European countries where it is easiest for a Russian to obtain citizenship

What is European citizenship

The EU is an international organization that includes 28 European countries that are members of the union, and another 5 countries are in accession mode. Citizens of EU countries have two types of citizenship at once: the country in which they live and citizenship of the European Union. There are a number of states that are not part of the EU, but also provide visiting benefits to European citizens.

In fact, European citizenship is a designation on the passport of a citizen of a country that is part of the European Union. And this mark gives the right to a number of advantages when visiting other countries that are also members of the EU, or have some agreements with the EU.

Are there any nuances?

Each of the 28 countries that are members of the European Union has its own requirements for obtaining citizenship. For example, Denmark, Norway and Spain prohibit having a second passport, so the applicant is forced in this case to renounce citizenship in his homeland. Despite the fact that the most stringent rules for obtaining an EU passport are in Germany, the largest number of our compatriots live in this country. Switzerland, Austria and Luxembourg practically do not accept new citizens.

It is easier to become an EU citizen through Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia. They entered the European Community later than others, their population does not have as many privileges as the old members of the organization, and therefore the demands they put forward for immigrants are weaker. However, the flow of people seeking a better life does not dry up despite the gradual tightening of legislation.

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Benefits of European citizenship

What does EU citizenship provide - a number of advantages:

Study and work in EU countries

An EU citizen has the opportunity to live and work in any EU country, as well as in a number of additional states. To do this, it is enough to obtain a foreign passport - no other documents or permits are required. Considering the economic stability of these countries, this point is an important advantage.

Tourism without a visa

To travel around the EU countries and a number of other countries, you do not need to spend time and money on obtaining visas and permits. This will allow you to visit a maximum of desired points in a short vacation period.

European education

European education is considered prestigious. In addition, it is easier to study in the EU than in the USA or Russia. An EU citizen has the right to free education in most EU countries. Diplomas from EU universities are accepted almost all over the world, even without confirmation.

Quality medicine

Of course, the quality of medicine depends on the country itself, but a citizen of the European Union has the right to choose the corner of Europe that he likes best and go there for treatment without any additional documents - he only needs a foreign passport. At the same time, the EU provides its citizens with insurance that guarantees quality medical care even for people with low incomes.

Doing Business

Doing business in Europe is not difficult, as the law provides equal rights for all entrepreneurs. Corruption is at a minimum level, conditions for businessmen are transparent, and the state is ready to provide support to budding entrepreneurs. Add here the absence of bureaucracy and a developed consumer market - this provides ideal conditions for doing business.

High level of social development

EU countries are focused on a decent standard of living. The quality of products, favorable prices in comparison with salaries, the safety of citizens in the legal field - these are priority factors for the EU countries.

Where can you get EU citizenship the fastest: TOP 5 European countries

According to immigration law, the easiest way to obtain a passport from another state is quite realistic, but for a fee and for investment. We can highlight the top 5 European countries where it is easiest to buy it.

Cyprus

Considering the fact that more and more attractive places to move to appear, Russians cannot refuse the opportunity to go and live on the island of Cyprus. And the reason is not only the warm climate and the Mediterranean coast, but the tax regime and favorable investment policy. Not to mention the fact that Cyprus is attractive for businessmen as an offshore zone. As soon as Cyprus opened programs that made it easy to buy citizenship, Russian-speaking families with capital moved there for indefinite permanent residence. Today, the cost of moving has increased and ranges from €300,000 to 2 million euros. This amount must be invested in real estate or an investment portfolio.

Portugal

The Portuguese cities of Porto and Lisbon are becoming increasingly popular and potential immigrants are exploring them. The small state of Portugal is located in the westernmost part of the continent, has access to the Atlantic Ocean and borders Spain. For some time, the country was in recession, but by increasing the volume of exports, as well as reorganizing sectors of the economy, it gradually emerged from a long crisis. Immigration policy also did not stand aside; it was reviewed and amendments were introduced, starting from the provision of European citizenship for the purchase of real estate or securities to the awarding of a residence permit in exchange for non-cash funds transferred to one of the Portuguese banks. At the same time, you can live in Portugal not the whole year, but only 7 days. Deposit size from €500,000 to 1 million euros.

Spain

You can become an EU citizen if you buy a residence permit in Spain - it gives the right to permanent residence, and after 5 years the foreigner acquires permanent residence, but only after 10 years he receives an official document for citizenship. Compared to Portugal, Spanish laws are more stringent regarding the period of permanent residence - you must live in Spain for at least 183 calendar days a year. The cheapest way is considered to be buying real estate for €500,000; under other conditions, 1 million euros are enough to make a bank deposit or 2 million euros to buy government bonds. A residence permit is issued within 2-3 months.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria joined the European Union and thereby began to attract the attention of investors and immigrants. You won’t be able to buy a passport there right away, but you are allowed to become a residence permit holder literally right away. It is enough to invest an amount of $125,000 in the economy of an unfavorable region, and the foreigner will receive temporary residence, which after 5 years can easily be changed to permanent resident status. Other conditions apply for acquiring citizenship through the purchase of real estate, or rather, you must have sufficient capital of $300,000. Relocation of foreign pensioners is also actively practiced in Bulgaria. The government issues a national visa D for them. Russians with an average or higher pension can apply for it.

