Buy European Passport: Legal Pathways

This guide is for individuals seeking legitimate ways to acquire European citizenship and passports.

  • Posted:
  • Last updated: October 8, 2026
  • By: Logan Pierce
  • 5 minutes
A person consulting with a lawyer about legal pathways to obtain European citizenship and investment options.
Exploring legal pathways for acquiring European citizenship.
In this section

You can obtain a European passport legally through investment-based residence programmes followed by naturalisation. Portugal's golden visa requires €500,000 in qualifying funds and five years of residence (just seven days annually) before citizenship eligibility, with total processing spanning 6–7 years and costing approximately £430,000–450,00012. Greece offers entry from €250,000 but demands B1 language proficiency and longer naturalisation timelines31. Your first step: assess your budget, preferred country, and willingness to meet language requirements, then consult an immigration solicitor licensed in your target jurisdiction.

What You Receive

  • Residence Permit Leading to Citizenship

    You obtain a renewable residence permit through investment programmes in countries like Portugal, Greece, or Malta. After maintaining this status for 5–10 years (depending on the country), you become eligible to apply for full citizenship and a passport [3][4].

  • Minimal Physical Presence Requirements

    Most golden visa routes require zero days per year in Spain, Greece, Italy, and Malta, or just 7 days annually in Portugal [1]. You can live elsewhere while your residence clock runs, making these programmes flexible for professionals and families.

  • Family Inclusion in Application

    Your spouse, dependent children, and sometimes parents can join your application under the same investment. Each family member receives the same residence rights and eventual citizenship pathway, though additional fees apply [2].

  • Dual Citizenship Rights

    Portugal, Greece, Italy, and Malta permit you to hold your original nationality alongside your new European passport [1]. Spain allows limited dual citizenship with specific countries, so you retain ties to your home nation.

  • Freedom to Exit Investment After Citizenship

    Once Portuguese citizenship is granted (typically 12–18 months after your five-year residence period), you no longer need to maintain your €500,000 fund investment [2]. You can liquidate or redirect capital while keeping your passport.

  • Access to 27 EU Member States

    A European passport grants you the right to live, work, study, and retire anywhere in the European Union without additional visas. You also gain visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to over 180 countries worldwide.

Option
Portugal Golden Visa
Price
€500,000
Timeline
10-14 months
Requirements
7 days annual stay, A2 Portuguese certification (CIPLE exam)
Restrictions
Investment must be maintained for 5 years before citizenship application
Option
Greece Golden Visa
Price
€250,000
Timeline
U уточняйте
Requirements
0 days annual stay, B1 Greek for citizenship
Restrictions
Dual citizenship allowed
Option
Malta Citizenship by Investment
Price
€690,000+
Timeline
1-3 years
Requirements
No language requirement for citizenship
Restrictions
Dual citizenship allowed
Option
Spain Golden Visa
Price
€500,000
Timeline
U уточняйте
Requirements
0 days annual stay, basic Spanish for citizenship
Restrictions
Limited dual citizenship allowed
Option
Italy Golden Visa
Price
€500,000
Timeline
U уточняйте
Requirements
0 days annual stay, B1 Italian for citizenship
Restrictions
Dual citizenship allowed
Option
Ireland Naturalization
Price
U уточняйте
Timeline
5 years
Requirements
1 year immediately prior, 4 years during the last 8 years
Restrictions
Dual citizenship allowed
Option
Austria Naturalization
Price
U уточняйте
Timeline
10 years
Requirements
Uточняйте
Restrictions
Dual citizenship not allowed
Option
Belgium Naturalization
Price
U уточняйте
Timeline
5 years
Requirements
Uточняйте
Restrictions
Dual citizenship allowed
Option
Denmark Naturalization
Price
U уточняйте
Timeline
9 years
Requirements
Uточняйте
Restrictions
Dual citizenship not allowed
Option
Germany Naturalization
Price
U уточняйте
Timeline
8 years (6 with integration)
Requirements
Uточняйте
Restrictions
Dual citizenship not allowed

Step 1: Choose Your Investment Programme

You'll need to select a golden visa programme that matches your budget and timeline. Greece offers the lowest entry point at €250,000 for prime residential property, whilst Portugal requires €500,000 in venture capital or private equity funds following Lei n.º 56/202331. Malta demands the highest investment at €690,000+ but provides the fastest route to citizenship in just 1–3 years1. Consider residence requirements carefully: Portugal requires only 7 days per year, whilst Spain, Greece, Italy, and Malta require 0 days annually1. Research language requirements now, as Greece and Italy require B1 proficiency, Portugal requires A2, and Malta has no language requirement1.

