Your Complete Guide to Obtaining European Union Citizenship in 2025

Imagine being able to live, work, or study across 27 countries without needing another visa. That’s what EU citizenship offers, real freedom of movement, stable healthcare access, and job opportunities anywhere from Berlin to Barcelona.

In this guide, we breakdown every way you can qualify for EU citizenship, from ancestry and long-term residency to marriage and investment routes.

We’ll show you which countries offer the most accessible programs, what the requirements look like in real terms, and how to avoid common pitfalls. If you're aiming to secure a long-term future in Europe or simply want the freedom to move when and where you want, understanding your options starts here.

Understanding EU Citizenship Benefits

What are the key advantages of having EU citizenship?

EU citizenship comes with automatic rights that extend beyond your country of origin. These include:

How powerful are EU passports?

As of 2025, EU passports remain among the strongest in the world. Citizens of Germany, France, Spain, and Italy, for example, enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 194 countries and territories, according to the latest global mobility data.

Can EU citizenship protect your rights in uncertain times?

Yes. EU law protects citizens’ rights across borders, from data privacy to labor protections. During crises (like the COVID-19 pandemic), EU citizens had faster repatriation options, priority access to healthcare in member states, and broader financial support schemes compared to non-residents.

Main Pathways to EU Citizenship

Depending on your family history, lifestyle, or financial capacity, you may be eligible through four main routes: ancestry, residency, marriage, or investment. Here’s how each one works in 2025.

Citizenship by Descent (Ancestry)

If you have European roots, you might already qualify for citizenship without ever having lived in the EU.

• Italy: No generational limit, as long as no ancestor renounced Italian citizenship.
• Ireland: You qualify if your grandparent was born in Ireland, or if your parent was already a citizen when you were born.
• Poland and Germany: Allow recovery of citizenship if you can prove ancestry and meet legal criteria.

This path is document-heavy but often faster and cheaper than other routes, especially since it doesn’t require you to move.

Naturalization Through Residency

Most EU countries let long-term residents apply for citizenship, typically after 5–10 years. Some key timelines:

• Portugal: 5 years
• Germany: 8 years (or 5 with integration)
• Spain: 10 years (reduced to 2 for citizens of Latin American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, or Equatorial Guinea)

You'll usually need to pass a language exam, prove financial stability, and show that you’ve integrated into local society.

Marriage to an EU Citizen

Marriage gives you access to a faster track, but not instant citizenship. Residency is usually still required, and rules vary:

• France: Apply after 4 years of marriage (3 if living in France continuously)
• Spain: 1 year of residency after marriage
• Germany: Typically requires 3 years of residence plus 2 years of marriage

Expect to provide documentation like shared leases, bank statements, and possibly attend interviews to prove the relationship is genuine.

Citizenship by Investment (Golden Visas)

Some countries offer fast-tracked citizenship through substantial financial contributions. While most begin with residency, they can lead to full citizenship:

• Portugal: Investment from €500,000 in funds or other qualifying assets, with eligibility for citizenship after 5 years.
• Greece: Offers investment-based residency with a path to naturalization after 7–10 years.

These programs involve strict due diligence, legal checks, and investment retention periods.

EU Countries Offering Citizenship by Investment

Not all EU countries allow direct citizenship through investment, but several offer residency-by-investment programs (Golden Visas) that can lead to citizenship after a certain number of years. In 2025, the list of truly active, reputable programs is shrinking due to tighter EU regulations, but a few strong options remain.

Portugal Golden Visa Program

Portugal no longer offers citizenship directly through investment, but its Golden Visa still provides a viable path to a second passport, if you’re willing to wait.

As of 2025:

• Real estate is no longer a qualifying option.
• Minimum investment: €500,000 in regulated investment funds or scientific research, or €250,000 in cultural heritage support.
• Physical stay requirement: just 7 days per year on average.
• You can apply for citizenship after 5 years of holding residency, even if you haven’t lived full-time in Portugal.

It’s still one of the most accessible paths to EU citizenship, especially for those not ready to relocate full-time.

Read our full blog on the Portugal Golden Visa Program here.

Greece Golden Visa Program

Greece offers Europe’s most affordable residency-by-investment entry point, starting at €250,000 in real estate, though this minimum is €400,000–€800,000 in some cities.

Key features:

• Residency granted in about 3–6 months
• No minimum stay requirement (you can live elsewhere)
• Family members included (spouse, children, and parents)

However, Greek naturalization rules are strict: you need 7 years of residency, pass a language and culture test, and spend significant time in-country, so this is more of a long-term play.

Read our blog on the Types of Residence Permits in Greece here.

Cyprus Golden Visa Program

Cyprus shut down its direct citizenship-by-investment scheme in 2020 following EU pressure. But now, it offers a Golden visa program, which in the long run can lead to citizenship.

That said, Cyprus still offers residency through investment starting from €300,000 in real estate, and you can apply for citizenship after 7 years of legal residence, provided you meet physical presence and tax criteria.

So while it's no longer a shortcut, Cyprus remains a valid entry point for those willing to commit long-term.

Read our blog on Top European Countries for Permanent Residency in 2025 here.

Fast-Track Options for EU Citizenship

While most people follow traditional routes like ancestry or long-term residence, a few exceptional paths can speed things up. These fast-track options are less common but offer a legal shortcut for individuals who meet very specific criteria, usually involving economic impact, high-profile achievements, or strategic value to the host country.

What are “special economic contributions” and how do they fast-track citizenship?

