Americans Face Growing Challenges in Securing Residency and Citizenship in Europe

As interest among Americans in relocating to Europe grows, more European countries are tightening immigration policies, making it increasingly difficult to obtain residency or citizenship.

Recent changes include stricter requirements for skilled worker visas and reduced eligibility for citizenship-by-ancestry programs. These limitations have narrowed the pathways available for Americans aiming to live or work in the EU.

Despite the regulatory shift, demand remains high. According to HR firm Deel, there was a 16% increase in Americans hired by European companies between January and April. Meanwhile, job search activity has surged, particularly for roles in Ireland and Portugal, as reported by Glassdoor.

“It’s definitely different from what we’ve ever seen. People are really worried; they have this sense of urgency to have citizenship.”

— Kelly Cordes, Founder, Irish Citizenship Consultants

Europe’s New Rules on Residency and Citizenship

The European Union has recently taken major steps to tighten access to both residency and citizenship:

Malta’s Citizenship-by-Investment Program (Golden Passport) was ruled illegal by the European Court of Justice, marking the end of such schemes in the EU. The court found that Malta’s policy lacked a genuine residency requirement, violating EU law.

Spain officially ended its Golden Visa program on April 3, 2025, citing the need to address its national housing crisis.

Portugal removed real estate investments from its Golden Visa scheme for similar reasons, significantly reducing one of the most popular options for U.S. investors.

Italy is now restricting citizenship by descent. The Italian Senate recently passed a decree-law limiting eligibility for descendants born abroad. The law is expected to be finalized by May 27.

Other EU countries have also adjusted their rules in the past year, collectively reshaping the path to European residency and citizenship for Americans.