passport Without Investment

Summary

This video outlines the most accessible countries in Europe for obtaining citizenship by residence. It ranks 27 countries, considering factors like language proficiency, residence time, and other integration requirements. Some countries, such as Sweden and Ireland, have relatively easy processes, while others, like Spain and Portugal, present more challenges. The video highlights benefits like dual citizenship and special fast-track options for certain nationalities. The guide provides a thorough overview of how different countries in Europe offer citizenship paths based on varying conditions and personal backgrounds.

Takeaways

• 😀 Spain offers a unique two-tier citizenship system based on ancestry or nationality, with fast-track options for those from Latin America, Portugal, or with Sephardic Jewish ancestry.
• 😀 Obtaining Portuguese citizenship is relatively easy with a 5-year residence requirement and A2 Portuguese proficiency, but upcoming changes may raise the residency requirement to 10 years.
• 😀 Germany has recently become more attractive for citizenship, with a reduced 5-year residence requirement and a 3-year fast track for those with exceptional integration efforts.
• 😀 Sweden allows citizenship after 5 years of habitual residence, with no current formal language test or civic knowledge exam, although changes are planned for 2025.
• 😀 Ireland’s citizenship process is highly flexible, requiring only 5 years of residence, with no formal language test or civic knowledge exam, and it permits dual citizenship.
• 😀 Malta has one of the shortest residence requirements for citizenship (5 years), offers English as an official language, and does not require formal language proficiency tests for applicants.
• 😀 Luxembourg offers a straightforward citizenship path, requiring just 5 years of legal residence, a lower language requirement, and acceptance of dual citizenship.
• 😀 France requires 5 years of residence for citizenship, with a B2 French proficiency requirement and a test covering French history, culture, and society.
• 😀 Belgium has citizenship requirements based on regional language needs (Dutch, French, or German) and requires 5 years of continuous residence, with reduced requirements for spouses.
• 😀 Cyprus offers one of the more flexible paths to citizenship, with a 5-year residence requirement that can be reduced by proving Greek language fluency or marriage to a Cypriot citizen.
• 😀 Croatia's naturalization process requires 8 years of continuous residence or just 3 years if married to a Croatian citizen, with Croatian language proficiency and cultural tests involved.

Q & A

What is the general residence requirement for Croatian citizenship?

The general residence requirement for Croatian citizenship is 8 years of continuous residence. However, this can be reduced to 3 years if married to a Croatian citizen.

Are there any exemptions for Croatian language proficiency?

Yes, individuals over the age of 60 are exempt from the Croatian language proficiency requirement.

What are the language requirements for Czech citizenship?

For Czech citizenship, applicants must have B1 proficiency in the Czech language. This is assessed through an approved language test.

What is the residence requirement for Cyprus citizenship?

The residence requirement for Cyprus citizenship is 7 years of legal residence. However, if married to a Cypriot citizen, this requirement is reduced to 3 years.

How does the language requirement for Cyprus citizenship differ from other countries?

Cyprus offers flexibility in its language requirement. If applicants prove fluency in Greek, they can reduce their citizenship time to just 5 years.

How long does the naturalization process take in France?

The naturalization process in France typically takes 5 years of residence. However, this period drops to just 2 years for individuals who have completed higher education in France or made exceptional contributions to science, culture, or sports.

What language proficiency is required for French citizenship?

Applicants for French citizenship must demonstrate B2 proficiency in French, both orally and in writing. A valid certificate within the last two years is required.

What are the language requirements for Belgium citizenship?

Belgium requires different language proficiency based on the region. Applicants in the Flemish region need Dutch proficiency, while those in Wallonia need French, and in the German-speaking community, German is required.

How does Luxembourg make citizenship more accessible?

Luxembourg makes citizenship more accessible by requiring only 5 years of legal residence. Additionally, the language proficiency requirement is lower than many other countries, with B1 proficiency for speaking and A2 for listening.

How does Portugal's citizenship path currently compare to proposed changes?

Currently, Portugal requires 5 years of residence and A2 Portuguese proficiency. However, proposed changes in 2025 would increase the residence requirement to 10 years and introduce stricter language requirements.

What are the key features of Germany's new citizenship laws effective from June 2024?

Germany's new citizenship laws allow dual nationality and reduce the residence requirement from 8 years to 5 years. Additionally, a 3-year fast-track option is available for those who show exceptional integration, such as through volunteer work.

How does Malta's citizenship process differ from other countries in terms of language requirements?

Malta does not require a formal language proficiency test for English or Maltese, which makes it unique compared to other countries with strict language requirements. However, applicants must demonstrate a good knowledge of Maltese and the country’s culture.

What makes Ireland’s citizenship process one of the easiest in Europe?

Ireland’s citizenship process is one of the easiest due to its 5-year residence requirement with no formal language test, no civic knowledge exam, and a straightforward process that allows for flexible periods of residence.

How does Sweden's citizenship process currently compare to upcoming changes?

Currently, Sweden requires 5 years of residence for citizenship, which drops to 3 years for those married to Swedish citizens. There is no formal language or civic test at the moment, but significant changes are expected by the second half of 2025, including a potential B1 Swedish language test and a cultural knowledge exam.

How does Spain's citizenship system differ based on applicants’ heritage?

Spain has a dual citizenship system. Applicants from Latin America, Portugal, or with Sephardic Jewish ancestry can apply for citizenship after just 2 years of residence. In contrast, other applicants face a standard 10-year residence requirement.