How to obtain EU citizenship for a citizen of Russia (RF): Where is it simpler and easier?

Recently, many citizens of the Russian Federation are thinking about a radical change of place of residence in order to improve their quality of life. Obtaining a passport from one of the Schengen countries means not only gaining access to effective social programs, but also providing yourself with the opportunity to move freely throughout the European Union. However, becoming a citizen of a prosperous state is not so easy. The topic where it is easiest to obtain citizenship requires careful research.

Citizenship or permanent residence: what is the difference

To live in a country legally, you need to have official status in it. Any visa, even a work visa, gives the right to stay in the state only for a certain period. The best options are a residence permit (residence permit) or the right to permanent residence (permanent residence), however, all the possibilities of a country open only to its citizen.

The holder of permanent residence status receives the following rights:

• use health insurance;
• receive social assistance for yourself and your children;
• purchase real estate;
• apply for citizenship.

What distinguishes this status from citizenship is the lack of the right to vote and be elected to government bodies and the opportunity to join the police and army.

The main advantage of citizenship is its lifelong status and the fact that immediate relatives (children, grandchildren) automatically become full residents of the country.

You will find more detailed information in the article “Residence permit, permanent residence and citizenship”.

Let's wait and see or how to obtain EU citizenship through residence

Another option for obtaining citizenship is that you have lived in a European country for a long time (for example, you have bought property) and are completely law-abiding for the entire duration of your stay.

The option is interesting because first you receive a residence permit, and after a while permanent residence. There are difficulties in getting a job and receiving all the benefits that EU citizens have. However, if your state of affairs (for example, your business) allows you to freely permanently stay in another country without leaving, then, depending on the country, you can obtain the long-awaited EU citizenship from 3 to 12 years.

How to choose a country for citizenship

In order to choose a state to move to, you need not only to visit it several times, but also to carefully study all the living conditions. Such a move will be associated with large financial costs, so the decision must be balanced. You need to pay attention to:

• standard of living,
• safety,
• infrastructure,
• mentality,
• laws,
• taxes,
• customs,
• food quality,
• education and work,
• social assistance.

The highest standards of living are in Switzerland, Great Britain and Austria. And in the countries of Eastern Europe there are affordable prices for housing and food.

European states are also attracted by their security, which is also important. It is worth paying attention even to the circumstances that will make up everyday life: the Internet, the cost of utilities, the operation of transport.

Residents of Europe are mentally different from Russians; you will have to choose the country that is closest in mentality. For example, Malta is an interesting option: many people from the former CIS live in this economically successful state, tourists constantly come to the island, so different cultures have long been mixed here, and everyone can find something close to them.

When choosing a country for permanent residence, it is important to study its legislation and tax rates, because ignorance is not an excuse. The most attractive tax systems in Europe are in Cyprus and Malta.

The opportunity to run a business or find a job with career prospects is a compelling argument for choice.

Let us note that you can send your children to study at elite universities in any EU country without any problems, if you don’t mind the cost of education. Be sure to understand what social guarantees are in the chosen state and how health insurance works. It is advisable not to miss anything. Obtaining citizenship is a complex process, so the decision must be justified according to all criteria.

How to obtain European citizenship by investment

Among the few European countries that offer citizenship by investment programs, it is worth highlighting Cyprus, Malta and Montenegro (the latter is not yet part of the EU, but its passport allows you to travel visa-free in any EU country). All three have a need for an influx of foreign capital. And at the same time, these countries have strict requirements for applicants to obtain a European passport. The applicant must be over 18 years of age, in good health and impeccable reputation, with no criminal record or violation of immigration laws.

All three jurisdictions first issue their prospective citizen with a residence permit. Also, these countries are ready to accommodate a bona fide investor and grant citizenship to his family as well. This is where the similarity of investment attraction programs ends, since the methods of investment and the timing of obtaining citizenship will differ significantly.

Please note: in this article we are talking about European countries whose citizenship and passport can be obtained the fastest - in a matter of months. If you are interested in other European countries offering investment immigration programs that last longer, take a look at this article.

Ways to obtain citizenship

Almost any migrant who has no problems with the law can obtain citizenship of another country. There are the following methods:

• Repatriation. This option is acceptable for those whose close relatives were citizens of the selected state. Israel, Spain, Germany, Greece, Ireland, and Hungary are especially open to repatriates.
• Obtaining citizenship for refugees. True, to obtain this status, you need to be well prepared: the migrant will have to prove that he really faces a serious danger in his homeland.
• Naturalization. This is the most common way.

It is the latter option that we will talk about in a little more detail. The reasons for naturalization can be different: family reunification, marriage, study, employment, business, purchase of real estate.

Those who have a lot of money and are ready to invest it in the state can easily obtain a foreign passport.

