Every year, about 2.5 million Indians migrate to different countries for various reasons – be it for career opportunities, studies, or to live with their families. As of today, around 32 million Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) reside across the globe, forming one of the largest diaspora communities in the world. Among the preferred destinations for Indians in recent years are two regions: the UAE and Europe. The UAE, due to its flexible visa policies, and Europe, which has become increasingly popular for its opportunities and benefits, including citizenship.
In this blog, we will discuss 11 European countries where Indians can easily obtain citizenship. We’ll go over the process, required documents, and how you can bring your family along once you’ve secured citizenship.
11 Countries in Europe with Easy Citizenship Processes
Here are the top 11 European countries where obtaining citizenship is relatively easier for Indians. We’ve ranked them based on the duration required for citizenship, starting with the longest.
1. Spain
Spain offers citizenship after 10 years of legal residency. If you’ve been living in Spain legally and paying taxes for 10 years, you are eligible for citizenship. Additionally, Spain has a Citizenship by Investment option. If you invest €500,000 in property, you can apply for permanent residency and, after 10 years, for citizenship. Spanish citizenship comes with several benefits, including free travel across Europe, the right to vote, and the ability to work anywhere in the EU. However, a mandatory Spanish language test is required before applying.
2. Norway
In Norway, you can apply for citizenship after 7 years of legal residency. The main requirement here, aside from the residency duration, is passing a Norwegian language test. Once you’ve fulfilled these criteria, you can apply for naturalization.
3. Portugal
Portugal is a favorite among Indians, primarily because of its Golden Visa program. By investing €500,000 in real estate or bonds, you can apply for citizenship after 5 years. Portugal offers flexibility, requiring only 7 days of residency per year during this period. After 5 years, you can apply for citizenship, but you must pass a language test.
| Country | Residency Period for Citizenship | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | 10 years | Spanish language test |
| Norway | 7 years | Norwegian language test |
| Portugal | 5 years (with Golden Visa) | Portuguese language test |
4. Netherlands
The Netherlands allows you to apply for citizenship after 5 years of legal residency. Like other countries, a language test is required, and you must demonstrate knowledge of Dutch culture.
5. Belgium
Belgium offers citizenship after 5 years of residency. One unique feature is that Belgium has three official languages (French, German, Dutch), and you must demonstrate proficiency in one of them to pass the citizenship test.
6. Ireland
Ireland has one of the easiest citizenship processes, requiring 5 years of residency without a mandatory language test. Irish citizenship provides access to the UK and other EU countries due to its high-value passport.
7. United Kingdom
After 5 years of residency in the UK, you can apply for citizenship. There is a Life in the UK test, which includes 24 multiple-choice questions, 18 of which must be answered correctly. English proficiency is required, but for most Indians, this should not be a significant hurdle.
8. France
France offers citizenship after 5 years of residency. If you’ve graduated from a French university, you can apply after just 2 years. A French language test and a history test focusing on French culture are part of the process.
9. Sweden
In Sweden, you can apply for citizenship after 5 years. There are no mandatory language requirements, making it relatively easier. If you marry a Swedish citizen, you can apply after 3 years of marriage.
10. Poland
Poland offers citizenship after just 3 years of residency, provided you’ve been working there. If you marry a Polish citizen, you can apply for citizenship after 2 years.
11. Malta
Malta provides citizenship within 3 years through its investment program. By investing €730,000, you can fast-track your application, reducing the residency requirement to just one year. This makes Malta one of the quickest options for obtaining European citizenship.
Citizenship Application Process
The process for applying for citizenship in most European countries is straightforward and can often be completed online through the official immigration website. Here’s a general overview of the steps:
- Gather Required Documents: The essential documents include:
- Valid passport
- Residency permits
- Employment documents (if applicable)
- Proof of financial stability (bank statements)
- Marriage certificate (if applying through marriage)
- Educational certificates (if required)
- Submit Online Application: Complete your citizenship application on the respective country’s immigration website. You will need to provide personal details, upload documents, and pay any necessary fees.
- Language and Culture Tests: In most cases, you will need to pass a language test and, in some countries, a culture or history test as well.
- Interview (If Required): Some countries may require an interview before granting citizenship.
- Processing Time: After submitting your application, there may be a waiting period for processing. This can vary from a few months to over a year.
What About Family Members?
If you’re applying for citizenship, your spouse and children can often join you through a dependent visa. However, they may need to meet their own residency requirements before becoming eligible for citizenship. For instance, if you apply after 5 years, but your spouse joins you later, they would need to complete their own 5-year residency before applying.
Dual Citizenship: Is It Possible?
Several European countries, like Sweden and Portugal, allow dual citizenship. However, Indian law does not permit dual citizenship, meaning you would have to renounce your Indian citizenship if you obtain a foreign passport.
Conclusion
Migrating to Europe and securing citizenship can be a straightforward process, especially in the countries mentioned above. Whether you’re looking to invest, study, or work, these 11 countries offer various pathways to obtaining citizenship, each with its own set of requirements. With the right documents and patience, you can make Europe your new home. If you need more information about any specific country’s process, feel free to ask in the comments!