So, you became an EU resident. But when can you become a citizen of the European Union through naturalisation?

Becoming a resident of an EU Member State is only the first step on the long road to obtaining the final document, the passport of your new home. As a temporary or permanent resident, you can live in Europe, you can stay in other countries, you can start your business or job and live as any other European. 

 

Take a look at the fastest path to European residencies here!

However, before applying for a residency, look at the expected duration of your resident status before becoming a citizen. Each country launched independent naturalisation laws in Europe, and these sovereign rules do not depend on Brussels or the Schengen zone regulations. Becoming Spanish in three years or waiting 20 years in Switzerland for a passport is different. Be careful if your ultimate goal is to become a European citizen quickly.  

Some countries may offer accelerated pathways to citizenship for specific categories of applicants. It's crucial to check with the relevant authorities or legal experts for the most up-to-date and accurate information. There are no current citizenship-by-investment programs in the European Union, but you can quickly move here through investment or starting a business. Our colleagues at Discus Holdings Ltd. have over 25 years of experience granting EU residency permits. Let us support your application.

1. Germany: Typically, at least eight years of residency can be reduced to six years with specific integration criteria met.
2. France: Generally, five years of continuous residency for most foreign nationals.
3. Spain: Usually ten years of legal residence, but it can be reduced to two years for specific categories of applicants.
4. Sweden: Typically, five years of residency with a permanent residence permit.
5. Italy: Usually ten years of continuous residency, but it can be reduced for specific categories of applicants, such as refugees or individuals of Italian descent.
6. Netherlands: Typically, five years of legal residence, with certain conditions.
7. Belgium: Usually five years of continuous residency, but it can be reduced in some cases, such as marriage to a Belgian citizen.
8. Austria: Generally, ten years of continuous legal residence, with some exceptions.
9. Greece: Normally, seven years of continuous legal residence can be reduced to three years for specific categories of applicants.
10. Portugal: Generally, five years of legal residence with a valid residence permit, although exceptions apply.
11. Denmark: Typically, nine years of continuous residence, but this period can vary based on individual circumstances.
12. Finland: Generally, five years of continuous residence with a permanent residence permit.
13. Ireland: Typically, five years of continuous residence, with some exceptions.
14. Luxembourg: Generally, five years of continuous legal residence.
15. Czech Republic: Usually ten years of continuous legal residence, with exceptions for certain categories of applicants.
16. Hungary: Typically, eight years of continuous residence, but this period can vary based on individual circumstances.
17. Malta: Residents in Malta can become citizens if they have lived in the country for four cumulative years with a permanent residence and residence permit in the last six years. 
18. Poland: Generally, three years of continuous legal residence, with exceptions for certain categories of applicants.
19. Portugal: five years of residency qualifies.

 

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