Estonia

The Estonian economy has made noticeable progress in recent years, equipping all sectors with innovation, the country is raising its ranking in entrepreneurship, investing, and the IT industry. According to experts, if the region opens up to investors, economic growth will not be long in coming. Today, developed regions support the maximum opening of borders, and Estonia has followed this trend. Estonia is happy to accept as citizens competent startuppers, experienced entrepreneurs and people who are ready to work for the benefit of the state, but still the easiest way to move to permanent residence is investing. Previously, the amount of contribution to the economy was €64,000, but now they often talk about the amount of €65,500; the recalculation was made due to the conversion of the Estonian kroon into euros.

Who can obtain EU citizenship

EU countries independently put forward requirements for potential visitors to their territory. However, there are a number of basic requirements for those wishing to obtain EU citizenship, which are relevant throughout Europe:

Clean criminal history

If in the past a person has committed crimes against human life, as well as violations in the tax sphere, then it is very likely that he will be refused a European passport and the corresponding citizenship.

Financial well-being

Living in Europe is an expensive pleasure, and when moving it is important to have a reserve of finances for the first time. We are not talking about large fortunes; you just need to confirm the availability of finances for living and renting an apartment for a period of three months. The applicant must also confirm a source of income that will provide a decent standard of living for him and his family.

Knowledge of and respect for language, laws and culture

The reason for refusal to obtain European citizenship may be expressed disrespect for language, law or culture.

EU citizenship by roots

If you are considering obtaining European citizenship based on your roots

, we suggest paying attention to countries such as: Bulgaria, Romania, Slovenia. When applying for Romanian citizenship, we provide assistance in preparing documents. And when obtaining citizenship of Bulgaria and Slovenia, you will receive full legal support at every stage.

How to obtain EU citizenship: schemes

You can obtain EU citizenship in 3 ways, which are the main ones in immigration to most EU countries:

By right of birth or in case of adoption

A number of countries grant citizenship by birth, as well as in cases of adoption, provided that one of the parents is already a citizen of the country.

Repatriation

This option for obtaining EU citizenship is available to those whose ancestors lived in one of the countries in Europe. But the ancestors should not be too distant - at least great-grandparents. The most difficult thing in the repatriation procedure is to prove the fact of kinship and residence; if you can prove this, then after six months of consideration there is a real chance to receive a European-style passport. Some countries may require you to pass exams on knowledge of language and culture; you will have to prove your knowledge of the laws in any country. This method of obtaining EU citizenship is considered the simplest and cheapest.

Naturalization

The method is long, but does not require individual conditions. This option for obtaining an EU passport is popular among Russian citizens. The conditions are as follows: you need to legally live in the country for the specified period without leaving (some countries give minimum travel periods), and if you follow the rules, you can count on EU citizenship.

Investments

Obtaining EU citizenship through investment is considered the easiest, but at the same time financially expensive way. The EU for investment does not require long residence in the country, the presence of relatives or any grounds for obtaining a passport. It is necessary to invest a certain amount of funds as an investment and obtain citizenship. Some countries do not even require visiting the country; you can receive a passport by mail.

Some countries set investment retention periods, usually from one to 5 years, but this depends on the country - after which the finances can be returned.

It is worth noting that some countries do not provide for such citizenship, but it is possible to buy an EU passport in this way.

How can a Russian citizen officially obtain an EU passport?

Although the laws of different countries differ slightly from each other, there are 5 options for legally obtaining a European identity card. So, obtaining an EU passport is officially available to a Russian citizen in the following cases:

1. through naturalization . The most time-consuming option, which involves living in the country with a temporary residence permit, and then with permanent residence status for 7-12 years, depending on the country. In addition, those who naturalize in Europe will have to learn the state language and renounce Russian citizenship;
2. based on descent (by right of blood) . This path is available to those who are able to prove that their close relatives in the direct ascending line were previously citizens of the country whose citizenship the migrant is applying for, or belonged to the titular nation of this country. This method is much simpler than the previous one: in most cases, it does not require a certain period of residence in the country and knowledge of the state language. The last condition, however, must be fulfilled by those who plan to obtain a Romanian or Hungarian passport. Citizenship by origin is provided by Bulgaria, Greece, Spain, Italy, Romania, Hungary and a number of other EU countries;
3. by marriage to a citizen of an EU country . The path is quite fast and convenient; almost always, after 2-4 years of living in an official marriage, a Russian migrant can apply for citizenship of the country in which he is located. However, it should be borne in mind that migration services quite carefully monitor a marriage with a foreigner for fictitiousness. Since today Europe is overcrowded with migrants even without Russians, the competent authorities use any legal reason to refuse to grant citizenship and a passport to a foreigner;
4. for investment . This is exactly the path they mean when they talk about the possibility of buying an EU passport. Today you can invest in the economy and get an internal passport in Bulgaria and Malta. This program was previously offered by Cyprus, but was suspended in 2020. There is a similar opportunity in the UK, but since the country left the EU, you won’t be able to get a European passport here. As an option, you can consider Montenegro: becoming a citizen of this country for investment is cheaper than in the states listed earlier, and Montenegro will join the ranks of members of the European Union very soon - already in 2025;
5. for the purchase of real estate . This option is available in many more countries than the previous one. It is enough to purchase expensive real estate, and you can apply for citizenship. True, in many countries this path lies through residence permits and permanent residence, but the terms of residence under them are much more flexible than with naturalization.

