To be granted European citizenship allows many benefits including freedom to live, work, study, and travel visa-free across all European Union member states.
Other benefits of European citizenship include having access to high quality education, social security benefits, and healthcare.
With this in mind, what are the easiest European countries to gain citizenship from?
Spain
Spain’s strong ties to its former colonies allows for quick and easy citizenship for certain applicants.
This means the region offers an accelerated path when it comes to being granted citizenship to Spain, particularly among Latin American countries or those with Sephardic Jewish ancestry.
Citizens from regions such as Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines or Equatorial Guinea can apply for citizenship in Spain after only two years of residence.
For others, however, the naturalisation process for Spanish citizenship can take up to 10 years.
Poland
Poland allows for naturalization after three years of permanent residency, provided the person has stable income and is proficient in Polish.
Alternatively, Poland offers citizenship through descent which allows individuals who have Polish ancestry to apply.
Individuals will need to prove that one of their ancestors was a Polish citizen with applicants then being granted Polish nationality.
Portugal
Portugal is the other European country praised for its attractive citizenship program.
The country offers one of the most flexible and quickest paths to gaining citizenship in Europe.
To gain Portuguese citizenship, a person has only five years of legal residence required to apply with the country also having no strict physical presence requirements.
Those fortunate enough to have the financial means, the Portugal’s Golden Visa program is ideal and allows investors to obtain residency which after five years will lead to citizenship
The Golden Visa program has made Portugal the ideal place for those looking to gain European Union residency and citizenship.
Italy
Italy allows applicants to claim citizenship through their Italian lineage, even if they were born outside of Italy.
Known as citizenship by descent, this pathway enables individuals worldwide to obtain Italian citizenship if they can prove a direct bloodline to an Italian ancestor.
For Italy’s naturalization process, applicants need to reside in the country for 10 years.
For spouses of Italian citizens, the process requires only two years of marriage or one year of living together in Italy.
