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.

For Americans, the appeal of EU citizenship has never been stronger. Whether you are driven by the desire for a stronger passport, broader business opportunities across 27 member states, a European base for your family, or simply greater personal freedom, learning how to get EU citizenship as an American is the first critical step. The good news: there are several legitimate, well-established pathways — and with the right advisers, the process is far more straightforward than many people assume.

What Is EU Citizenship and Why Do Americans Pursue It?

EU citizenship is the status conferred upon nationals of any of the 27 European Union member states. Crucially, holding citizenship of one EU country automatically grants you the right to live, work, study, and retire in any of the other 26 member states — a privilege no visa or residency permit can replicate. For Americans, this represents an extraordinary expansion of personal and professional freedom.

Beyond intra-European mobility, an EU passport unlocks visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 180 countries worldwide — including the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Singapore, and Australia. By contrast, the US passport, while highly regarded, is subject to increasing entry friction in several regions. EU citizenship also offers the security of a second legal identity: a contingency that UHNW families, international business owners, and globally mobile professionals increasingly view as an essential part of responsible long-term planning.

For families with children, an EU passport transmits across generations — meaning the investment you make today becomes an enduring legacy for your descendants.

How to Get EU Citizenship as an American: The Main Pathways

There is no single answer to how to get EU citizenship as an American, because the optimal route depends on your personal circumstances, timeline, budget, and long-term objectives. Below are the four primary pathways available to US citizens.

1. Citizenship by Investment (CBI)

The fastest and most predictable route for most Americans is citizenship by investment. Within the EU, Malta operates the only EU-compliant, government-vetted CBI programme. Under the Maltese Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment (CES) programme, successful applicants receive full Maltese — and therefore EU — citizenship in exchange for a qualifying investment in Malta. This is the flagship route we help clients navigate at Mirabello Consultancy.

2. Citizenship by Ancestry (Jure Sanguinis)

If you have European heritage — Italian, Irish, German, Polish, Lithuanian, or from numerous other EU nations — you may be entitled to reclaim citizenship through your bloodline. Italy and Ireland are among the most popular routes for Americans with qualifying ancestry. Processing times range from 6 months to several years depending on the country and the generation through which you claim.

3. Naturalisation Through Residency

Several EU countries offer golden visa residency programmes — Portugal, Greece, Spain, and Hungary among them — which ultimately lead to citizenship after a qualifying period of legal residence (typically 5–10 years). This is a longer route but can be highly attractive for those who wish to establish genuine ties to a European country over time. Explore our guide to the best golden visa investment programmes for a full comparison.

4. Citizenship Through Marriage

Americans married to EU nationals may be eligible to apply for citizenship after a reduced residency period — often 3–5 years — depending on the specific country's legislation. Requirements vary significantly between member states.

Malta Citizenship by Investment: The Premier CBI Route for Americans

For Americans seeking the most efficient, legally transparent, and internationally recognised path to EU citizenship, Malta's CBI programme stands apart. Malta is a full EU member state, a Schengen Area country, and a Commonwealth member — meaning Maltese citizenship carries extraordinary breadth of access and privilege.

Under the Maltese CES programme, applicants must fulfil three core investment obligations:

• Government contribution: A non-refundable contribution of €600,000 (for the standard 36-month residency track) or €750,000 (for the accelerated 12-month track) to the National Development and Social Fund.
• Real estate commitment: Either purchase property valued at a minimum of €700,000 (held for at least 5 years) or rent property at a minimum of €16,000 per annum for at least 5 years.
• Philanthropic donation: A minimum donation of €10,000 to a registered Maltese NGO, charity, or sporting organisation.

Total investment typically ranges from approximately €750,000 to €1.5 million+ depending on the track selected, property strategy, and family size. In addition to the financial requirements, applicants must hold Maltese residency (a genuine link), pass a rigorous due diligence assessment, and demonstrate a clean criminal record.

Learn more on our dedicated Malta Citizenship by Investment programme page.

Eligibility Requirements: What Americans Need to Qualify

Eligibility requirements differ by pathway, but for the Malta CBI programme — the most structured and clearly defined — the key criteria are as follows:

• Age: Main applicant must be at least 18 years of age.
• Clean criminal record: No criminal convictions in any jurisdiction. Background checks are conducted across all countries where the applicant has resided.
• Good health: Applicants must hold valid health insurance covering Malta and must not pose a public health risk.
• Financial standing: Evidence of legitimate source of funds and source of wealth is mandatory. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to finance the investment without reliance on unlawful activity.
• Genuine connection to Malta: Applicants must register as Maltese residents and demonstrate a genuine link to the country throughout the residency period.
• Due diligence: Malta conducts one of the most thorough four-tier due diligence processes of any programme globally. This is a mark of quality — and a primary reason Maltese citizenship is so highly regarded internationally.

Americans should also be mindful of US tax obligations. As a US citizen, you remain subject to worldwide income tax reporting (and potentially FATCA obligations) even after acquiring a second citizenship. We strongly advise working with a qualified US international tax adviser alongside your immigration consultant — this is a standard part of the holistic service we provide at Mirabello Consultancy.

The Step-by-Step Application Process

Here is a clear, sequential overview of how the Malta CBI application process works in practice:

1. Initial consultation and eligibility assessment: Your Mirabello Consultancy case manager conducts a thorough review of your personal circumstances, investment goals, and family structure. We identify the optimal programme and track for your situation.
2. Document preparation: We compile and verify all required documentation — including birth certificates, marriage certificates, financial statements, police clearance certificates, and proof of source of funds. This phase typically takes 4–8 weeks.
3. Letter of Intent submission: A formal Letter of Intent is submitted to Residency Malta Agency (RMA), initiating the formal process.
4. Due diligence phase: Malta's four-tier due diligence process is conducted by RMA, involving background checks, financial verification, and third-party agency reviews. This phase typically takes 3–6 months.
5. Residency establishment: Once initial due diligence is approved, the applicant obtains Maltese residency. The qualifying residency period commences (12 months for the accelerated track; 36 months for the standard track).
6. Investment completion: The government contribution, real estate commitment, and philanthropic donation are completed within the required timeframes.
7. Citizenship approval and certificate of naturalisation: Upon successful completion of all requirements, the Minister approves citizenship and a Certificate of Naturalisation is issued.
8. Passport application: Your Maltese passport — and your EU citizenship — is issued. Congratulations.