In which EU country is it easier to obtain citizenship?

It is impossible to answer the question “Which country is the easiest to obtain EU citizenship”, since everywhere has its own difficulties and individual characteristics. But we can distinguish 2 most popular schemes for quickly and easily obtaining EU citizenship - the option of obtaining a special applicant status (repatriates, refugees, married people, etc.) and the option of business immigration (investment). Each scheme should be considered separately.

On repatriation

A fast way, with simplified requirements and shortened deadlines. You just need to prove your ethnicity; living in the status of residence permit and permanent residence is not required, nor is it necessary to renounce your first citizenship. It is considered a fairly simple option in cases where evidence can be provided.

Poland, Romania, Lithuania and a number of other countries provide this program for residents of the CIS countries.

By marriage

All EU countries imply a simplified procedure for obtaining a residence permit for the life partner of an EU citizen, and it also allows one to significantly reduce the time frame for submitting a request for citizenship. But marriage must be real. It is difficult to maintain a fiction at the level of reality; the lie will be revealed and after that you can forget about EU citizenship, and sometimes about entering the country’s territory, forever.

Who can count on receiving EU citizenship

Citizenship of the European Union is more suitable for wealthy people, since a lot of money is spent in the process, and besides, life there is very expensive. But we cannot exclude ambitious people and competent specialists who can prove themselves well anywhere in Europe.

There are other aspects that can help you qualify for EU citizenship:

1. Full package of requested documents.
2. Knowledge of an international language.
3. No criminal record, no debts.
4. Good results of medical examination.
5. No alcohol or drug addiction.
6. European education.
7. Special merits.
8. Demanded specialists.
9. Compliance with the rules of the immigration program.

Immigration to Europe through work

If you have a high level of knowledge of a foreign language, as well as a profession in demand, immigration is possible by getting a job.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to accurately predict the conditions and timing of immigration, since this depends on a number of unstable factors - the demand for the profession in the labor market, communications, personal qualities.

To choose a country, you need to study the economic characteristics of the country and the market for in-demand professions on its territory. For example, moving to Eastern Europe to get a job will not work - there are too many unemployed people there and they hire citizens directly for positions. And in Western Europe, a foreigner can only get a job if he is a specialist in a narrow or in-demand field.

In addition, it is important to analyze the country for immigration, living standards and wages. The expected salary should not be at the subsistence level, in which case the relocation will be denied. The best countries for employment immigration are Germany, Sweden and Denmark. However, life in these countries is characterized by an extremely high standard, and therefore high prices - this should not be forgotten.

Studies

By entering university or taking long-term language courses, you can come to the country and settle in it. The option of learning a language is common, because it does not require much effort and investment.

Many EU countries allow foreigners to study either for free or for a fee. The only condition is that you need to study and take exams in the official state language of the country.

When studying, a residence permit is issued for a period of 1 year, which is extended when moving from course to course. After graduation, time is provided for employment.

For students, a residence permit is issued for 1 year with further extension. Graduates after graduation have a grace period to find a job. For example, in Germany, a student who receives a diploma is given a year to find a job. Afterwards you can apply for permanent residence and citizenship.

EU citizenship for Russians and residents of CIS countries

The easiest way for Russians to obtain EU citizenship is through long-term repatriation. To do this, you need to prove the presence of “roots”, then submit documents and wait about 24 months. A number of countries may have additional requirements, so it is better to familiarize yourself with the conditions in advance.

In 2021, the fastest way for a citizen of the Russian Federation to obtain EU citizenship is in Romania. The deadline for obtaining is 24 months, the conditions are to prove Romanian roots. A big plus is the possibility of obtaining dual citizenship.

How to obtain EU citizenship

Seeking advice

To receive detailed advice from a migration expert on existing programs, please contact the numbers provided or leave a request on our website, and we will contact you shortly.

Leave an application and find out all the details of obtaining EU citizenship!

Choosing a migration solution

Qualified specialists from International Business will analyze the available documents and help you choose the optimal program that suits your goals, interests and financial capabilities.

Preparation and submission of documents

The company's lawyers will collect for you a package of documents that meets the requirements of the legislation of the selected country and sign you up for submission to obtain citizenship. We will accompany you during your visit to a foreign government agency for successful registration of your dossier.

Obtaining citizenship

Each program has a way to notify you of a decision. We will help you pick up a certificate confirming your assignment of EU citizenship and prepare the necessary internal documents of the country.

Take advantage of the favorable conditions of government programs for obtaining EU citizenship

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