Many foreigners consider obtaining EU citizenship for more advanced work, business, or study prospects. Here are the top 5 EU countries where you can get citizenship in 5 years

One of the most common ways of obtaining citizenship is naturalization. In order to issue a passport, a foreigner must legally reside on the territory of the country for a certain period of time. The period is approved by the legislation of each country. In some EU countries, this period can reach 10-15 years. However, it is possible to become a citizen of certain European countries after 5 years.

What kind of countries are these and what additional requirements do they impose on future citizens? Read in our material.

Belgium

Requirements for obtaining Belgian citizenship by naturalization:

- Be registered in the population register. A foreigner must be registered in the population register as a natural person residing in Belgium.

- It is legal to live in Belgium for five to ten years.

- Show that the future citizen is economically and socially integrated. Must have worked in Belgium for the last five years or completed an integration course.

- Demonstrate knowledge of Belgian laws.

- Pass an exam on knowledge of one of the three national languages. You must prove that you can speak Dutch, French or German.

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Ireland

You are eligible to become an Irish citizen by naturalization if:

- You are 18 years old at the time of application.

- You intend to continue living in Ireland even after becoming a citizen.

- In general, you have legally resided in Ireland for at least 5 years in the last 9 years.

- You have lived continuously in Ireland for the last year before applying.

- You have a good reputation (no criminal record, etc.).

- Ready to go through the citizenship ceremony and make a declaration of loyalty.

Portugal

The main requirements for Portuguese citizenship by naturalization:

- Five years of legal residence in Portugal.

- No criminal record.

- There are no unpaid taxes in Portugal.

- Knowledge of the Portuguese language at the A2 level.

- Confirmation of integration into the community.

Finland

In order to obtain a Finnish passport through naturalization, a foreigner must live for at least five years on the basis of a residence permit and fulfill a number of additional requirements:

- Have no criminal record.

- Rent or buy your own home in Finland.

- Receive an income not lower than the subsistence minimum established in Finland and pay taxes.

- Pass a Finnish or Swedish language exam at level B1 or have a good command of Finnish-Swedish sign language.

France

If you are 18 years old and have legally resided in France continuously for five years, you can apply for citizenship by naturalization. However, you must meet certain requirements:

- Knowledge of the French language (minimum level B1).

- Sufficient knowledge of French history, culture and business.

- Stable and sufficient income to support yourself and your family.

- Absence of criminal convictions that resulted in imprisonment for six or more months.

In some EU countries, the required period of residence can be shortened for persons who are married to a citizen of the country.

When choosing a country to obtain a second passport, you should pay attention to the number of countries that a citizen can freely visit without a visa. Read more about the passports of the countries that were recognised as the best in 2023 here.

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