The acquisition of citizenship represents, in most cases, the final step in a migration process. It entails the legal consolidation of a person’s integration into a country and full access to the rights associated with citizenship.
The latest data published by Eurostat allow us not only to identify which countries grant the highest number of citizenships within the European Union, but also to understand current trends and their practical implications for foreign residents in Europe.
⏺️ Which countries grant the most citizenships in the EU?
In 2024, a total of 1,177,232 people acquired the citizenship of the EU country in which they usually resided, representing an 11.6% increase compared to 2023.
In absolute terms, three countries account for the majority of citizenship grants:
- Germany: 288,700 citizenships (24.5% of the EU total)
- Spain: 252,500 (21.4%)
- Italy: 217,400 (18.5%)
Together, these three countries represent more than 60% of all citizenships granted in the European Union.
From both a legal and practical perspective, this leadership can be explained by several factors:
- Legal frameworks based on long-term residence
- A large foreign resident population
- Well-established citizenship systems
⏺️ Spain in the European context: high volume and a consolidated system
Spain ranks as the second EU country in terms of citizenship grants, consolidating a sustained trend over recent years.
The Spanish system, primarily based on citizenship by residence, requires compliance with specific legal timeframes and requirements, while at the same time allowing access to a large number of applicants.
💡 If you would like to understand in detail how the Spanish citizenship by residence procedure works, including requirements, timelines, and key practical aspects, you can consult our comprehensive guide, where we analyze the process from a practical perspective:
Spanish Citizenship by Residence Guide 2026
⏺️ Who is acquiring citizenship in the European Union?
The profile of new EU citizens is predominantly non-EU:
- 88% of those who acquired citizenship in 2024 were nationals of non-EU countries
- 10.6% were citizens of other EU Member States
The main countries of origin were:
- Syria (110,100 people)
- Morocco (97,100 people)
- Albania (48,000 people)
- Turkey (41,300 people)
- Romania (39,900 people)
The data also reveal clear patterns:
- Syrian nationals primarily acquire citizenship in Germany
- Moroccan nationals mainly in Spain and Italy
- Albanian nationals in Italy and Greece
These patterns reflect well-established migration links between specific countries of origin and certain EU Member States.
⏺️ Practical implications and conclusions
Beyond the statistical analysis, these figures confirm a clear trend: the acquisition of citizenship in the European Union continues to grow steadily, consolidating its role as the final step in the integration process of foreign nationals.
This increase is not merely quantitative; it has direct practical implications. In particular, it reflects:
- Greater use of citizenship procedures by foreign residents
- Increased administrative workload for authorities
- Higher levels of scrutiny in the review of applications
In our experience, this context may result in:
- Longer processing times
- Increased documentary requirements
- The need for more thorough preparation of applications from the outset
Spain, as one of the leading countries in terms of volume, plays a particularly relevant role in this context. While procedures are well-established, the high number of applications requires careful planning.
For individuals currently residing in Spain or considering applying for citizenship, these data highlight not only a statistical reality but also the importance of approaching the process with a well-defined legal strategy and thorough preparation, which are key to ensuring an efficient process and minimising potential issues.
If you are considering starting your Spanish citizenship application or would like to assess your specific situation, at ARC Legal we can assist you in structuring your case from the outset and guide you throughout the entire process.
Related publications
- Spanish nationality by residence | 2026 Guide
- Changes in nationality laws: what is happening in Portugal and the lesson for Spain
- Spanish Nationality by Carta de Naturaleza | 2026 Guide
¿Prefieres leer este artículo en español 🇪🇸? Aquí te dejamos el link: ¿En qué países de la Unión Europea se conceden más nacionalidades?
The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration and nationality regulations are subject to ongoing changes in interpretation and administrative practice. At ARC Legal, we make every effort to keep our content accurate and up to date based on official sources, but we always recommend consulting a specialized professional before initiating any procedure or making legal decisions. If you need personalized advice, feel free to contact our firm.