New EU Rules for Investor Citizenship: What Changes in 2026 Mean.

Overhaul of EU Citizenship-by-Investment Schemes

According to Novyny.live: The European Union is implementing a major shift in its citizenship policies, marked by the termination of programs that once granted passports in exchange for capital. By 2026, no EU member state will offer citizenship purely based on investment, signaling a fundamental change in the bloc's approach to naturalization. This crackdown reflects broader EU efforts to enhance security and regulatory oversight of its borders.

Since 2020, the requirements for acquiring citizenship within the EU have grown progressively stricter. This trend involves not only shutting down direct citizenship-for-sale schemes but also introducing new conditions for residency. Malta was the last country to officially permit citizenship acquisition through a financial contribution, but its program closed by April 2025.

Updated Investment and Residency Requirements

For those seeking a path to citizenship, investment thresholds and mandatory residency periods now vary significantly across member states. For instance:

• France: minimum investment of €300,000 with a 5-year residency requirement.
• Greece: requires €250,000 and 7 years of residence.
• Cyprus: an option at €300,000 with an 8-year residency term.
• Portugal and Italy: both mandate a €250,000 investment coupled with a 10-year residence period.

These reforms are crucial for anyone planning to obtain EU residency or citizenship. Prospective applicants from Ukraine and elsewhere must pay close attention to the new rules, as they differ substantially from the practices that were in place just a few years ago.

The EU's policy changes underscore a continent-wide move toward greater stringency and control in citizenship matters. This shift is likely driven by concerns over political stability, security, and economic factors influencing immigration policy. The new regulations could significantly complicate the path to an EU passport for foreign nationals, including Ukrainians exploring immigration options in Europe.