Sections
EU citizenship through investment is available in Malta, where the Individual Investor Programme requires a EUR 650,000 contribution plus a EUR 10,000 non-refundable deposit[1], alongside due diligence fees starting at EUR 7,500[1]. Austria offers citizenship by exceptional contribution under Section 10(6) with no fixed investment amount, requiring extraordinary achievements that serve the Republic's particular interest[2][3]. Portugal and Hungary provide residence pathways: Portugal's Golden Visa requires EUR 500,000 in investment funds or EUR 250,000 in cultural donations[4], while Hungary offers a ten-year residence permit for EUR 250,000 in real estate funds[5]. Review program requirements and prepare documentation before submitting an application.
What You Receive
EU Citizenship or Residence Permit
Depending on the program, you obtain either full citizenship (Malta, Austria) or a long-term residence permit (Portugal Golden Visa, Hungary Guest Investor Program). Malta's Individual Investor Programme grants citizenship after a contribution of EUR 650,000 [1], while Hungary's program provides a ten-year EU residence permit for EUR 250,000 in a real estate fund [5].
Visa-Free Travel Within the Schengen Area
EU citizenship or residence permits allow unrestricted movement across 27 member states. This includes the right to live, work, and study in any EU country without additional visas or permits.
Family Inclusion in the Application
Most programs allow you to include immediate family members. Malta requires an additional EUR 25,000 for a spouse and EUR 50,000 for each unmarried child aged 18 to 26 [1], while Ireland's Immigrant Investor Programme covers all nominated family members under a single EUR 1,500 application fee [6].
Access to EU Healthcare and Education Systems
Citizenship or residence grants access to public healthcare and education in your country of residence. Standards vary by member state, but all EU countries maintain universal healthcare coverage and publicly funded schooling.
Investment Flexibility Across Asset Classes
Programs offer multiple qualifying routes: Portugal accepts EUR 500,000 in investment funds [4] or EUR 250,000 in cultural heritage donations [4], while Hungary permits real estate fund investments or public trust donations [5]. Investment requirements may be reduced by 20% in Portugal's low-density zones [4].
How to Obtain EU Citizenship
- Choose Your Investment Route
Select a qualifying program based on budget and timeline. Malta's Individual Investor Programme requires EUR 650,000 plus a EUR 10,000 non-refundable deposit[1]. Portugal's Golden Visa offers investment fund options starting at EUR 500,000[4] or cultural donations from EUR 250,000[4], with 20% reductions available in low-density zones[4]. Austria evaluates exceptional contributions case-by-case with no fixed amount[2].
- Prepare Financial Documentation
Gather proof of funds, source-of-wealth statements, and investment capital. For Malta, budget for due diligence fees: EUR 7,500 for the main applicant, EUR 5,000 for a spouse, and EUR 3,000 per child aged 13–18[1]. Additional contributions of EUR 25,000 per spouse and EUR 50,000 per unmarried child aged 18–26 apply[1]. Ireland's Immigrant Investor Programme charges EUR 1,500 for application processing[6].
- Submit Application and Pay Initial Fees
File through the designated authority with required deposits. Malta's Permanent Residence Programme requires EUR 15,000 within one month of submission, part of a EUR 50,000 total administration fee[7]. Cyprus investor permits require EUR 500 upon application plus EUR 70 per additional document[8]. Hungary's Guest Investor Program processes EUR 250,000 real estate fund investments or EUR 1 million public trust donations[5].
- Complete Due Diligence and Investment
Undergo background checks while finalizing your investment. Portugal's Golden Visa fund investments must be in funds registered in Portugal with at least 60% capital invested domestically[4]. Austria's exceptional contribution pathway requires proof of extraordinary achievements—company ownership with significant influence, job creation, and completed projects, not mere money transfers[3].
- Wait for Approval
Processing times vary by program and complexity. Malta processes citizenship applications after due diligence clearance. Portugal issues residence permits first, with citizenship eligibility following years of residency. Austria evaluates whether granting citizenship serves the Republic's particular interest[3]. Hungary's program grants a ten-year EU residence permit extendable by ten more years with no residency requirement[5].
- Receive Citizenship or Residence Status
Collect your documentation once approved. Malta issues citizenship certificates after final contribution payment. Portugal transitions Golden Visa holders to citizenship after meeting residency and language requirements. Note that Portugal eliminated real estate purchases and EUR 1,500,000 capital transfers as qualifying routes[9]. Verify your status through the issuing authority's official channels.