Read about other ways to obtain citizenship in our article: “Main ways to obtain citizenship.”

Countries where you can obtain citizenship by investment

By investing in the economy of a particular country, you get the opportunity to become its citizen, albeit not immediately. So which states are willing to provide a passport in exchange for financial investments?

Read more about investment conditions in the publication “Citizenship by Investment”.

Countries that issue passports for the purchase of real estate

The top five countries where you can obtain citizenship through real estate include Latvia, Portugal, Panama, Spain, Saint Kitts and Nevis. The selection of a country is carried out according to the following criteria:

• minimum cost threshold;
• the ability to travel to other countries;
• taxes;
• deadlines for obtaining citizenship.

The simplest program for obtaining a passport is offered by a small country in the New World: you will have to pay several hundred thousand euros for real estate, but citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis can visit Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom, as well as countries that are members of the Schengen Union, without visas.

Latvia has the lowest threshold for real estate prices. First, a residence permit is issued, and after 5 years you can obtain citizenship.

In Spain, you can become a citizen only after 10 years of living in your own home.

In Panama you will have to pay the highest amount for the purchase of real estate, but a passport from this country gives you the right to freely move in the Schengen zone.

To make an informed decision, study all the details of the process of obtaining a passport for real estate in the article “Citizenship when purchasing real estate.”

In which countries is it easiest to become a citizen through marriage?

You can most likely and quickly obtain a citizen’s passport after marriage in the following states:

• Spain. A year of legally married residence is sufficient grounds for obtaining a passport.
• Portugal. You can apply for citizenship immediately after marriage.
• Brazil. Immediately after registering the marriage, the foreign spouse receives a residence permit, and a year later - citizenship.
• Ireland. After just 12 months you can apply for an internal passport.
• Mexico. You can become a citizen after 24 months from your wedding day.
• Colombia. You can apply for lifelong resident status of the country only after two years of legal marriage.
• Switzerland. Marriage to a Swiss person gives the right to citizenship only after 5 years of residence.

It is noteworthy that marital ties must be legal. A fictitious marriage cannot be the basis for obtaining an internal passport.

Citizenship for holders of in-demand professions

There are several states that are ready to fill the ranks of their citizens with first-class specialists.

The United States of America issues work visas, which subsequently make it possible to obtain an American passport: upon arrival in the United States on a work visa, a migrant can immediately apply for a Green Card. 5 years after receiving the Green Card, you can apply for citizenship.

Professional immigration is the most popular option for Canada. The applicant must have a higher education, work experience and must be fluent in English or French.

You can become a citizen after several years of fruitful work for the state or a private enterprise that regularly pays taxes.

Great Britain requires specialists of various professions, including creative ones. This stable and prosperous country has developed a special entry program for such candidates. Of course, we are not talking about citizenship right away; after 4 years it is possible to obtain only a residence permit, but after another year you can apply for a passport.

Australia has a whole list of in-demand professions approved by the government. If you have succeeded in one of these in your home country, you can try to take part in the Australian Professional Immigration Program. However, you will still have to provide proof of your financial solvency, for example, in the form of a bank account with more than one thousand dollars.

Germany, for example, requires highly qualified medical workers.

You can find out more about employment in Germany by reading our article: “Rules for employment and work in Germany.”

Countries where you can obtain citizenship through an educational program

Australia has an educational immigration program. The student must pay for his or her own tuition and study in the country for at least 2 years. At the same time, it is not necessary to choose the most expensive university - all state educational institutions participate in the program. The goal of the program is the subsequent acquisition of citizenship without regional restrictions, provided that the graduate speaks English and is self-confident.

You can also travel to the UK for your educational programme. Obtaining citizenship in this case will consist of 4 stages:

• Tier4 visa for the duration of study;
• Tier4 visa for the period of postgraduate employment;
• Indefinitely leave to Remain;
• citizenship.

All financial costs for training and accommodation fall entirely on the shoulders of the student.

Germany also needs competent specialists, so it is ready to accept foreign students to its universities.

Admission to the educational institution is based on a minimum of 12 years of previous education and proficiency in German and English at an advanced level. A visa is provided for the period of study, permanent residence is granted two years after receiving a diploma and employment, citizenship can be obtained 5-8 years after entering the country.

Education in New Zealand educational institutions opens up broad horizons for students. Initially, the immigrant receives a long-term residence visa with the right to work, after receiving a diploma - a work visa, and after three years and eight months - the coveted citizenship.

Upon graduation from a Canadian educational institution, the graduate receives a work visa, resident status and then a Canadian passport.

How else can you obtain citizenship?

Israel is the state of the Jewish people. For this reason, the country's government is primarily interested in the return of Jews. This country has a Law of Return: a Jew who holds a Certificate of Return can easily obtain Israeli citizenship.