Step 2: Prepare Your Investment and Documentation

You must gather proof of funds, source of wealth documentation, and a clean criminal record certificate. For Portugal, budget €5,000–€8,000 for application fees as a single applicant2. Engage a licensed immigration lawyer in your chosen country to verify all documents meet current requirements. Never use forged or altered documents: under Polish Criminal Code Article 270 § 1, using falsified documents carries penalties of 3 months to 5 years imprisonment, and EU Regulation 2019/1157 requires all Member States to penalise document fraud adequately56. Authentic documentation is the only legal pathway.

Step 3: Submit Your Golden Visa Application

You'll file your application through the official immigration authority of your chosen country. Portugal's processing time typically takes 10–14 months from submission to approval2. During this period, authorities will verify your investment, conduct background checks, and review all documentation. You may need to attend an interview or provide additional evidence. Track your application through the official government portal and respond promptly to any requests for information.

Step 4: Maintain Residence and Investment Requirements

You must fulfil the minimum residence period for naturalisation, which ranges from 3 to 10 years across EU-15 countries and Poland, with a mean of 6.4 years4. The 1997 European Convention on Nationality stipulates no more than 10 years should be required7. Specific examples: Belgium requires 5 years, Ireland requires 5 years (including 1 year immediately prior to application), Germany requires 8 years (reducible to 6 with special integration achievements), and Austria and Italy require 10 years8. Keep your investment active throughout this period and meet annual stay requirements.

Step 5: Prepare for Language Certification

You'll need to pass the required language exam before applying for citizenship. Portugal requires the A2 level Portuguese language certification (CIPLE exam), which costs €72 and requires a minimum score of 55%2. Greece and Italy require B1 proficiency, whilst Spain requires basic Spanish1. Start language courses early during your residence period to ensure you're ready when the naturalisation window opens. Malta remains the only option with no language requirement1.

Step 6: Apply for Citizenship

Once you've completed the residence period, you can submit your naturalisation application. For Portugal golden visa holders, this process typically takes 12–18 months after completing the five-year residence requirement2. You'll need to provide proof of residence, language certification, clean criminal record, and evidence of integration. Check whether your chosen country permits dual citizenship: Portugal, Greece, Italy, and Malta allow it, whilst Spain permits only limited dual citizenship1.

Step 7: Receive Your Passport and Exit Investment

After citizenship approval, you'll receive your European passport within 2–3 months. Portugal allows you to divest your investment once citizenship is granted, meaning you no longer need to maintain the €500,000 commitment2. Verify your passport's authenticity through the issuing authority's official channels. You now hold full EU citizenship rights, including freedom of movement across all Member States, the right to live and work anywhere in the EU, and consular protection from any EU embassy worldwide.

Risks, Limitations, and Guarantees

Investing in a European golden visa program involves risks and limitations. The minimum investment varies significantly between countries. For example, Greece requires €250,000, while Malta demands €690,000+ as of 202431. Ensure you can meet these financial commitments, as failing to do so can result in losing your application fees.

Language proficiency is another potential barrier. Countries like Greece and Italy require B1 level proficiency, while Portugal mandates A21. If you cannot meet these requirements, your citizenship application may be denied.

Processing times can also be lengthy. Portugal's golden visa typically takes 10–14 months, and the citizenship application can take an additional 12–18 months after the residence period2. Be prepared for potential delays, which can affect your plans.

It's crucial to verify the legitimacy of your documents. Using forged or altered documents can lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to 5 years under Polish law5. Always use authentic documentation to avoid legal issues.

If you wish to cancel your application, policies vary by country. Consult with an immigration lawyer to understand your options for withdrawing or refunding fees. Always check the specific terms and conditions of the program you choose to ensure you are fully informed before proceeding.

Cited sources

  1. Investment Routes
  2. Portugal Golden Visa: Gateway to European Citizenship | Bluemina
  3. [CHART]: Cheapest EU Golden Visa Cost Comparison 2025
  4. How to Become an EU Citizen: The Acquisition of Citizenship via Naturalization
  5. EMN Ad-Hoc Query on COM AHQ on the Existing legal framework on false documents
  6. L_2019188EN.01006701.xml
  7. Naturalisation - EUDO Citizenship - immigration
  8. Residence period for Naturalisation in EU member states - Best Citizenships

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