Sections
A European passport through citizenship by investment is available primarily via Malta, where the main applicant contributes EUR 600,000–750,000 depending on residency duration, plus EUR 25,000 per spouse and child, alongside EUR 7,500–5,000 due diligence fees[1][2][3]. Most European programs offer residency permits (Golden Visas) first—Portugal requires EUR 500,000 in funds or job creation, Spain EUR 500,000 in real estate, Greece EUR 400,000–800,000 by zone—with citizenship pathways opening after 5–10 years of legal residence[4][5][6]. First step: confirm eligibility, budget for investment plus fees, and identify whether immediate citizenship or a residency-to-passport route fits your timeline.
What You Receive
Full EU Citizenship and Passport
Malta's citizenship by investment program grants a passport after 12 or 36 months of residence, requiring a contribution of EUR 750,000 or EUR 600,000 respectively, plus EUR 25,000 for a spouse and EUR 25,000 per child under 18 [1][3]. This passport provides unrestricted travel and residence rights across all EU member states.
Permanent Residency Permit
Programs in Greece, Spain, Portugal, Cyprus, Latvia, and Hungary issue residence permits that allow you to live, work, and travel within the Schengen Area. Portugal's Golden Visa requires only 7 days of presence in the first year and 14 days over each subsequent two-year period to maintain status [7].
Real Estate or Investment Portfolio
Most programs require property purchase or financial investments that remain your assets. Greece's restructured Golden Visa mandates EUR 800,000 in prime zones or EUR 400,000 elsewhere [4], while Spain accepts EUR 500,000 in real estate or EUR 1,000,000 in company shares [5].
Family Inclusion
Spouses and dependent children can be added to applications. Malta charges EUR 25,000 per spouse and per child under 18 [1], while Ireland's Immigrant Investor Programme covers all nominated family members under a single EUR 1,500 application fee [8].
Pathway to Naturalization
Residency permits in Portugal, Spain, and other countries lead to citizenship eligibility after extended legal residence. Portugal now requires 10 years of residency for most nationalities and 7 years for EU and CPLP nationals before citizenship application [6].
How to Obtain a European Passport
- Choose Your Investment Route
Select between citizenship by investment (Malta) or residency-to-citizenship (Portugal, Spain, Greece). Malta offers direct citizenship after 12–36 months of residence with contributions starting at EUR 600,000[3]. Portugal requires 10 years of residency before citizenship eligibility, with investment options from EUR 250,000[6]. Spain's Golden Visa starts at EUR 500,000 in real estate and follows a similar long-term naturalization path[5].
- Prepare Financial Documentation
Gather proof of funds, bank statements, and source-of-wealth documentation. Malta requires due diligence fees of EUR 7,500 for the main applicant, EUR 5,000 for a spouse, and EUR 3,000 per child aged 13–18[2]. Ireland charges EUR 1,500 for the entire family application[8]. Cyprus charges EUR 500 at submission plus EUR 70 per additional document[9].
- Make the Required Investment
Transfer funds according to program rules. Greece's 2024 restructuring requires EUR 800,000 in prime zones or EUR 400,000 elsewhere[4]. Hungary offers a ten-year permit for EUR 250,000 into a real estate fund or EUR 1 million donation[10]. Latvia accepts EUR 50,000 into a company paying EUR 40,000 annual taxes, plus a EUR 10,000 state fee[5]. Cyprus requires EUR 300,000 in real estate or company shares employing at least 5 people[5].
- Submit Application and Undergo Due Diligence
File your application with certified documents and biometrics. Malta requires applicants to be at least 18 years old and provide proof of residence and property title[1]. Expect background checks on all adult family members. Processing times vary by country and application volume.
- Fulfill Residency Requirements
Maintain physical presence as required. Portugal demands only 7 days in year one and 14 days per two-year period[7]. Malta's direct investment route requires 12 months for EUR 750,000 or 36 months for EUR 600,000[3]. Hungary's program has no residency obligation[10].
- Apply for Citizenship (If Eligible)
After meeting residency duration, submit naturalization paperwork. Portugal's 2026 law requires 10 years for most nationalities, 7 for EU and CPLP citizens[6]. Malta grants citizenship directly upon program completion. Prepare language tests and integration evidence where required.
