The 6 Best EU Passports for Entrepreneurs

Obtaining EU passports for entrepreneurs can unlock tremendous opportunities. With unrestricted access to the EU’s 28 member countries, you can easily establish and grow your business across Europe. While some EU citizenship programs have extensive requirements, others offer more accessible options. Read on for our top six picks for the easiest EU citizenships for entrepreneurs.

Why EU Citizenship Beats Residence Permits for Entrepreneurs

At first glance, getting a residence permit may seem easier and cheaper than pursuing full EU citizenship. However, for entrepreneurs, citizenship has three key advantages:

• Visa-free access to all EU countries, enabling you to live and work anywhere in Europe
• The ability to easily start and register companies across the EU
• Access to EU business development funds and support initiatives

With a residence permit, you’re limited to just one country. EU citizenship gives you the flexibility to start, expand and relocate your business effortlessly across Europe.

Benefits of Dual Citizenship in the EU

Beyond unrestricted access to the EU’s business environment, gaining citizenship also brings many personal benefits, including:

• Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries worldwide
• The right to own property and open bank accounts across the EU without restrictions
• Access to the EU’s top-ranked healthcare, education, and pension systems
• Protection and assistance from any EU embassy worldwide
• The ability to pass citizenship down to your children and future generations

For globally mobile entrepreneurs, EU citizenship serves as an invaluable plan B, providing security, opportunity, and a high quality of life.

1. Portugal

Portugal offers one of the most flexible paths to EU citizenship by only requiring you to hire 10 local workers. There’s no need to invest in real estate or government bonds. You can run your business remotely while sponsoring your employees in Portugal. After 6 years of residency, you can apply for naturalization. Key benefits:

• Low minimum salary requirements for sponsored workers
• No requirement to live in Portugal yourself
• Citizenship timeline of just 5-6 years

2. Belgium

Belgium grants work and residency permits to entrepreneurs who start businesses that contribute to the local economy and create jobs. Once you’ve lived in Belgium for 5 years, you can apply for citizenship. Perks include:

• No minimum investment amount – your business plan is what matters
• Excellent transportation links and central location in Europe
• Highly developed economy with skilled workforce

3. Lithuania

Lithuania’s Startup Visa program requires investing around €50,000 into a new or existing business. Hiring just one local employee at the minimum salary can make you eligible for permanent residency. After 10 years living in Lithuania you can obtain citizenship. Benefits include:

• Attractive tax incentives for startups and investors
• Low cost of living and wages compared to Western Europe
• Fast, digitalized bureaucratic processes

4. Latvia

With the Latvian Startup Visa, investing €50,000 into a Latvian company and paying taxes makes you eligible for temporary residence. Permanent residence requires 3 years of running your business. After 5 years of permanent residence, you can apply for citizenship. Perks include:

• • No personal income tax for retained business earnings
  • No social tax for hiring employees
  • Citizenship in just 5 years of permanent residence

5. Estonia

Estonia offers an e-Residency program where investing €65,000 (or ‰16,000 for freelancers/self-employed) into an Estonian company can make you eligible for temporary residence. Once you’ve run your business for 3 years, you can apply for permanent residence. After 5 years, you can obtain citizenship. Benefits include:

• Online company registration and administration
• No personal or corporate income tax on undistributed profits
• Well-educated, multilingual workforce

6. Bulgaria

Bulgaria provides one of the easiest and fastest routes to EU citizenship. You can incorporate a company and hire 10 local employees to apply for permanent residence. After 5 years, you can obtain Bulgarian, and thereby EU, citizenship. Perks include:

• No minimum salary requirements for the 10 employees
• Relatively low cost of living and wages
• Citizenship possible within 5-6 years

Bulgaria provides an affordable fast track to EU citizenship for entrepreneurs.

Choose the Best Country for Your Goals

The easiest EU citizenship programs aim to attract entrepreneurs and investors who can contribute to economic growth. Each country offers unique advantages based on their industries, tax policies, business regulations and cost of living.

As an entrepreneur, assess which country best supports your specific business goals and expansion plans. The right EU citizenship program can help you maximize opportunities and minimize barriers when scaling your company globally.

With expertise in all EU citizenship programs, we can guide you in choosing the best option based on your objectives, budget and timeline. Get in touch to start your journey to EU citizenship and greater global freedom as an entrepreneur.