The European Union passport is an international travel document issued to EU nationals. US citizens can apply for an EU passport after obtaining EU citizenship by descent, naturalization, marriage, investment, etc. In this article, we will talk about the EU passport for U.S. citizen, including what it is, EU passport qualifications, benefits, and how to get it.
What Is an EU Citizen/Passport?
The European Union is a community of economy, culture, and politics of 27 European countries. Individuals with nationality of any EU country will be automatically granted EU citizenship. It is a supplement, instead of a replacement, to national citizenship. An EU passport allows you to work, live, and travel freely within the union. However, as every member state also retains its own political autonomy, civil rights, and obligations, it does not mean you enjoy the same benefits in all 27 countries.
Who Are Qualified to Apply for an EU Passport?
The EU passport qualifications vary from country to country. Generally speaking, people who satisfy one of the following requirements might be eligible to obtain an EU passport.
- You are a descendant of an EU citizen.
- You have lived in the country for a certain period and passed a citizenship test.
- Your spouse is an EU citizen.
- You are born in an EU country.
- You obtain an EU passport through investment.
Common Ways to Get an EU Passport
According to the eligibility we introduced before, here are some common ways to apply for an EU passport depending on your identity status, marital status, financial strength, and so on.
Citizenship by Descent
If you are a child, grandchild, or great-grandchild of an EU citizen, you might be granted to obtain EU citizenship in all EU countries. It is recognized as the most straightforward way. Please note that your ancestor does not lose their national citizenship at the time of application.
Citizenship by Naturalization
It is a common way to get citizenship around the world. Applicants usually need to become permanent residents first. It usually has a set of strict requirements for time of residency, educational or occupational qualifications, financial support, citizenship test, etc.
Citizenship by Marriage
Foreigners might be eligible to obtain an EU passport after getting married to an EU national and the requirements differ according to specific countries. Some recognize same-sex marriage, such as Belgium, Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden. In most countries, continuous residence for certain years with their spouse in the country is required.
Citizenship by Investment
It is a shortcut to obtaining residency and citizenship, for high-net-worth individuals and professionals, but it is only available in some specific countries, such as Austria, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain.
How to Get an EU Passport by Naturalization
EU passport requirements by naturalization include proficiency in the official language, knowledge of national history/laws/culture, period of residency, no criminal records, and financial capability. Here are general steps to apply for EU passport for U.S. citizen.
Decide Which Country to Immigrate
Although you might be able to become a citizen of any country, choosing an immigrant-friendly nation will make things easier. As you can enjoy the most common benefits of all EU countries after getting citizenship of a member state, you don’t need to insist on immigrating to a certain country. According to the various EU passport requirements, the easiest EU passport to get in Europe is figured out to be Portugal, Malta, Spain, Netherlands, Ireland, and Luxembourg.
Obtain a Residence Permit
Unlike a tourist or visitor visa that allows the holder to stay for a short term, a temporary or long-term residence permit is required before immigration, such as an employment-based visa, family reunion visa, etc.
They are usually valid for a limited time. You have to renew it regularly to satisfy the EU passport requirements for the residency period listed below. Consecutive years of residence might directly lead to EU citizenship while some require you to live in the country for years with permanent residency.
| Country | Residency Period | Country | Period of Residency | Country | Period of Residency |
| Austria | 5-10 years | France | 5 years | Malta | 1-5 years |
| Belgium | 5 years | Germany | 5 years | Netherlands | 5 years |
| Bulgaria | 5 years | Greece | 7 years | Poland | 5-8 years |
| Croatia | 8 years | Hungary | 3-8 years | Portugal | 5 years |
| Cyprus | 5-7 years | Ireland | 5 years | Romania | 8 years |
| Czechia | 5 years | Italy | 2-10 years | Slovakia | 8 years |
| Denmark | 8 years | Latvia | 5 years | Slovenia | 10 years |
| Estonia | 8 years | Lithuania | 10 years | Spain | 10 years |
| Finland | 6 years | Luxembourg | 5 years | Sweden | 5 years |
Apply for EU Citizenship
After confirming your EU passport qualifications, you have to submit the required documents in person or online to obtain citizenship. Here are the general EU passport requirements.
- A completed application form
- A valid passport
- A government-issued identity document
- Certificate of language proficiency
- Proof of residency
- Proof of no criminal record
- A photograph compliant with the EU passport photo requirements
- Additional documents required by the authority
Last but not least, you usually need to pass a citizenship test about language capability, knowledge of European history, culture, etc.
Apply for EU Passport
You can apply for a national passport after naturalization. The application process may vary from country to country. Here are some general guidelines.
- Submit Complete Applications
It can be done on the immigration office website or in person at a passport office. Make sure everything you provide is complete, authentic, and accurate.
- Pay Application Fees Successfully
The cost and payment methods differ according to the country you immigrate to. Some support online payment while others request cash, money orders, or bank transfers. No matter which way you choose, make sure you receive a payment receipt as proof of successful payment.
- Keep a Proof
In most cases, you will receive an email or receipt after submitting applications. Please keep it well as proof to collect the passport. If an appointment is necessary, please attend it as scheduled.
