Six Easiest EU Citizenships for Entrepreneurs

Global entrepreneurs are always seeking the best opportunities, even if it means relocating.

In recent years, Europe has become a prime destination for business expansion, with many entrepreneurs looking to acquire EU citizenship quickly and easily.

But you’re probably wondering why would entrepreneurs want a European passport?

The answer is simple: a European passport unlocks a world of advantages for entrepreneurs. It offers them less hassle, more freedom, possibly less taxes and a whole continent ripe with opportunities.

After all, one of the best ways to maximize your investment is by ensuring that you make the most with little to no government hindrance. This can only happen if you get citizenship through investment.

While some nations present challenges for emerging businesses, many European countries actively seek entrepreneurial growth. They are rolling out the carpet and offering new businesses’ citizenship in exchange for the economic boost that a new business can bring.

This article explores six EU nations offering the most accessible citizenship pathways for entrepreneurs. These programs provide a unique opportunity to unlock the vast potential of the European market while enjoying the benefits of EU citizenship.

Why Should Entrepreneurs Get a Second Passport? 

Of course, you’re probably wondering why you should invest in a second passport. It wouldn’t make sense to get a passport when you could get a residence permit like most people. 

Besides, you’re probably thinking to yourself that EU citizenships are hard to come by. So, why should you get one of the easiest second EU passports in the market? 

Surely, there’s something wrong with them, right?

The answer is no. While some EU countries have a rigorous citizenship process, others are not strict and offer you some of the easiest EU citizenship routes in the world.

Of course, these countries aren’t the better-known EU countries. But they still offer almost the same rights and privileges as Germany or France.

Besides, there’s one thing most people ignore when considering permits is the cost.

Residence Permits Aren’t for Everyone

European residence permits are expensive. Most of the residence by investment schemes start at 6-figures. Some countries even offer golden visas at the cost of a million euros or more.

While this is great for some entrepreneurs, this isn’t the best option if you’re a young entrepreneur who’s just starting.

As someone who has just begun their business and investment ventures, you don’t want to spend too much on a permit. Therefore, it’s a smarter idea to go all the way and get a second passport instead. 

We recommend that you get an EU passport to take advantage of its business and tax policies.

Furthermore, some countries even let you register your company in a different country from the one you live in. As long as it’s in the Schengen area, of course.

To sweeten the deal even more, you have unrestricted access to all EU countries – even with the easiest EU citizenships. You can easily hire, expand and develop your business, while also having direct access to the entire European market.

Countries with the easiest EU citizenships also tend to have flexible laws designed to help you make the most of your business.

If you ask us, getting EU citizenship can make things very convenient for you. Instead of shelling out money for a residence permit, why not opt for citizenship?

If anything, having a second passport is good for you in the long run as well. Here’s why.

Why You Should Get an EU Passport

It’s no secret that EU passports are some of the most coveted ones globally. Even countries that offer the easiest EU passports are far better than countries that are not part of the European Union.

Here are some of the unique benefits of having dual citizenship.

1. No Need for Visa

We’ve discussed this one multiple times already and there’s a reason behind this. If you’re an American, Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand citizen, you can enter the EU without a visa. However, you cannot live, work or study there for more than ninety days every six months. 

To stay there for more than ninety days, you’ll need a visa. Depending on your nationality, this can be a complicated and time-consuming process.

With EU citizenship, you can travel between 28-member states free with no restrictions whatsoever.

2. Full Working Rights

EU citizens are legally entitled to live and look for work in any European city . Since the process of an employee-sponsored visa is complicated, European companies prefer working with dual citizens, as there’s no need for permits and visas.

Similarly, as an EU citizen, you can easily register your company in any EU country quickly. In most cases, you can set up a new company for less than €100 in less than three working days.

There are also many different funds and initiatives available within the EU to support start-ups. In some cases, you can even seek funding.

3. A Great Plan B

In today’s world, an EU passport offers you unlimited travel, consular assistance, and safe passage. If you’re in a country where you find yourself in a dangerous situation, you can count on your passport to get you out.

This is because EU citizens have the right to request unrestricted counselor support from any member nation. It doesn’t matter if your country doesn’t have a representative in the country. You can reach out to any EU member state embassy that’s closest to you and get safe passage out.

