Easiest (cheap/fastest) way to get an EU passport
 

It seems a bit quiet on here. ;)

One option to get over the end of free movement now the UK is out of the EU would be to move to an EU (or Schengen?) country and then satisfy residence requirements and become a citizen.
Does anyone know which EU country offers the fastest (affordable) way to migrate?

Noting that I can't afford a golden passport from Malta.

Re: Easiest (cheap/fastest) way to get an EU passport
 

Citizenship in most countries can only be sought after being legally resident in them for 10 years so an EU passport would not be readily available.

Rosemary

Re: Easiest (cheap/fastest) way to get an EU passport
 

I believe some provide citizenship in less than 10 years, but are still likely to be 3-5 years. You also need to consider the visa requirements to live there for the qualifying period, and whether there are any other requirements for citizenship, e.g. language requirements.

It's worth checking your family tree, in case you qualify for a passport by descent.

Re: Easiest (cheap/fastest) way to get an EU passport
 

No visa issues going to Ireland, 5 years then passport probs be one of the best options?

Re: Easiest (cheap/fastest) way to get an EU passport
 

Ireland would be your best bet but it’s likely far more efficient simply to meet the visa requirements for whichever EU country you wish to move to rather than live in a country you don’t for five to six years first.

Re: Easiest (cheap/fastest) way to get an EU passport
 

Cyprus or Malta if you have €100k to waste. Thank me later.

Re: Easiest (cheap/fastest) way to get an EU passport
 

Then again most people are born in a place and nobody asked them if they want to spend 18 years of their life there:sarcasm: The thing is that many don't meet the requirements (see Spain), so unfortunately Ireland is becoming a gateway. The worst would be if people come here and are not one bit interested in the country and want to make it another England, or just walk around miserable. If people integrate and accept that Barry's is not Tetley (can be bought) and do something for the community then fine.

Re: Easiest (cheap/fastest) way to get an EU passport
 

Interesting.
We had Ireland down as an option (like it over there) but were wondering what other options there might be.

Re: Easiest (cheap/fastest) way to get an EU passport
 

All other options would require a visa, so easiest would depend if you need to work or are retired. Only based on lanage you'd have Malta under KEI scheme if you are a key employee. And for retired Portugal offers the D7 visa with lower income requirements. Otherwise there are no easy options left unless you qualify through employment, investment, or meet income requirements for retirement.

Re: Easiest (cheap/fastest) way to get an EU passport
 

OP from your posts in 2016 that you were considering moving to NZ?

what happened & why (if living in the UK) do you want an EU passport....reasons/considerations?

Re: Easiest (cheap/fastest) way to get an EU passport
 

^^^ I agree

^^^ or anywhere else - when in Rome!

Re: Easiest (cheap/fastest) way to get an EU passport
 

Marry an EU citizen!

Re: Easiest (cheap/fastest) way to get an EU passport
 

In the long run, this is slower and defo more expensive than investing €100k in Cyprus or Malta.

Re: Easiest (cheap/fastest) way to get an EU passport
 

I think you would need a bit more than that and Cyprus Golden Visa was cancelled in 2020 it seems: https://cyprus-mail.com/2021/03/31/c...a-constrained/

Cyprus offers the quickest, most assured route to citizenship of a European country through the Cypriot citizenship by investment programme. An investment of €2.0 million in real estate is required, plus a donation of €100,000 to the Governments Research and Development fund and €100,000 to the Land Development Organisation. Cyprus is unique in its offering of citizenship within just 6 months of such an investment. This grants a Cypriot passport and citizenship of an EU country, allowing the freedom to work, travel, study and live anywhere within the EU including countries such as Germany, France and the UK. The investment can be reduced down after 5 years to just €500,000.


Malta

DEVELOPMENT FUND

To qualify for Malta citizenship by investment the main applicant is required to contribute a minimum of €650,000 into a development fund set up by the Government of Malta. Spouses and children are required to contribute €25,000 and unmarried children between 18 and 25 and dependent parents must contribute €50,000 each.

REAL ESTATE

Applicants are required to make an investment in property of at least €350,000 or enter a property rental contract for at least €16,000 pa for five years.

INVESTMENT IN BONDS/SHARES

Applicants are required to invest at least €150,000 in bonds or shares approved by the Maltese Government and this investment must be maintained for five years. This investment will need to be made in stocks sanctioned by the government as beneficial to the Island.

Re: Easiest (cheap/fastest) way to get an EU passport
 

Ok, Cyprus is gone. Still good for money laundering and asset offshoring, allegedly.