This step-by-step guide walks you through the entire application process. With Mirabello Consultancy's 99% approval rate and expert team, your application is in safe hands from start to finish.

Last updated: March 2026

This step-by-step guide walks you through the entire application process. With Mirabello Consultancy's 99% approval rate and expert team, your application is in safe hands from start to finish.

What Is EU Citizenship by Investment and How to Get EU Citizenship?

EU citizenship by investment is a legal, government-administered pathway that grants full European Union citizenship to qualifying foreign nationals in exchange for a significant economic contribution to the host country. Unlike a golden visa or residency-by-investment programme — which grants the right to live and work in a particular country — citizenship by investment confers the complete rights of a national citizen: the right to reside anywhere in the European Union, access to EU social systems, consular protection, and, critically, an EU passport.

Understanding how to get EU citizenship through investment requires a clear appreciation of the distinction between residency and citizenship. Residency programmes, such as those offered by Portugal, Greece, and Spain, provide a pathway to eventual citizenship after a number of years of qualifying presence, whereas direct citizenship programmes — most notably Malta's — offer a more expedient route to full EU membership status.

For high-net-worth individuals and families seeking greater global mobility, financial security, and the profound stability that comes with belonging to one of the world's most respected political unions, EU citizenship represents one of the most valuable long-term investments available today. To explore the full landscape of investment migration options, visit our guide to the best citizenship by investment programmes.

Available EU Citizenship by Investment Routes

At present, the most prominent and internationally recognised direct pathway to EU citizenship by investment is the Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment (MEIN) programme. Malta is a full EU member state and a signatory to the Schengen Agreement, meaning its passport carries the full weight of European citizenship. Below is a structured overview of the primary investment options available under this programme.

Malta Citizenship by Investment — Investment Options

• Government Contribution (12-month residency route): A non-refundable contribution of €600,000 to the National Development and Social Fund, plus a real estate investment of at least €700,000 (held for a minimum of five years) or a property lease with an annual rental of at least €16,000, plus a €10,000 donation to a registered Maltese philanthropic, cultural, or scientific organisation.
• Government Contribution (36-month residency route): A reduced non-refundable contribution of €750,000 is replaced by €600,000 in the standard route; applicants who can demonstrate 36 months of genuine residency in Malta prior to naturalisation may qualify for the lower contribution threshold of €600,000 versus the 12-month route's same figure — processing times are the differentiating factor here.
• Real Estate: A minimum purchase of €700,000 or a lease valued at €16,000 per annum, maintained for no fewer than five years post-naturalisation.
• Philanthropic Donation: A minimum €10,000 contribution to an approved Maltese organisation.

In addition to Malta's direct route, EU residency programmes in Portugal and Greece offer alternative pathways that can, over time, lead to full EU citizenship. Portugal's golden visa, for example, can lead to citizenship eligibility after five years of legal residency, while Greece's programme offers a route to naturalisation after seven years. These programmes are more accessible in terms of minimum investment but require a longer-term commitment before citizenship is attained.

Eligibility Requirements for EU Citizenship by Investment

Each EU citizenship programme establishes its own eligibility criteria, but there are common requirements that apply across the board. Before beginning your application, you and all included family members must meet the following baseline standards:

• Age: Main applicants must typically be at least 18 years of age. There is no upper age limit.
• Clean criminal record: Applicants must demonstrate a clear criminal background. Any conviction — regardless of jurisdiction — will be carefully reviewed during due diligence.
• Source of funds: Applicants must provide comprehensive documentation demonstrating that all investment funds are derived from legitimate sources. This is a non-negotiable requirement under EU anti-money laundering directives.
• Health: A clean bill of health is required, and in some programmes, medical insurance coverage is mandatory throughout the residency period.
• No current EU citizenship: While not always an absolute bar, some EU member states may require applicants to renounce existing citizenships depending on their country of origin's laws on dual nationality.
• Financial standing: Applicants must demonstrate sufficient net worth to sustain themselves and any dependants included in the application.
• Genuine link to the country: Malta, in particular, requires applicants to demonstrate a genuine connection to the nation through residency, cultural ties, or economic participation.

Mirabello Consultancy conducts a thorough pre-assessment for every prospective client, identifying any potential eligibility concerns well before submission to ensure your application proceeds smoothly. Book your free consultation today to receive a personalised eligibility assessment.