- Receive and Verify Your Passport
Collect your passport from the issuing authority or embassy. Check all biographical data, photo quality, and validity dates. European passports typically have 10-year validity for adults. Register with your local consulate if residing abroad.
Risks, Limitations, and Guarantees
Acquiring a European passport through investment carries several risks and limitations. First, the financial commitment is significant. For instance, Malta requires a contribution of EUR 600,000 to EUR 750,000 based on residency duration, plus additional fees for family members and due diligence costs[1][2][3]. These fees are non-refundable, which poses a risk if the application is denied.
Residency requirements can also be a limitation. For example, Portugal’s Golden Visa program mandates a minimum of 10 years of residency for citizenship eligibility, while Malta offers a faster route but requires proof of residence and property ownership[6][3]. Not meeting these requirements can delay or prevent citizenship.
There are also hidden conditions. Greece's Golden Visa program has a tiered investment structure that varies by location, which might not be immediately obvious to applicants[4]. Additionally, programs may change over time, as seen with Portugal's recent adjustments to its nationality law[6].
To mitigate risks, applicants should verify their eligibility and thoroughly understand the financial obligations and residency requirements before proceeding. It's advisable to consult with legal experts or immigration consultants who specialize in these programs. In case of application withdrawal, policies vary; therefore, applicants should inquire about refund policies during the application process.
Before you go
- Who is eligible for a European passport?
Eligibility depends on the program: Malta requires applicants to be at least 18 years old, provide proof of residence and property title, and pass due diligence checks[1]. Most residency-to-citizenship routes demand extended legal residence—Portugal now requires 10 years for most nationalities, 7 for EU and CPLP citizens[6]. Family members can be included: Malta charges EUR 25,000 per spouse and per child under 18[1].
- Which countries offer citizenship by investment programs?
Malta is the only EU country offering direct citizenship by investment, requiring EUR 600,000–750,000 depending on residency duration[3]. Other European countries provide residency permits that lead to citizenship after years of legal residence: Portugal, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Latvia, and Hungary all operate Golden Visa programs with investment thresholds ranging from EUR 50,000 to EUR 800,000[4][5][10][5][6].
- How much to buy citizenship in Europe?
Malta's direct citizenship program costs EUR 600,000 after 36 months of residence or EUR 750,000 after 12 months, plus EUR 25,000 per spouse and child under 18, and due diligence fees of EUR 7,500 for the main applicant[1][2][3]. Residency-to-citizenship routes start lower: Latvia accepts EUR 50,000 into a qualifying company plus EUR 10,000 state fee, while Greece requires EUR 400,000–800,000 depending on location[4][5].
- Which European country is the easiest for an American to obtain citizenship?
Malta offers the fastest route, granting citizenship after 12 months of residence for EUR 750,000 or 36 months for EUR 600,000[3]. Portugal's Golden Visa requires only 7 days of presence in year one and 14 days per two-year period to maintain residency, but citizenship eligibility now takes 10 years[6][7]. Hungary's program has no residency obligation but grants only a residence permit, not citizenship[10].
- What is the cheapest EU passport that can be bought?
No EU passport can be purchased outright for less than Malta's EUR 600,000 minimum[3]. The lowest-cost residency permit is Latvia's EUR 50,000 company investment plus EUR 10,000 state fee, but citizenship requires years of legal residence afterward[5]. Portugal's EUR 250,000 cultural donation (EUR 200,000 in low-density areas) offers residency, yet the new 10-year naturalization period delays passport eligibility[6].
- Can a US citizen get EU citizenship?
Yes, US citizens can obtain EU citizenship through investment programs. Malta grants citizenship directly after 12–36 months of residence for EUR 600,000–750,000[3]. Alternatively, Golden Visa programs in Portugal, Spain, Greece, and other countries provide residency permits that lead to citizenship after meeting duration requirements—Portugal now mandates 10 years of legal residence before naturalization[6].
- Can you have dual citizenship in the US and Europe?
Yes, the United States permits dual citizenship, and most European countries offering investment programs allow it as well. Malta's citizenship by investment program does not require renunciation of existing nationality[1]. Portugal, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Latvia, and Hungary similarly permit dual citizenship, though applicants should verify current rules with both home and host countries before proceeding.
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