Obtaining citizenship in Europe through investment has been gaining popularity in recent years. But the high price tag often deters many applicants. In this article, we uncover the most budget-friendly options to gain citizenship in Europe. By comparing country requirements, investment costs, and eligibility policies across the EU, we have identified the 5 cheapest countries that offer affordable citizenship through investment programs, including Croatia, Greece, Czech Republic, Bulgaria and Montenegro. Securing Europe citizenship brings tremendous lifestyle benefits like visa-free travel, quality healthcare, political stability and more. For high-net-worth individuals and families seeking alternative citizenship or a second passport in developed regions without breaking the bank, these budget European citizenship programs present the most cost-effective solutions.
Croatia citizenship by investment under $200k
Croatia offers the lowest investment requirement for Europe citizenship, costing only 100,000 Euro. Applicants can simply make a one-time government contribution without purchasing property assets. After 5 years of legal residency, they are eligible to apply for a Croatian passport. Compared to prime locations like Portugal and Malta which charge over 1 million Euro investment in real estate, Croatia provides the most affordable direct citizenship route in Europe.
Greece golden visa leading to citizenship below $250k investment
The Greece golden visa program grants residency rights for property purchase starting 250,000 Euro, allowing a path to citizenship after 7 years. Candidates can become permanent residents first before acquiring full citizenship. Greece imposes no minimum stay requirements, offers visa-free access to Schengen area and grants lifetime inheritance rights, making it one of the best value EU citizenship programs.
Citizenship in Czech Republic via +/- $280k business investment
Foreign investors can obtain permanent residency in Czech Republic by investing 14 million CZK into an existing Czech business or 21 million CZK in a newly created company that employs at least 20 staff. After 5 years, applicants can apply for naturalization and acquire Czech citizenship. With high political and economic stability as an EU member state, Czech passport offers high global mobility to over 180 destinations visa-free.
Bulgarian passport for +/- $280k property purchase & govt bond investment
Bulgaria has one of the cheapest Europe citizenship by investment programs with total outlay less than 300,000 Euro. Candidates must purchase a property valued at over 250,000 Euro plus invest 512,000 BGN into government bonds. Within 33 months of maintaining legal residence in Bulgaria, applicants can obtain citizenship without any language test or management experience.
Citizenship & passport of Montenegro below $300k
Montenegro rolled out the CIP in 2020 that offers citizenship & passport from just 350,000 Euro total investment. Applicants have two routes: investing into government-approved real estate projects or funds that support underdeveloped or priority regions of Montenegro. After 5 years, they are eligible to citizenship without any stay requirements. As the latest member to join the EU bloc, Montenegro passport allows holders to work, live and travel visa-free throughout Europe.
For high-net-worth individuals and families seeking affordable second citizenship or relocation options in Europe, Croatia, Greece, Czech Republic, Bulgaria and Montenegro currently offer the cheapest investment citizenship programs below $300k with flexible requirements. Within 3 to 7 years across different countries, candidates meeting eligibility criteria can obtain full European citizenship and passport without prolonged residency mandates or fluency exams.