Step-by-Step Application Process: How to Get EU Citizenship

Navigating the path to EU citizenship requires precision, patience, and expert guidance at every stage. Below is a detailed breakdown of the application process as managed by Mirabello Consultancy.

Step 1 — Initial Assessment and Programme Selection

Your journey begins with a confidential consultation with our investment migration specialists. We assess your personal circumstances, financial background, family structure, and long-term objectives to determine the most suitable EU citizenship or residency programme for you. This stage typically takes one to two weeks.

Step 2 — Engagement and Documentation Preparation

Once you have selected your preferred programme, our team compiles a comprehensive documentation checklist tailored to your specific situation. This includes passports, birth and marriage certificates, criminal record certificates, bank statements, corporate ownership structures, tax records, and source-of-wealth documentation. Our legal team works with you — and with your existing advisers where applicable — to ensure every document is correctly apostilled, notarised, and translated where required.

Step 3 — Due Diligence and Background Verification

All EU citizenship programmes subject applicants to rigorous multi-tier due diligence. Mirabello Consultancy conducts an independent pre-due-diligence review before any official submission, identifying and resolving any potential issues. This stage typically takes four to six weeks and is among the most critical phases of the entire process.

Step 4 — Residency Registration

For Malta's programme, applicants must obtain a Maltese residence permit before naturalisation can proceed. Our team coordinates all aspects of the residency registration process, including property arrangements (lease or purchase), registration with the Maltese authorities, and ongoing compliance monitoring throughout the residency period.

Step 5 — Submission of Naturalisation Application

With residency confirmed and all documentation verified, we submit your formal application for naturalisation by exceptional service to Community Malta Agency (CMA). The CMA undertakes its own due diligence and review process at this stage.

Step 6 — Investment Completion

Upon receiving an in-principle approval letter from the CMA, you complete the required investment: the government contribution, real estate transaction, and philanthropic donation. Mirabello Consultancy coordinates all investment completions with relevant parties to ensure full compliance with programme requirements.

Step 7 — Naturalisation and Passport Issuance

Following successful due diligence and investment completion, you will receive your certificate of naturalisation and will be eligible to apply for your Maltese — and therefore EU — passport. The passport is typically issued within four to six weeks of naturalisation confirmation.

Processing Timelines: What to Expect

One of the most common questions we receive from prospective clients is: how long does it take to get EU citizenship by investment? The honest answer is that timelines vary based on programme, route, and the completeness of documentation provided at outset. Here is a realistic overview:

• Malta (12-month residency route): Total processing time from initial application submission to passport issuance is typically 14 to 18 months.
• Malta (36-month residency route): Total processing time ranges from 38 to 42 months, inclusive of the extended residency period.
• Portugal Golden Visa (pathway to citizenship): Residency permit issued within 6 to 12 months of application; citizenship eligibility arises after five years of maintaining legal residency status — total timeline typically seven to nine years from initial application to passport.
• Greece Golden Visa (pathway to citizenship): Residency permit issued within four to six months; citizenship eligibility arises after seven years of residency — total timeline eight to ten years.

Mirabello Consultancy's dedicated case management team monitors every application proactively, anticipating and resolving delays before they impact your timeline. Our 99% approval rate is a direct reflection of the preparation and diligence we invest in every client file.

The Benefits of EU Citizenship

EU citizenship is widely regarded as among the most valuable forms of citizenship in the world. The benefits extend far beyond the passport itself and encompass a comprehensive set of rights and freedoms that few other citizenships can match.

• Visa-free travel: An EU passport — particularly a Maltese passport — provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 186 countries and territories, including the United States (under the Visa Waiver Programme), United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, and Singapore.
• Freedom of movement within the EU: EU citizens have the unconditional right to live, work, study, and retire in any of the 27 EU member states without requiring a visa or work permit.
• Access to European healthcare and education: EU citizens benefit from access to public healthcare and world-class educational institutions across the continent, often at significantly reduced or subsidised rates.
• Business and investment opportunities: The EU's single market of over 440 million consumers provides unparalleled access for business owners and investors seeking to operate across European borders without regulatory friction.
• Political stability and security: EU member states are subject to robust rule-of-law standards, independent judiciaries, and strong property rights protections — providing a stable environment for both personal and financial planning.
• Inheritance and estate planning: EU citizenship facilitates more straightforward cross-border estate planning for families with assets or interests across multiple European jurisdictions.
• Generational benefit: EU citizenship is heritable, meaning your children and grandchildren will benefit from the same rights and freedoms for generations to come.

