A Guide to Becoming an EU Citizen Without Being Born There

Not a European by birth? You can still claim citizenship in Europe — with a good plan. If you’re wondering how to get EU citizenship by investment, this guide simplifies things. It is entirely possible for non-European nationals to become EU citizens by way of investment and legal strategy, rather than by birth in Europe.

Understanding the Options

Citizenship by investment (Malta)

Malta is one of the few EU countries that still directly provides citizenship to investors.
You contribute €600,000 for a 36-month residency period or €750,000 for a 12-month residency period.
You also need to invest in real estate or lease, make a donation to a local NGO, and undergo a strict due diligence check.
Once granted, you will obtain full EU citizenship, visa-free access to travel to more than 190 countries across the world, and the option to add family.

Residency By Investment Leading To Citizenship

While not direct, there are many golden visa routes that can offer an effective means for legal status, and eventually, national citizenship.

Portugal Golden Visa:

Requires €500,000 investment in cumulative applicable funds, research, employment creation, or arts. Stay just seven days a year. Apply for citizenship after five years, plus a basic language test and integration proof.

Greece Golden Visa:

Investment of €250,000+, in real estate ( or higher in some major cities), no minimum stay requirements, possibility of citizenship after seven years with language and culture requirements.

Cyprus Residency by Investment:

Investment of €300,000 in approved property or business, with a minimal number of visits. Full citizenship could follow at the end of a seven-year residency period if conditions are fulfilled.

EU Citizenship Without Birthright

So, you weren’t born a European, and you don’t have European ancestry. So what? A route to EU citizenship without birthright exists: residency and legal integration. By establishing your presence in a member state over the legally required years and complying with the legal language and cultural connection requirements, the pathway to naturalisation is:

Germany: 5 years residency (reduced to 3 with integration course and C1 language).
Portugal: 5 years, language proficiency, and proof of ties.

Quick Comparison

Country	Type	Investment Requirement	Residency Stay	Citizenship Timeline
Malta	Direct Citizenship by Investment	€600K–750K + property/donation	12–36 months residence	~1–3 years
Portugal	Residency-by-Investment	€500K in eligible funds	7 days/year	5 years
Greece	Residency-by-Investment	€250K real estate	No minimum stay	7 years
Cyprus	Residency-by-Investment	€300K property/business	Very minimal presence required	7 years

Legal Residency and Naturalisation Through Work or Business

Working or running a business in the EU can also lead to citizenship after several years. Countries like Germany, Portugal, Spain, and Belgium offer naturalisation after 5–10 years of legal living, stable income, and integration proof.

This path is practical and often more affordable than hefty investment routes.

Conclusion

You do not have to be born a European to get EU citizenship. However, you choose to do it, either by investment or long-term legal residency, EU citizenship is an attainable goal. For many Indian nationals, the combination of hard data and flexible planning works.

If you have been thinking about the idea of obtaining European citizenship for Indians in 2025, a good partner is the difference between success and failure. In this process, Abhinav Immigration Services will assist you by providing clear, straightforward advice, from the selection of the funding country for the best country and investment type to submitting applications to due diligence. Think of us as your steady guide to rely on while you make your commitment to pursue European citizenship.

Are you ready to begin a tougher page, ready for a new life in Europe? A good decision is to start including Abhinav Immigration Services in your plans.