- Collect the EU Passport
After the authority informs you that the passport is ready, please collect it in time. Some provide home delivery service while some request in-person pickup. Remember to bring your identification and check whether there is anything wrong with the booklet.
How to Get an EU Passport by Investment
It is also known as the golden visa program, which is available in only some EU countries, such as Austria, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain. Here are some popular choices.
Portuguese Golden Visa
Launched in 2012, it is also known as a Residency by Investment Scheme designed for non-EU and non-EEA countries, including the United States. However, real estate investment is no longer an acceptable pathway since October 2023. You are supposed to turn to the following investment options. After holding the Portugal golden visa and living in Portugal for 5 years, you might be eligible to become a Portuguese citizen.
- Fund Subscription: no less than €500,000 in Private Equity and Venture Capital funds in energy, industry, and technology.
- Company: a share capital of €500,000 in a new or existing company with sufficient full-time job vacancies.
- Donation: at least €250,000 in arts/national heritage/culture or €500,000 in research and development
Greek Golden Visa
Introduced in 2014, the Greek government accepts investments in property, companies, and shares or bonds of corporations and the government. After physically residing in Greece for at least 183 days in a 7-year period, golden visa holders are qualified to apply for EU citizenship.
- Real estate
It refers to purchasing a property worth at least €500,000 or renting a property with at least a 10-year lease agreement worth the same as a purchase option. The minimum investment threshold was doubled as of July 31, 2023 (from €250,000 to €500,000).
- Capital
At least €400,000 of investment in a company registered or running in Greece is required. The capital can be used to establish a new company or increase shares of an existing company.
- Government bonds
The minimum investment threshold should be at least €500,0000 and valid for at least 3 years at the time of purchase.
Malta Golden Visa
Officially known as the Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP), it paves the way for Maltese residency, and eventually Maltese citizenship after 5 years as long as you satisfy all EU passport qualifications in Malta. The Maltese government encourages foreigners to invest in the following sections.
- Property rental valued at least €10,000-€12,000
- Property purchase valued at least €300,000-€350,000
- Donation of €2,000 to a local registered NGO.
Spain Golden Visa
The investment visa grants temporary residence. You will become a permanent resident after 5 years and a Spanish citizen after another 10 years. To be eligible for the visa, one of the following investments is acceptable.
- Real estate Purchase
The property must be valued at least €500,000, involving one or multiple units.
- Spanish public debt
It should be worth at least €2,000,000.
- Bank deposit
You can save at least €1,000,000 in a local Spanish bank.
- Company setup
You should invest at least €2,000,000 to establish a new company with job opportunities.
Italy Golden Visa
After investing and living in Italy for 10 years, you can obtain Italian citizenship. Published in 2017, the following investment options are permitted. Please note that investment in the real estate industry is currently unavailable.
- €2,000,000 invested in government bonds
- €1,000,000 donated to charity or charitable activities
- €500,000 invested in an Italian limited company
- €250,000 invested in certified innovative newly-established companies
How Much Does It Cost to Get an EU Passport by Investment?
The threshold is different in different countries and investment options. Here is a list of amounts for some major golden visa programs in Europe.
| Country | Real estate | Funds/Deposits | Company | Donation |
| Portugal | / | €500,000 | €500,000 | €250,000 – €500,000 |
| Greece | €500,000 | / | €400,000 – €500,0000 | / |
| Malta | €10,000-€350,000 | / | / | €2,000 |
| Spain | €500,000 | €2,000,000 – €1,000,000 | €2,000,000 | / |
| Italy | / | €2,000,000 | €250,000 – €500,000 | €1,000,000 |
Benefits of Getting EU Passports for Americans
The European Union is one of the largest and most developed free movement and exchange areas. You can enjoy the following benefits of an EU passport.
- Work and live in all 27 member states without extra visas.
- Apply for educational subsidies and scholarships.
- Travel freely without visas to over 170 countries.
- Enjoy public healthcare support across EU countries.
- Do business and have tariff-free international trade throughout most European countries.
- Accept legal protection while traveling to EU nations.
FAQ
➡️ Which EU countries allow dual citizenship with the US?
Belgium, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, and Sweden allow dual citizenship with the US.
➡️ What is the easiest EU country to get citizenship as an American?
Considering EU passport requirements and processing time, the easiest EU passport to get is Malta’s.
➡️ Can you live in Europe with American citizenship?
Yes. US citizens are allowed to live temporarily or permanently in Europe as long as they obtain a legal residence permit.
➡️ Does Germany allow dual citizenship with the US?
Yes, as long as you satisfy both countries’ requirements.
➡️ What is the EU passport photo size?
They vary from country to country. Common EU passport photo dimensions include 35x 45 mm and 26×32 mm.
Final Thoughts
The national of any EU member state can obtain an EU passport. US citizens should become nationals of a country of the European Union first by descent, naturalization, marriage, and investment. Most of them support dual citizenship with the United States. Specific EU passport qualifications and requirements vary from country to country. You should choose a proper immigration destination according to your budget, identity status, period of residency, etc.