4. Property Ownership

Buying property within the European Union is straightforward for EU citizens. Unlike non-EU citizens, EU citizens do not require a permit or extensive paperwork to purchase real estate in the Eurozone.

EU Citizenship-by-Investment Programs Available for Young Entrepreneurs

There are plenty of citizenship-by-investment programs available for entrepreneurs within the European Union. While every member country has its requirements, you have the option of choosing what country works best for you.

Every EU country has a different industry it is best known for. Their governments invest in certain industries over others. For example, if you’re interested in the IT sector, Estonia, Germany, Sweden, and The Netherlands are great options for you.

For the manufacturing industry, Poland and the Czech Republic are perfect.

Of course, it isn’t easy to land a German, Swedish, or even Dutch passport for young entrepreneurs. But Estonia is quite liberal compared to these countries. 

Either way, once you have a European passport, you won’t have to worry about traveling to these countries. It’ll be completely free for you. You can even establish your start-ups there. The main point is getting that initial passport, which as a young entrepreneur, opens up the door.

Easiest European Country to Get Citizenship for
Entrepreneurs

So far, we’ve talked about the advantages of a European passport. We’ve understood why it’s better to apply for one, as compared to a residence permit. We’ve discussed the opportunities European countries provide citizens of all member states.

Now, let’s look at countries that offer the easiest EU citizenships.

1. Portugal

The first country on our list of the easiest EU citizenships is Portugal.

While Portugal is often discussed for the Portugal golden visa , few people talk about naturalisation. That’s quite surprising, given how flexible this process can be.

For starters, you don’t need to be physically present in Portugal to start the process. As long as you establish connections for your business in Portugal, you’re good to go.

What Makes Portugal One of the Best and Easiest European Countries to Get Citizenship?

You don’t need to buy property, nor do you need to invest in government funds or bonds. All you need to do is hire ten Portuguese citizens for your company and you’re good to go.

Of course, when you do so, you’ll have to pay social taxes, which Portugal has lowered. Even for Western Europe, the wages in Portugal are lower. They’re quite compatible with start-ups. In university towns like Braga, you’ll find a start-up culture that makes business easier.

By hiring people and paying them under a single company, you’ll be on the same path for naturalization as everyone else who’s on a golden visa. The plus side is that you don’t have to divert money elsewhere for the passport.

Now, like most of Europe, Portugal’s very particular about taxes. You’ll need to be quite proficient with your tax planning. Under certain conditions, you can even set up your business in another country and since you’ll have workers in Portugal, you’ll only pay some tax.

Remember to be particular about this process and you’ll be good to go.

2. Belgium 

Next on our list is Belgium.

If you start a business that directly contributes to the Belgian economy, you can get a residence permit, which will, in turn, lead to citizenship. However, do note that for this country’s citizenship, in particular, you’ll have to ensure that you live there.

Unlike Portugal, you don’t have to immediately hire some locals to work for you- you just need the right framework. As long as you can provide adequate plans to show how your business will contribute to the local economy, you’re good to go.

What Makes Belgium One of the Best and Easiest European Countries to Get Citizenship?

Now, many people associate Belgium with the European Union. Of course, this is because the EU headquarters is located in the country. But the best thing about their citizenship program is that it’s quite separate from the EU. 

They don’t care how the business will impact the rest of Europe or if you plan on expanding it to other countries. 

Their primary concern is with the local economy and how your business will benefit locals. As long as you can prove this, you can get a permit and then work towards Belgian citizenship .

While we admit that the tax system isn’t the greatest, it’s a great economy to invest in, and it’s one of the strongest passports in the EU as well.

3. Lithuania 

Now, moving towards the Baltic countries, we have Lithuania. 

Lithuania offers one of the most accessible paths to EU citizenship. The primary requirement is to invest approximately €28,000 into a business and maintain its operation.. In addition, the Lithuanian company must create employment for at least one Lithuanian citizen with a salary no less than two times the average salary in Lithuania, which is approximately €1,780.

If you can prove that you will do that, and as long as you follow through with the plan, they’ll give you a residency for Europe to ensure that you can run the business as smoothly as possible.