For a broader comparison of global investment migration options, explore our comprehensive guide to the best golden visa investment programmes.

Including Your Family in Your EU Citizenship Application

One of the most significant advantages of citizenship by investment programmes is the ability to extend the benefits of EU citizenship to your entire immediate family within a single application. Family inclusion provisions vary by programme, but as a general guide:

• Spouse or registered civil partner: Included in the main application, subject to the same due diligence requirements.
• Dependent children: Children up to the age of 18 are included automatically. Children aged 18 to 27 may be included if they are in full-time education and financially dependent on the main applicant. Children of any age who have a certified disability may also be included.
• Dependent parents and grandparents: Parents and grandparents of the main applicant or spouse, aged 55 and above, may be included subject to proof of financial dependence.
• Dependent siblings: In some programme configurations, unmarried dependent siblings may qualify for inclusion, subject to specific criteria.

Each additional family member is subject to their own due diligence review and may attract additional government fees. Mirabello Consultancy advises all clients on optimising their family application structure to ensure maximum inclusion at the most favourable cost. Speak with our team to discuss your family's specific circumstances.

For families considering a Malta citizenship application, you may also wish to review the specific requirements and inclusions applicable under the Malta citizenship by investment programme.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Get EU Citizenship

What is the least expensive way to get EU citizenship by investment?

The most cost-effective direct route to EU citizenship by investment is currently Malta's 36-month residency pathway, with a total investment commitment beginning from approximately €600,000 in government contributions, plus real estate and philanthropic requirements. Whilst this route requires a longer residency period, the overall financial commitment is comparable to the 12-month route. Residency-based programmes such as Portugal's golden visa have lower initial investment thresholds — starting from €250,000 for certain cultural fund investments — but require a minimum of five years before citizenship eligibility arises.

Can I hold dual citizenship as an EU citizen?

EU member states do not have a unified policy on dual nationality, and the position varies by country. Malta, for example, permits dual citizenship, meaning you are not required to renounce your existing nationality upon naturalisation. However, your country of origin's laws on dual nationality must also be considered. Mirabello Consultancy provides country-specific dual nationality advice as part of every client engagement.

How long does it take to get EU citizenship by investment?

Through Malta's 12-month residency route, the total timeline from initial application submission to passport issuance is typically 14 to 18 months. The 36-month route extends this to approximately 38 to 42 months. Residency-based pathways to EU citizenship via Portugal or Greece involve a considerably longer timeline of seven to ten years in total.

Is EU citizenship by investment legal?

Yes. Citizenship by investment programmes are sovereign government initiatives, legislated and administered by the respective EU member states. Malta's programme, for example, operates under the Maltese Citizenship Act and is regulated by Community Malta Agency. All investments are made through formal, government-supervised channels, and every applicant undergoes comprehensive due diligence scrutiny.

What documents are required for an EU citizenship by investment application?

Documentation requirements vary by programme but typically include valid passports for all applicants, birth and marriage certificates, certified criminal record certificates from all countries of residence (past ten years), bank statements and financial records covering at least three years, source-of-wealth and source-of-funds documentation, proof of health insurance, and any relevant business ownership or corporate structure documentation. Mirabello Consultancy prepares a bespoke documentation checklist for every client at the outset of the engagement.

Can my children inherit my EU citizenship?

Yes. EU citizenship obtained through investment is fully transferable to future generations. Your children born after your naturalisation will be EU citizens by birth, and in most EU member states, citizenship can be transmitted to subsequent generations subject to the specific nationality laws of the country concerned. This generational dimension is one of the most compelling long-term benefits of obtaining EU citizenship.

Does EU citizenship by investment require me to live in the EU permanently?

Not permanently. Malta's programme requires a genuine residency link during the qualifying period (12 or 36 months), but once naturalisation is confirmed, there is no mandatory minimum physical presence required to maintain your citizenship. EU citizenship, once granted, is typically held for life unless voluntarily renounced or revoked in exceptional circumstances.