Best European Residency and Citizenship Programs for Americans
Published at: 27/03/2025 10:27 am
If you plan to leave the United States and head to the Old Continent, here are your best options: citizenship by descendant and the most affordable residency by investment solutions!
First, many European countries offer citizenship by descent or under the "Jus Sanguinis" (blood right). If your family arrived from a European country that grants you citizenship, that is the easiest way to save time and money.
Italy offers citizenship without generational limits.
Irish citizenship is obtainable to children and grandchildren of Irish-born citizens.
Spain: Spanish national's descendants can become citizens even from the former colonies.
Portugal, descendants of the expelled Sephardic Jews can apply.
Germany: descendants of German nationals.
Poland: descendants of all Polish citizens may apply.
Hungary: All descendants may apply, even those from the territories annexed after WWI.
Best European Residency by Investment Programs for Americans
Traditionally, US citizens have loved to move to Spain, the UK, Germany, Italy, or France. Nowadays, the advantages differ because living inside a Schengen country zone guarantees the right to visit, enjoy and stay in any EU Member State.
In Europe, you can become a resident of an EU country and later become a citizen through an affordable investment.
Hungary launched its Guest Investor Golden Visa in 2025. The most affordable structure involves investing 250,000 euros in a real estate investment fund in exchange for a ten-year renewable residency permit.
Portugal's Golden Visa is changing. In 2025, the most popular option to become a resident will be to invest 250,000 euros in cultural or scientific activity.
The Greece Golden Visa is also attracting interest. According to industrial sources, it was the most sold European residency by investment program in 2024. The minimum investment amounts increased to 400,000 and 800,000 euros; however, to satisfy the new requirements, you can still purchase real estate for only 250,000 euros in underdeveloped regions.
Indefinite Residency in Malta through contribution
Malta offers a fast-track residency to citizenship by investment option. There are several investors' immigration programs and options. Still, you can become a resident in Malta in exchange for a contribution of at least 80,000 euros and rent a home for a minimum of 14,000 euros.
In Austria, it is enough to prove that you have a 1,900 euros monthly income or deposit 22,800 euros in a local bank to become a resident. However, you must learn basic German as well (A1).