Some EU countries offer a faster path to citizenship for individuals who make significant economic contributions, especially those that directly benefit the country. This might include:

• Large-scale job creation through new businesses
• Investments in strategic sectors like infrastructure or tech
• Substantial donations to public interest projects (e.g., cultural restoration, healthcare)

These routes are tightly controlled and come with rigorous background checks, but they do exist and are backed by legislation.

Can you become an EU citizen based on exceptional merit?

Yes, but it’s rare, and typically applies to people who’ve made a measurable impact on the country in science, business, humanitarian work, or the arts.

For example, inventors with globally recognized patents, founders of high-growth startups, or individuals who’ve brought international acclaim to the country may be granted citizenship on an exceptional basis.

Austria is one of the best-known examples here. Its constitution allows for citizenship to be granted to individuals whose achievements are seen as a direct benefit to the nation, without needing to meet standard residency rules.

Do athletes or celebrities get special treatment?

In certain cases, yes. Athletes, actors, musicians, and public figures who raise the international profile of a country, or who are seen as strategically beneficial, can be granted citizenship more quickly. This has happened in countries like Spain, Portugal, and Bulgaria, especially for athletes ahead of major competitions like the Olympics or World Cup.

For example, athletes have been granted fast-track citizenship to play on national teams, and artists have been recognized for their cultural contributions.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Applying for EU citizenship can feel straightforward at first, until you're faced with legal documents in multiple languages, missing birth records, or unclear government timelines.

Documentation Requirements

Most delays and rejections stem from paperwork issues. EU governments take documentation seriously, especially for claims based on ancestry or long-term residence.

Typical requirements include:

• Certified birth, marriage, and death certificates (often multi-generational)
• Proof of legal residence (rental contracts, utility bills, tax records)
• Criminal background checks from all countries of residence
• Sworn translations and apostilles (for non-EU documents)

How to solve it:

• Request original long-form documents early
• Use sworn translators recognized by the target country
• Hire a local legal expert to review your application before submission
• Organize all files digitally and label clearly

Processing Delays

Citizenship timelines in the EU vary. Some countries like Ireland or Spain can take 12–36 months, while others may move faster depending on backlog and complexity.

Main causes of delays:

• Incomplete applications or missing supporting documents
• High demand in popular countries (e.g., Portugal, Italy)
• Limited administrative staff or shifting policy priorities
• Miscommunication between local consulates and central government offices

What you can do:

• Submit a complete, well-organized application on the first attempt
• Keep track of timelines and follow up periodically via official channels
• Maintain a direct point of contact (local lawyer or accredited agent)
• Avoid sending physical documents unless requested, digital uploads are increasingly preferred

Dual Citizenship Issues

Dual nationality rules differ significantly across the EU, and your home country may also impose restrictions.

Countries with restrictions or partial acceptance:

• Germany (limited exceptions allowed, e.g., for EU citizens or refugees)
• Austria (strictly limited to exceptional cases)
• The Netherlands (dual citizenship discouraged except in rare scenarios)

How to manage this:

• Confirm your current country’s rules on dual citizenship before applying
• Choose countries that officially allow multiple nationalities
• If your desired country requires renunciation, weigh the consequences carefully, some applicants opt for permanent residency instead

The EU Citizenship Advantage: Why It Still Matters

Europe remains one of the most sought-after regions for long-term living, investment, education, and mobility. With 27 countries offering shared rights and protections, EU citizenship is more than a status, it’s a gateway to long-term freedom, security, and access.

Whether your goal is to expand your business across borders, raise a family with access to world-class healthcare and schools, or simply have the option to move freely across the continent, this citizenship unlocks that future.

At Savory & Partners, we help qualified applicants navigate the most effective and legal routes to citizenship. If you're ready to explore your eligibility, we’re here to guide you every step of the way with clarity, discretion, and compliance.

FAQs on European Union Citizenship

1. How long does it take to become an EU citizen through residency?

Timelines vary by country. In general, naturalization requires 5–10 years of legal residence, with shorter paths available for spouses, refugees, and citizens of former colonies. Portugal: 5 years. Germany: 5–8 years. Spain: 10 years (2 years for Latin American nationals).

2. Can I keep my original citizenship if I become an EU citizen?

Some EU countries allow dual citizenship (France, Ireland, Italy), while others restrict it (Germany, Austria). Always check both your home country and the target EU country’s legal stance before applying.

3. Is EU citizenship the same as residency?

No. Residency gives you permission to live in a country under certain conditions. Citizenship gives you full legal rights, including voting, holding an EU passport, and living anywhere in the EU without conditions.

4. What if I don’t speak the language?

Most EU countries require at least A2–B1 language proficiency for naturalization. Some programs waive this for ancestry-based applicants or individuals over a certain age. Tests usually include speaking, reading, and writing.

5. Are Golden Visas a guaranteed path to citizenship?

No. Golden Visa programs in countries like Portugal and Greece offer residency, not citizenship. However, they can be a stepping stone, after meeting residency and integration requirements over time, citizenship may be possible.

References

European Commission. (2024). Freedom of movement and residence in the EU. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights_en

Government of Ireland. (2025). Citizenship by naturalisation. Retrieved from https://www.irishimmigration.ie

Federal Ministry of the Interior, Germany. (2025). Naturalisation process in Germany. Retrieved from https://www.bmi.bund.de

Government of Portugal. (2024). Portuguese Nationality Law. Retrieved from https://dre.pt/dre/detalhe/lei/37-1981-195021

Government of Spain. (2024). Spanish Civil Code: Nationality. Retrieved from https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-1889-4763