Build a Life In…

For an EU passport

The easiest routes to an EU passport by residence

Which EU country turns residence into a passport soonest, and free movement across the whole bloc with it.

EU and EEA members in our set, ranked by the years of residence to naturalisation. The prize is the same everywhere: an EU passport and free movement across the bloc.

  1. 1
    France

    Strong, 5 years. Free movement across the EU once you hold it.

    Tax residency →
    ~5 years to an EU passport
  2. 2
    Germany

    Moderate, ~5 years. Free movement across the EU once you hold it.

    Tax residency →
    ~5 years to an EU passport
  3. 3
    Netherlands

    Moderate, ~5 years. Free movement across the EU once you hold it.

    Tax residency →
    ~5 years to an EU passport
  4. 4
    Ireland

    Moderate, ~5 years. Free movement across the EU once you hold it.

    Tax residency →
    ~5 years to an EU passport
  5. 5
    Poland

    Naturalisation now generally requires 5 years of permanent residence (2026 reform); citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis) has no residence requirement. Free movement across the EU once you hold it.

    Tax residency →
    ~5 years to an EU passport
  6. 6
    Greece

    Moderate, 7 years. Free movement across the EU once you hold it.

    Tax residency →
    ~7 years to an EU passport
  7. 7
    Cyprus

    Moderate, 7 years. Free movement across the EU once you hold it.

    Tax residency →
    ~7 years to an EU passport
  8. 8
    Malta

    Long, ~7 years (or by merit). Free movement across the EU once you hold it.

    Tax residency →
    ~7 years to an EU passport
  9. 9
    Croatia

    Limited, 8 years. Free movement across the EU once you hold it.

    Tax residency →
    ~8 years to an EU passport
  10. 10
    Estonia

    Limited, 8 years. Free movement across the EU once you hold it.

    Tax residency →
    ~8 years to an EU passport
Design this around you →A ranking is a starting point. Your passport, income and family decide the real answer.

Rankings are directional and researched from public sources, not expert-reviewed and not legal or tax advice. Rules change; check each country’s dated detail before you act.