The idea of holding a European passport is more appealing than ever. It’s not just a powerful travel document. It’s a ticket to full mobility, better opportunities, and long-term stability across 27 EU countries.
Over the past 10+ years, I’ve walked this path with countless clients, from complex bureaucratic beginnings to the moment they finally held their new passport in hand.
2025 brings new challenges and opportunities in the world of European citizenship, with governments tightening some rules and relaxing others.
This guide unpacks the most accessible routes to EU citizenship right now, from investment-based schemes to reclaiming nationality through ancestry. Whether you’re a high-net-worth investor or someone exploring their family roots, here’s what you need to know.
Citizenship Through Investment: Still Viable, but Narrowing
1. Malta: The Premium Shortcut to EU Citizenship
Malta remains the only EU nation that still allows direct citizenship through a financial contribution. You’re not just getting residency, you’re buying a fast-track to an EU passport.
- Timeframe: 1–3 years
- Cost: €600,000–€750,000 + property + donation
- Residency Requirement: 12 to 36 months depending on route
This program is selective and strictly capped. It involves extensive due diligence and a tiered structure, including real estate commitments and contributions to local NGOs. If speed and direct access are priorities (and budget isn’t a concern), Malta is your top option.
2. Portugal: Still Open, But Transformed
Once famous for offering EU access via real estate, Portugal’s Golden Visa program has shifted toward more socially and economically beneficial investments.
- Timeframe: Citizenship possible after 5 years
- Eligible Investments: Venture funds, R&D, job creation, culture
- Stay Requirement: Minimal (as few as 7 days/year)
The property investment option is gone. But the program remains popular among investors looking for flexibility with low physical presence requirements.
3. Greece: Fast Residency, Long Citizenship Timeline
Greece offers permanent residency in under two months. But the citizenship track takes patience.
- Investment Range: €250,000–€800,000 depending on region
- Residency Granted: 5 years, renewable
- Citizenship Eligibility: After 7+ years of actual residence
Real estate is the main pathway, though bond or business options exist. Want the Greek passport? You’ll need to live there full time and learn the language.
4. Latvia: Budget-Friendly Start, Complex Finish
Latvia has one of Europe’s most affordable residency-by-investment programs.
- Cheapest Route: €50,000 in a business + €10,000 state fee
- Other Options: Real estate (€250,000), bank deposits, or donations
- Citizenship Timeline: 10+ years with physical presence
This is for patient investors with long-term relocation plans. While the upfront cost is low, acquiring citizenship involves years of residence, language exams, and likely renouncing your current citizenship.
Citizenship by Descent: Bloodlines Over Bank Accounts
If you’ve got European ancestry, you might not need to invest a cent. Many countries allow descendants of former citizens to reclaim their nationality, sometimes even generations later.
5. Ireland: One of the Simplest Descent Routes
Ireland allows citizenship claims if you have a grandparent born on Irish soil. No language tests, no residency.
- Eligibility: Up to Irish-born grandparent
- Application: Foreign Births Register
- Processing Time: 9–12 months
A powerful option for Americans, Australians, and others with Irish heritage. Successive generations can pass it on if they register in time.
6. Italy: Now Limited to Two Generations
Italy’s once-unlimited descent rule has been capped. As of 2025, only children and grandchildren of Italian-born ancestors can apply.
- New Rule: Parent or grandparent born in Italy
- Still Allowed: Dual citizenship
- Via Consulate or Italy-based “Fast Track” process
Cases through the maternal line before 1948 still require legal action in Italian courts.
7. Slovakia: Newly Inclusive — Even for Great-Grandchildren
Following a 2022 reform, Slovakia now allows applicants with Slovak/Czechoslovak great-grandparents to claim citizenship.
- Includes: Descendants of former Czechoslovak citizens
- Perks: No language test, dual citizenship allowed
- Process: Start with Slovak Living Abroad certificate → apply for residency → citizenship
This is a compelling choice for Slovak-Americans and others with Eastern European roots.
8. Poland: You Might Already Be a Citizen
Polish law assumes continuous citizenship through generations, unless someone in your lineage lost it.
- Verification Process: “Confirmation of citizenship” rather than application
- Proof Required: Documents linking you to a Polish ancestor and showing no citizenship break
- Alternative Route: Karta Polaka + residency → naturalization
It’s a technical process but very affordable, no need to renounce your other citizenship.
Choosing the Best Route for You
If You Have Ancestry…
Pursue it. It’s cheaper, faster, and rarely requires relocation.
Top picks:
- Fastest: Ireland
- Most flexible: Slovakia
- Best for existing unbroken lineage: Poland
Citizenship by descent is often one of the most affordable and straightforward paths to a second passport. It’s typically faster, involves minimal paperwork compared to other routes, and rarely requires you to relocate.
Platforms like CitizenX can help you trace your eligibility, gather the necessary documentation, and navigate the legal process efficiently, all with expert guidance tailored to your heritage.
If you qualify, this could be the smartest entry point into dual citizenship.
If You Have Capital But No Heritage…
Your investment options are shrinking, act fast.
Top picks:
- Fastest citizenship: Malta (in 1–3 years)
- Balanced cost and flexibility: Portugal
- Lowest entry price: Latvia
Key Considerations:
| Route | Cost | Residency Needed | Citizenship Timeline | Language Requirement |
| Malta | €1.3M+ | Minimal | 1–3 years | No |
| Portugal | €250k–€500k | 7–14 days/year | 5 years | Yes (A2) |
| Greece | €250k–€800k | 183+ days/year | 7+ years | Yes |
| Latvia | €60k–€250k | 4 of 5 years | 10+ years | Yes |
| Ireland | ~€300 | None | 9–12 months | No |
| Italy | ~€300–€2000 | None (unless applying in Italy) | 1–4 years | No (so far) |
| Slovakia | ~€700 | Yes, short-term | 6–12 months | No |
| Poland | ~€500 | None | 6–18 months | No |
Final Thoughts: The 2025 Citizenship Map
The EU is clearly steering away from transactional citizenship. If you want in, your easiest European country to get citizenship is often written in your family tree, not your bank account.
But for those without European roots, time is of the essence. Malta’s doors are still open, for now. Portugal and Greece are tightening their programs, and others have closed them altogether. Meanwhile, ancestral claims remain strong, especially in countries with large diasporas.
Whatever your case, don’t wait. Laws change fast, and the opportunities of 2025 may not be here in 2026.
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