The law covers the wife of a Jew, his children, grandchildren and their wives. However, the Supreme Court ruled that Jews who practice religions other than Judaism are not allowed to immigrate to Israel. Therefore, the basis for obtaining a Certificate of Return is religion.

You can also obtain citizenship by origin, for example, in Poland. It is based on two rules: the right of blood and the right of the land. You can obtain citizenship by blood by providing documents confirming the presence of relatives of Polish origin. Such documents give the right to obtain a permanent residence permit, and after two years of residence you can already apply for citizenship.

You can also obtain an Irish passport by origin: if one of the parents was an Irish citizen at the time of the child’s birth.

Holders of a Green Card, a special identification card, can become American citizens quite easily. This document gives the right to live and work in the United States. Five years after possessing a green card and permanent residence in the country, you can apply for citizenship.

In 2021, you can get a Green Card in several ways:

• reunification with relatives in the USA,
• marriage to an American citizen,
• filing a petition by the employer,
• obtaining asylum,
• investment in the economy,
• business card,
• diversification lottery.

Cheapest second citizenship in the world

If obtaining citizenship in previously represented world states has a very high cost, then there are a number of countries where issuing a passport will cost a minimum price. Here we will consider European powers and the territories of the Caribbean islands. Almost everywhere, citizenship is granted within six months.

Important! Registration of citizenship through investment requires large material investments, which many compatriots cannot afford.

Saint Lucia

To obtain citizenship of this country, you will have to have an amount of 100 thousand dollars for one or 165,000 for two. There is also a fee of 7.5 thousand for checking the investor and 2250 as a fee. The presented passport must be replaced every five years. An important feature of this citizenship is that children cannot inherit citizenship from the applicant.

Grenada

On the territory of this state, citizenship will cost more than in the previous case. An investment of 150 thousand dollars for one person or 200 thousand for two is withheld. An investment verification fee (5000) and a state fee of 4250 are also provided. Additionally, a return investment is available for immigrants, when a contribution of 350 thousand dollars or more is provided for in real estate for 4 years, after which the funds are returned. As in the previous case, the document must be replaced every five years.

Dominican Republic

Citizenship is available with an investment of one hundred thousand dollars for one person and 175 thousand for two. You will also have to pay an investor check of 7,500 and established duties within one and a half thousand dollars. To obtain citizenship, you do not need to visit the territory of the state, since everything is done through a licensed agent.

Saint Kitts and Nevis

To obtain citizenship you will have to make a contribution: 150 thousand dollars for one person or 195 thousand for the whole family. There are also fees of $605 and a paid investment verification of $7,500. To obtain a passport for this country, you do not need to visit the territory, since everything is done remotely.

Antigua and Barbuda

To qualify for citizenship for a family, you will have to pay 100 thousand dollars as a contribution. Additionally, an investment verification fee of 7,500 and state duties per person of 25,550 are withheld (if you pay for the whole family at once, the amount will be about 50 thousand dollars). To receive the document, you will have to appear in the country, and then stay here for five days, while the rest of the applicant’s family does not need to do this.

Bulgaria

To qualify for citizenship in this country, you will need to make an investment in government bonds in the amount of 311 thousand dollars (for an accelerated order of about a million). The deposit period is five years. Next, permanent residence is granted. Subsequently, after 5 years, you can request citizenship (for investments over a million euros, citizenship can be granted after 1.5 years). Then the migrant has the right to return the costs, but in this situation there is no provision for reimbursement of interest charges.

Vanuatu

It’s easy to get a passport for Russians here. There is a contribution to be made - 130 thousand dollars per person. There are also fees and charges of 65 thousand and an investment verification fee of 5000. Subsequently, two months later, a passport is provided with which you can freely travel throughout Europe and other world countries.

Cyprus

On the territory of this state, a simplified procedure for obtaining citizenship through investment is also provided. In such a situation, costs of 2 million euros will be required as an investment in real estate and the acquisition of property worth 500 thousand. It only takes six months to complete the document. After three years, you can return the invested funds. A Cypriot passport gives you the right to travel freely throughout Europe.

Malta

To obtain citizenship, a non-refundable investment of 650 thousand euros is provided. If passports are requested for other family members, then a contribution of 25,000 will have to be added for each of them. In addition, you need to invest 150,000 in government bonds for 5 years. Housing can be purchased separately, costing from 350 thousand euros (can be rented annually from 80,000). Also, 700 euros will be spent on fees, 7,500 as an investment verification fee and a required deposit of 10,000. To receive a passport, you will need to live for six months in Malta, then apply for resident status and wait one year.

Important! Regardless of where a Russian plans to move, material costs are envisaged everywhere, which is why it will be easier and more profitable to obtain a passport of another country through naturalization.

