How to get an EU citizenship as an American

If you want to travel, work, or study in Europe as an American, getting an EU passport could be the solution.

There are a few paths to applying for European citizenship. We’re here to help you navigate this complex process!

We’ll take a look at how to become an EU citizen, including the best citizenship options and everything you need to know about applying for an EU passport.

We’ll also take a look at how Wise can help you spend money in 150+ countries, all at the mid-market exchange rate.

What is a European citizen?

An EU citizen is someone who lives or works in a country that’s part of the European Union, such as Austria, Italy, Greece, France, or Spain.

EU citizens can enjoy freedom of movement in any EU member state. You can also live or work in any EU country with an EU passport.

It’s important to note that not all European countries are part of the EU, such as the UK or Iceland. These countries may have their own requirements for citizenship.

Why would Americans want to be EU citizens?

As an EU citizen, you’re given the freedom to travel, live, work, or study in any EU country – and you’ll access visa-free travel to over 153 countries.

This is appealing to avid travelers or those who want to stay abroad long-term, as you can visit or live in multiple European locations without worrying about visa applications.

Some American citizens get EU citizenship to retire in Europe or easily travel between homes in the US and Europe. Many European countries also offer free healthcare systems, which you can access as a citizen of the EU.¹

Can you get EU citizenship?

It’s possible to become an EU citizen, even if you’re not from the EU. In many countries, you can also hold onto your American passport for dual citizenship.

There are many possible routes to getting your EU citizenship. You may be able to get citizenship if your parents — or parent — were born in an EU country or if you’ve been living as a legal resident in Europe for several years.

Every EU country will have different processes for non-EU citizens applying for their second passport. However, once you have citizenship in an EU country, you can enjoy freedom of movement in all member states.

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How can you get EU citizenship as an American?

There are a few ways to get EU citizenship as an American. Let’s explore some of the common options for Americans to become European citizens.

Citizenship by descent

You can access citizenship by descent (CBD) if you can prove that your ancestors were born in an EU country.

This is typically a parent, but you may also need to prove that your grandparents or great-grandparents were born in that country, too. You’ll need to fill out paperwork and provide supporting documents to prove your bloodline.

Many EU countries offer citizenship by descent, including Ireland and Greece.²

Naturalization through residency

You can also access your second passport through naturalization. This is when you live and work in an EU country to work toward your citizenship.

Typically, Americans apply for visas to become legal residents in an EU country, eventually getting a passport from that country.

Every EU country is different, so you’ll need to double-check the requirements and time frame for your naturalization. However, most countries require you to work or live in an EU country for at least 5 years to be eligible.³

Citizenship by investment

Many countries offer EU residency by investment (RBI) programs. Also known as golden visas, these programs let anyone invest in a country’s economy in exchange for naturalization.

It typically takes around 5 years to gain your EU passport by investment. The amount you’ll need to invest – and how long it takes to get a passport – differs depending on the country.

In Greece, for example, you’ll need to invest at least 250,000 EUR, but you’ll need to live there for at least 7 years before you can access citizenship.³

Citizenship by marriage

You can apply for citizenship by marriage by legally marrying someone from an EU country. You’ll also need to fulfill any citizenship requirements for that country, such as living and working there for a certain amount of time.

Spain and France let those married to a national apply for EU citizenship – but not all countries allow EU citizenship by marriage.²

What's the best European citizenship to have?

Portugal’s Golden Visa Program® is a popular choice for foreign citizens, as you can get residency within 6 months of investing 280,000 EUR in Portuguese real estate.

Malta is also a common option, with multiple programs to help new citizens get their EU passports.

Many foreigners choose to become Swedish citizens. You can apply for citizenship after being married to a national for 3 years – and the country has one of the best standards of living in Europe.⁴

What are the implications of being a dual citizen?

If you’re from America but you want to be an EU citizen, you can be a dual citizen. This means you’ll hold citizenship in two countries at the same time.

Dual citizenship lets you work and travel in Europe without a visa, and you can easily go back to live in the US, too.

However, not all countries in Europe offer dual citizenship to foreign citizens, so you may need to give up your US citizenship to get an EU passport.

In Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands, you’ll only be able to get dual citizenship in certain cases.⁵

Getting a European passport: step-by-step

Once you have an EU passport, you can travel freely in any EU member country, as well as additional European countries like Iceland or Switzerland.⁶

We’ve put together a step-by-step guide to getting an EU passport.

Step 1. First, you’ll need to understand your eligibility. Every country imposes its own restrictions, so you may need EU citizenship, residency, or language proficiency before you can get your passport

Step 2. Next, you’ll need to visit the passport authority website for your country of choice. Fill out an application form and complete any document checks. You may also need to include a reference or current photo

Step 3. Once you’ve submitted your application, you may need to attend a passport interview to verify your identity or check your documents

Step 4. Pay any passport application fees. When and how you’ll pay your fees may depend on your EU country of choice

Step 5. Finally, wait for your application to be processed. You should receive information from the provider about when to expect your passport

You’ll need to provide some documents to support your passport application. These documents will differ from country to country, but may include:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of residence in the country you’re applying in
• Proof of EU citizenship

Make sure to apply for your passport in plenty of time, as your application could take a few months to be processed.⁷

Common questions about European citizenship

If you’re looking into EU citizenship, you may have a few questions about the process. Let’s take a look at some common questions.

Can a US citizen get EU citizenship?

Yes, you can get EU citizenship if you’re a US citizen. You’ll need to follow the requirements and procedures of an EU country to get your European passport.

There are a few different paths to an EU passport for US citizens, such as investing in a country’s local economy, living as a legal resident before applying for citizenship, or proving your ancestry links to a country.

What is the easiest country to get citizenship in Europe?

Every country follows different citizenship procedures. However, it’s often considered easier to get citizenship in Portugal, as this country offers affordable investment options.

You’ll get your passport within 5 years. During that time, you only have to live in the country for 35 days.³

How long does it take for an American to get EU citizenship?

Getting your EU citizenship can depend on which process – and which country – you decide to choose.

Citizenship by descent can take up to a year, whereas naturalization can take 5 to 10 years. If you want to apply for citizenship by investment, it may take you up to 5 years to get your European passport.³

Can you have dual citizenship in the US and Europe?

Yes, many countries offer dual citizenship. In some European countries, however, you’ll be asked to renounce your US citizenship when applying to become an EU citizen.

As a dual citizen, you’ll have freedom of movement in all EU member states and you’ll also maintain your links to the US.

To start spending your money across the globe, check out Wise.

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Sources

1. Euronerd
2. Nomad Capitalist
3. Schengen Visa Info.
4. Schengen Visa Info.
5. Schengen Visa Info.
6. Europa
7. Tourist Secrets

Sources checked on 05.09.2024