Of course, for a country like Lithuania, you also need to ensure that you’re living there for a while.

What Makes Lithuania One of the Best and Easiest European Countries to Get Citizenship?

Lithuania, as mentioned, is part of the Baltic region. These countries tend to have very attractive tax incentives as well as great talent available for hire.

Once settled, you will be working towards citizenship for a decade. So, if you’re interested in moving to a country with cooler weather and four seasons – this is the one to move to.

4. Latvia 

Latvia has a very interesting Latvian residency and citizenship program . Like Belgium and Lithuania, they want you to put money into a local business or to develop a company that will benefit the local economy.

Those who do can benefit from some serious tax incentives, such as practically no personal income tax.

What Makes Latvia One of the Best and Easiest European Countries to Get Citizenship?

In terms of job creation, Latvia isn’t as strict as other Baltic countries, meaning you’re more free to hire other EU nationals or even non-EU nationals with Latvian residency.

However, the issue with living in Latvia is that you’ll have to live there for 10 years before you get your citizenship. On top of that, you need to ensure that you live there for nine months every year.

On the other hand, you gain access to some of the EU’s most affordable talent which will help your company grow. So, if you’re looking for a place that offers long-term residency and will give you a chance to plant roots, Latvia’s the place to be.

5. Estonia 

Out of all the countries on this list, Estonia has one of the highest capital contributions required for residency.

If your venture is backed by more than one proprietor, or if you are investing in an established business, you’ll need to put in €65,000. However, if you’re a sole proprietor, the price goes down to €16,000.

To begin your path to citizenship, you’ll need a residency permit. You will also need to hire a few people, but the good news is you don’t have to do that immediately.

What Makes Estonia One of the Best and Easiest European Countries to Get Citizenship?

Estonia originally came up with the idea of taxing people only if they took money out of their companies. For that reason, you will have to do some tax planning before you move. Apart from that, the government has made it easier for businesses to grow .

For example, it has an extremely straightforward hiring process. You can literally do everything online.

While Estonia might be one of the most expensive Baltic States to live in, the ease of doing business and top-quality services more than makeup for it.

To sweeten the deal even more there’s great talent just waiting to be found.

If you’re willing to put in the time and the work, you can easily acquire citizenship in eight years.

Once the requirements are met, it’s a very easy process for citizenship.

6. Bulgaria

The last country on this list is Bulgaria which undoubtedly offers the easiest EU citizenships program.

Like Portugal, Bulgaria has a very similar program for establishing businesses. All you have to do is hire ten people to work for your company (registered in Bulgaria), and you get a permit quickly. With that in place you can begin working towards citizenship.

What Makes the Bulgaria One of the Best and Easiest European Countries to Get Citizenship?

The process is a lot quicker than the Baltic states that want you to stay for eight to ten years before. In fact, you can get your Bulgarian citizenship in potentially five or six years, which is less than half of the time required by other countries on this list.

Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia, isn’t regarded as an interesting place by many people. However, if you’re looking for great talent within the realms of the EU, Bulgaria as a whole is a great choice.

Up-and-coming entrepreneurs will find this country quite refreshing and good for business.

The downside is that Bulgaria isn’t part of the Schengen Area, meaning you’ll have to go through borders when travelling to other European countries.

Easiest Country to Get Citizenship in Europe for Entrepreneurs: FAQs

Get the Easiest EU Citizenships with Nomad Capitalist

As you can see, the easiest EU citizenships are within your reach.

While we’ve laid out the processes and requirements for you to reach the six easiest EU citizenships on this list, it will definitely be easier if you have a team that can help you execute on your chosen country.

Nomad Capitalist helps entrepreneurs and investors with a seven or eight-figure net worth get more out of their money. With us, you can relax, knowing that we’ll only provide you with the best service possible.

Our team will go the extra mile to help reduce taxes the right way and develop a plan B personalised for you. With our team of experts, you can enjoy a roadmap to second citizenships as well.

Everything we do is completely legal to ensure that transition is as smooth as possible. With Nomad Capitalist, you’re guaranteed to go where you’re treated best. So, what are you waiting for?

Get in touch with us today and begin your journey into becoming a global nomad.