Often people are interested in obtaining a passport of a foreign country, so as not to lose Russian citizenship. Similar practices are found in various world powers. However, when choosing an acceptable option, it is recommended to evaluate all the living conditions in the country so that the intended costs are not wasted. Additionally, it is necessary to take into account the existence of liability for false information about investments and purchased real estate. A number of states have established criminal penalties for this and subsequent revocation of citizenship.

The most inhospitable countries

We have compiled a list of countries where it is most difficult to obtain a passport.

1. Kuwait. It’s not for nothing that this urbanized country is first on our list. They care very much about the financial well-being of citizens. And in order to obtain a citizen’s passport, it is necessary to save the life of the emir or perform a feat in war.
2. Monaco. One of the most developed countries in the world with excellent social security and medical care. You can obtain citizenship in the Principality at the age of 21, having lived in Monaco for at least 10 years. In addition, the state will require a guarantee of financial security for the passport.
3. Norway. The Scandinavian state will grant citizenship to a migrant who has lived in the country for 10 years, receiving a residence permit annually, has completed a language course, and has no criminal record or fines.
4. Denmark. The authorities will put the future citizen through circles of bureaucratic tests more than once. The decision will be made based on whether the visitor has real estate in the country, what his financial situation is and whether he knows Danish.
5. Switzerland. In this state, even to obtain a residence permit, a language passport is required - a document indicating knowledge of the state language. The future citizen must observe all traditions and customs and integrate well into society.

Real estate

Investments involve obtaining citizenship through the placement of capital in the economy of another state. This method is suitable for wealthy people who decide to change their country of residence. Here are examples of states where it is easiest to obtain citizenship through investment.

You can find out which countries issue residence permits when purchasing real estate by watching the following video:

1. Saint Kitts and Nevis, citizenship from €450,000. When purchasing real estate, a residence permit is given immediately, citizenship after 3-6 months. Free movement within the EU countries, Great Britain, Ireland, Canada. The passport of this country is the easiest to obtain - minor children and disabled parents of a citizen of the country automatically receive it. This citizenship was chosen, for example, by the creator of VKontakte, Pavel Durov.
2. Spain, from €500,000, residence permit immediately after purchasing real estate. Permanent residence after 5 years of residence in the country, citizenship after 10 years. Residence in the country for at least 6 months a year is required.
3. Portugal, residence permit also from 500,000 €, it is possible to apply for citizenship after 6 years. Knowledge of the language is not lower than B1. Residence in the country is also required.
4. Latvia, from 71 to 250 thousand euros, depending on the chosen region of residence. A residence permit is issued immediately, and after 10 years of residence you can receive a Latvian passport. To obtain a passport in Latvia, you need to pass a very difficult exam in the Latvian language. Permanent residence in the country is not required.
5. Australia – residence permit from €750,000. Advantages: visa-free entry into the EU, USA, Canada, UK, as well as a wonderful climate, social security and a stable economy. Disadvantages: the conditions for obtaining an investor visa are too complicated, refusals occur.
6. Serbia is an extremely attractive country for Russians wishing to obtain a passport from another country. Serbs still remain friendly to Russians, there is a mild climate, prospects for the country to join the EU and the fastest way to obtain a residence permit for Russians. To do this, it is enough to purchase residential property. Therefore, many, thinking about which country to obtain citizenship in, choose Serbia. However, for this you will have to abandon the Russian one. Serbian law prohibits dual citizenship.
7. Bulgaria. If you are retired and wondering which country is the easiest to get a passport for, this country is perfect for you. With a confirmed rental or purchase of housing and an income of 1200 € per family, a residence permit is immediately granted, and after 5 years citizenship.

In which countries is it easiest to obtain citizenship by investing money, see the picture:

Countries that allow dual citizenship

The status of a person with dual citizenship is different from those who simply have a second passport. Dual citizenship is recognized only if a corresponding agreement is signed between countries. For example, Bulgaria and Russia do not have such agreements. But if you apply for citizenship in the Republic of Bulgaria based on origin, you will receive the right to a second citizenship.

The Spanish government only allows you to have second passports from certain countries. But Chile has an agreement on dual citizenship only with Spain.

An Argentinean passport can be a second one if the first one is Italian or Spanish. Brazil also allows dual citizenship, but there are some restrictions.

You will find more information in the publication: “Countries with dual citizenship.”

Summarize

There are several ways to obtain citizenship. If you do not want to marry a foreigner and do not have a sought-after profession, you can use the educational program. The easiest way to get a passport is to invest in the economy of the chosen state. However, whichever method you choose, in most countries you will first receive a residence permit, and only after a while - citizenship by prior application.

If you don't want to give up your first passport, then choose a country that allows second citizenship.