How to Get a European Passport

Acquiring a European Passport not only gives you more freedom to move across borders but is also an added perpetuation. In today’s volatile and tumultuous world, a second citizenship can come in very handy in protecting your and your family’s interests. If you want to know how to get a European passport, this article has the relevant details.

It is not surprising that many people are eager to become European citizens and, along with it, acquire a passport from a top-tier EU nation. Though European citizenship is highly sought after though it is not exactly easy to acquire. Whether or not you can get your hands on a coveted EU passport will depend on a few things.

This article will outline how to go about getting EU citizenship, and briefly mention ways you can do so. The end focus will be on European Citizenship by investment programs as they currently offer the best way to get citizenship in Europe today.

What is a European Citizenship?

A European citizen is a qualifying citizen of a European Union member state that enjoys the right to free movement, settlement, and employment across all 28 countries of the union..

Acquiring a European Passport from any one of the member countries gives you access, privileges and rights to move freely across any border in over two dozen countries, have access to visa-free travel, and a national care system that is some of the best in the world. It is for these reasons that has made European citizenship one of the most coveted and sought-after titles to hold.

Why an EU Citizenship & What are the Benefits?

There are a number of reasons why anyone would want to move and live in the European Union. Here are just a few:

Live, work, study, or retire in 27 EU countries (30 including the EEA)
Have a safe and secure escape route in times of crisis
Access favorable EU tuition fees at top universities
Have the reassurance of enhanced consular protection around the world
Easily access national health care benefits, many free of charge
Travel visa-free to at least 153 countries – Europe has some of the world’s most powerful passports.
Benefit from EU privacy laws
Pass your citizenship to your spouse and descendants

How to Become an EU Citizen

You can obtain European citizenship in one of three ways as listed below:

By descent – if you have a family member that can pass on EU citizenship to you.
By naturalization – if you lived and worked long enough in an EU country to qualify for citizenship.
By investment – if you have enough money to invest in an EU country and receive citizenship.

Citizenship by Descent

Citizenship by Descent means that you are automatically eligible to become an EU passport holder, because one or more of your ancestors was a citizen of a country that is now a member of the European Union.

Citizenship by Descent is by far the fastest and most cost-effective way of acquiring an EU passport. Alternative routes require either years of EU residence prior to applying or the purchase of costly real estate.

Citizenship by Naturalization

The next, and most common option is to acquire European citizenship through a naturalization process. This is a more varied option, with numerous different routes, timelines, and costs involved. Many European countries give EU passports to people who maintain their residency for a specified period. That is, if you spend three to five years in a country, abiding by its laws, and taking part in taxing activities, you might be eligible for EU citizenship by naturalization. The first, and most important point to stress is that obtaining citizenship by naturalization inevitably takes time and effort, irrespective of the specific route taken. However, it is the only viable option for many.

Citizenship by Investment in Europe

You can become an EU passport holder through citizenship by investment schemes if you have enough funds to cover your investment. This type of program— also known as a Golden Visa— allows you to invest in an EU country, and in exchange, you can apply for naturalization.

The investment opportunities and the money required for citizenship programs vary from country to country. But, the most common investments include real estate or purchasing government bonds. Then, within three or five years, you gain an EU passport.

Usually, you have to spend a few days a year in that country to meet the citizenship requirements— no language requirements are needed.

There are many ways of acquiring a European Passport become an EU citizen. The right one for you depends on your personal situation and goals. Our experts look forward to discussing all options to make the Azores happen for you! Contact us today to arrange for a consultation.