Throughout every stage, your dedicated Mirabello Consultancy case manager is your single point of contact, coordinating with legal counsel, real estate advisers, and official authorities on your behalf.

Timeline: How Long Does It Take to Get EU Citizenship as an American?

One of the most common questions we receive is: how long does the entire process take? Here is a realistic breakdown by route:

• Malta CBI (accelerated, 12-month track): Total process from initial consultation to passport in hand: approximately 14–18 months.
• Malta CBI (standard, 36-month track): Total process: approximately 38–42 months.
• Italian citizenship by ancestry: Dependent on consulate backlog and documentation availability; typically 1–4 years.
• Irish citizenship by ancestry: Following registration on the Foreign Births Register, typically 12–24 months currently.
• Golden visa to citizenship (e.g., Portugal): Residency period of 5 years before citizenship eligibility; total timeline typically 6–8 years from initial investment.

For Americans who want EU citizenship within the next 2–3 years, the Malta CBI programme on the accelerated track is by far the most efficient route available.

Benefits of EU Citizenship for Americans

Securing EU citizenship as an American delivers a range of tangible, life-changing benefits:

• Passport power: A Maltese passport currently provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 186+ countries — including the entire Schengen Area, the UK, the USA itself (via ESTA/VWP), Japan, Canada, Singapore, and Australia.
• Right to live, work, and study across 27 EU member states: No visa, no work permit, no bureaucratic friction.
• Access to EU education systems: Your children can study at EU universities, often at significantly reduced tuition fees available to EU nationals.
• Business expansion: Establishing or operating a business within the EU becomes dramatically simpler with EU citizenship, removing the need for costly work authorisation and enabling seamless market access.
• Generational legacy: Maltese citizenship is transmissible to future generations, meaning your descendants will benefit from the same rights.
• Political and personal security: A second citizenship provides a genuine contingency — access to an alternative place of safety, healthcare, and legal protection in times of personal or geopolitical uncertainty.
• Estate and succession planning: EU citizenship opens access to more favourable estate planning structures across multiple jurisdictions.

Including Your Family in Your EU Citizenship Application

A critical advantage of the Malta CBI programme is the ability to include qualifying family members in a single application, subject to additional government contributions per dependant. Eligible family members typically include:

• Spouse or legally recognised partner
• Dependent children under 29 years of age (including unmarried adult children who are financially dependent on the main applicant)
• Dependent parents and grandparents of the main applicant or spouse (over 55 years of age, residing with the main applicant)

Each additional dependant requires a supplementary government contribution (currently €50,000 per additional adult dependant; €25,000 per child). All family members are subject to the same due diligence standards as the principal applicant.

Planning your application to include the right family members from the outset — rather than adding them later — is both more efficient and more cost-effective. This is something your Mirabello Consultancy case manager will discuss with you in detail during your initial consultation.

You may also wish to explore other EU residency pathways for family members via our comprehensive citizenship by investment programme guide, or review the Greece Golden Visa as a complementary family residency solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Americans hold dual citizenship with an EU country?

Yes. The United States generally permits dual citizenship, and US law does not require you to renounce your American citizenship upon acquiring a second nationality. However, US citizens remain subject to US tax obligations regardless of where they reside or what other citizenship they hold. We recommend seeking advice from a qualified US international tax attorney as part of your planning.

How much does it cost to get EU citizenship as an American through Malta?

The minimum total investment for the Malta CBI programme (12-month accelerated track, single applicant) is approximately €750,000 in government contributions, plus a minimum real estate commitment of €700,000 (purchase) or €16,000 per year (rental), plus the €10,000 philanthropic donation. Professional fees, due diligence fees, and ancillary costs add to this figure. For a family of four, total costs typically range from €1 million to €1.5 million+. Contact us for a precise, personalised cost breakdown.

Do I need to live in Malta permanently to maintain my citizenship?

No. Once Maltese citizenship is granted, there is no minimum residency requirement to maintain it. You can continue to live in the United States or anywhere else in the world while holding your Maltese passport.

What happens if my application is refused?

With Mirabello Consultancy's 99% approval rate, refusals are exceptionally rare. Our thorough pre-screening and document preparation process identifies and resolves potential issues before submission. In the event of a refusal, government contributions are refundable under certain circumstances; we guide clients through any appeal or alternative route options.

Is EU citizenship through investment legal and internationally recognised?

Yes. The Malta CBI programme is fully legal, government-operated, and compliant with EU law. Maltese citizenship acquired through the programme carries exactly the same rights and recognition as citizenship acquired by birth or naturalisation. Malta's programme underwent an independent review by the European Commission and remains the only EU citizenship by investment programme currently operational.

How soon can I apply for an EU passport after getting Maltese citizenship?

Immediately. Upon receiving your Certificate of Naturalisation, you can apply for a Maltese passport at once. Passport processing by the Maltese authorities typically takes 2–4 weeks.

Can I include my elderly parents in my Malta CBI application?

Yes. Parents and grandparents of either the main applicant or the spouse who are over 55 years of age and financially dependent on the main applicant may be included as dependants, subject to an additional government contribution of €50,000 per person and full due diligence clearance.