Risks, Limitations, and Guarantees
Acquiring EU citizenship through investment involves several risks and limitations. Each program has specific financial requirements, which may include non-refundable fees. For instance, Malta's Individual Investor Programme requires a EUR 10,000 non-refundable deposit before application submission, along with a EUR 650,000 contribution[1]. Additionally, due diligence fees can add significant costs, totaling EUR 7,500 for the main applicant and more for family members[1].
Not all investment routes are eligible. Portugal's Golden Visa program recently excluded real estate purchases as qualifying investments, limiting options to investment funds and donations[9]. Moreover, the investment fund must be registered in Portugal and invest at least 60% of its capital domestically[4].
Cancellation or refund options are limited. For most programs, fees are non-refundable once the application is submitted. For example, Malta's administration fee of EUR 50,000 is non-refundable, with EUR 15,000 due within a month of application submission[7].
Before proceeding, verify eligibility and ensure compliance with all requirements. It is advisable to consult with legal experts familiar with immigration laws to avoid potential pitfalls.
Before you go
- Which EU country is easiest to buy citizenship?
Malta offers the most direct citizenship-by-investment program through the Individual Investor Programme, requiring a EUR 650,000 contribution and a EUR 10,000 non-refundable deposit[1]. Austria provides citizenship by exceptional contribution under Section 10(6) with no fixed investment amount, but requires extraordinary achievements that serve the Republic's particular interest, making approval discretionary[2][3]. Portugal and Hungary offer residence permits rather than immediate citizenship: Portugal's Golden Visa starts at EUR 250,000 for cultural donations[4], while Hungary's Guest Investor Program grants a ten-year residence permit for EUR 250,000 in real estate funds[5].
- How much does it cost to buy EU citizenship?
Malta's Individual Investor Programme requires EUR 650,000 plus a EUR 10,000 non-refundable deposit[1], with additional 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[1]. Family members add EUR 25,000 for a spouse and EUR 50,000 per unmarried child aged 18–26[1]. Austria evaluates exceptional contributions case-by-case with no fixed amount, requiring proof of extraordinary achievements and significant investments in Austria[3].
- Can a US citizen get EU citizenship?
US citizens can apply for EU citizenship through investment programs in Malta or Austria, or obtain residence permits in Portugal and Hungary that may lead to citizenship after meeting residency requirements. Malta's Individual Investor Programme accepts applicants regardless of nationality, requiring EUR 650,000 plus fees[1]. Portugal's Golden Visa offers a pathway to citizenship after five years of residency with minimal physical presence, starting at EUR 250,000 for cultural donations[4]. Austria's exceptional contribution pathway is open to US citizens who demonstrate extraordinary achievements serving the Republic's interest[2][3].
- What is the hardest EU citizenship to get?
Austria's citizenship by exceptional contribution under Section 10(6) is among the most difficult, requiring extraordinary achievements currently far above average in the respective field, with no fixed investment amount or guaranteed approval[3]. Criteria for economic achievements include company ownership with significant influence, high economic performance, job creation in Austria, and completed projects—mere money transfers are insufficient[3]. The Federal Government must be satisfied that granting citizenship serves the Republic's particular interest to a special degree, making the process highly discretionary[2].
- Easiest country to get citizenship in Europe with investment
Malta provides the most straightforward citizenship-by-investment route through the Individual Investor Programme, with clear financial requirements of EUR 650,000 plus a EUR 10,000 deposit[1] and defined due diligence fees[1]. Hungary offers the easiest residence permit through the Guest Investor Program, requiring EUR 250,000 in a real estate fund for a ten-year EU residence permit with no residency requirement[5]. Portugal's Golden Visa requires EUR 250,000 for cultural donations[4] or EUR 500,000 in investment funds[4], leading to citizenship eligibility after five years of residency.
- Benefits of EU citizenship for American
Americans with EU citizenship gain visa-free travel and residence rights across 27 member states, eliminating the need for Schengen visa applications or 90-day stay limits. EU citizenship provides access to public healthcare and education systems in any member country, along with the right to work without employer sponsorship or work permits. Family members can be included in most applications: Malta charges EUR 25,000 for a spouse and EUR 50,000 per unmarried child aged 18–26[1], while Ireland's Immigrant Investor Programme covers all nominated family members under a single EUR 1,500 fee[6].
- Europe citizenship how many years
Portugal's Golden Visa pathway requires five years of residency before citizenship eligibility, with minimal physical presence requirements during that period. Malta's Individual Investor Programme grants citizenship immediately upon approval and payment of the EUR 650,000 contribution[1], without a multi-year waiting period. Hungary's Guest Investor Program provides a ten-year residence permit extendable by ten more years with no residency requirement, though it does not lead directly to citizenship[5].
Explore More Citizenship Options
Discover additional resources and insights on acquiring EU citizenship.