European citizenship is a highly sought-after status, offering benefits and opportunities. Whether you’re looking to relocate to a new country or establish a base for your business in another nation, European citizenship can be a powerful tool.
Obtaining citizenship in one of the European countries, whether for travel, settlement or business purposes, can work as a doorway to the entire European continent and beyond European borders. Moreover, a European Union (EU) passport allows you to reside anywhere in the EU and reap the benefits of the high standard of living that Europe offers.
There are several ways to become a citizen of Europe. But for high-net-worth individuals and families willing to invest in European countries, the region has attractive citizenship through investment programmes. For any investor looking for opportunities to lawfully obtain citizenship or a second passport for better travel options, applying for a Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme is the best choice.
What are the benefits of acquiring European citizenship? Which European countries offer citizenship by investment programmes? What are the minimum required investments? This blog post will explore all of that and more. So, if you’re curious about European citizenship, keep reading!
Why is European Citizenship beneficial?
What do you stand to gain from citizenship in Europe? Aside from the benefits of an EU passport, there are numerous other advantages for European citizens. Here are just a few:Ability to freely work in EU countries;
Right to reside in the EU countries;
Get subsidised academic studies;
Visa-free entry into various countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia;
Starting a business;
Access to real estate opportunities;
Freedom of movement throughout the EU countries and Schengen Area;
Consular protection through the European consulates;
Preferential permits to work outside Europe;
Advanced medical treatment in EU countries;
Visa-free travel into Europe; and
Excellent living conditions and overall quality of life.
Additionally, European citizenship can confer a sense of belonging to a larger community and provide opportunities for cultural exchange. As such, European citizenship is valuable for anyone lucky enough to possess it.
5 Citizenship by Investment Programmes in Europe
There are five (5) European Countries offering Citizenship by Investment Programmes. These programmes usually require applicants to invest in real estate and donate to non-government organisations (NGOs). Here’s a look at the minimum investments required for each country:
- North Macedonia – EUR 200,000
- Turkey – USD 400,000
- Montenegro – EUR 450,000 (EUR 250,000 in investment plus EUR 200,000 contribution to the government)
- Malta (through the Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment) – EUR 600,000 (requiring a residence period of 36 months)
- Austria – active participation in Austria’s economy. *
*It is important to note that Austria’s programme does not require passive investments in real estate or government bonds. Unlike the other programmes, applicants for the Austrian citizenship-by-investment should actively participate in the Austrian economy.
Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment
Malta is one of Europe’s best places to obtain citizenship by direct investment. With a nominal investment required, this prestigious citizenship programme offers investors, their spouses and their children full citizenship in Malta.
Applicants may opt for either of the two options:
- Obtain Maltese citizenship after one year (12 months) of residency with a contribution of €750,000.
- Acquire Maltese citizenship after three years (36 months) of residency with a contribution of €600,000.
This unique programme designed by the Maltese Government for granting citizenship is one of the most sought-after programmes. Successful applicants become Maltese citizens and gain the legal right to European Union (EU) and Schengen Area.
The programme is limited to a maximum number of 400 successful applicants per year. It is capped at 1,500 for the entire regulation.
European citizenship comes with a host of benefits. As a European citizen, you are entitled to live, work, and study in any European Union (EU) member state. Ultimately, European citizenship provides numerous benefits and opportunities to help you make the most of your European identity
Read more about the programme here: Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment
Our dedicated team of experts can help you at every step of the way for obtaining your Maltese citizenship. Get in touch with us on info@endevio.com.
How can Endevio help?
Whether to carry overseas business from a new vantage point or a favourable taxation system or capitalise on the lucrative real estate market, Europe has also become a destination of choice to design new investment possibilities in a competing business environment. While the benefits of citizenship by investment programmes are clear, interested investors should do their due diligence before investing.
Endevio is a Malta-based firm that delivers immigration services to the international market. We understand your yearning to live in Europe, and we are set to lead you there. Let us explore your citizenship by investment options, especially the Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment.
Get in touch with us today!
