Citizenship by merit is a discretionary form of naturalisation that some countries grant to individuals who have rendered, or are expected to render, an exceptional service or contribution to the state, or whose naturalisation is of exceptional interest to it. Unlike citizenship by investment, it cannot be bought: there is no fixed donation or investment route, and each application is assessed case by case.
Who May Qualify
Candidates are typically distinguished scientists, researchers, athletes, artists, entrepreneurs, philanthropists and technologists with an outstanding record and a credible plan to contribute to the country. Approvals are rare, subject to strict due diligence, and usually decided at ministerial or presidential level.
Countries
Explore the citizenship by merit frameworks we cover below.
Austria
By merit
By merit
- Austrian citizenship for exceptional achievers, decided by the Federal Government.
- Timeline: 1–3 years.
- Decided by: Provincial government.
Hungary
By merit
By merit
- Discretionary Hungarian citizenship under Section 4(7) of Act LV of 1993 on Hungarian Citizenship.
- Timeline: Case by case.
- Decided by: President of the Republic.
Bulgaria
By merit
By merit
- EU citizenship for special merit in the public, economic, scientific, cultural or sporting sphere.
- Timeline: 6 months.
- Decided by: President of Bulgaria.
Romania
By merit
By merit
- Romanian citizenship by merit for internationally recognised contributors.
- Timeline: Case by case.
- Decided by: National Citizenship Authority (ANC).
Greece
By merit
By merit
- Full Greek citizenship via a presidential decree under Article 13, Law 3284/2004.
- Timeline: 4 months.
- Decided by: President of the Hellenic Republic.
Albania
By merit
By merit
- A NATO member and EU candidate on the Adriatic, with a 4–6 month fast-track for exceptional individuals.
- Timeline: 4 to 6 months.
- Decided by: President of Albania.
Poland
By merit
By merit
- Citizenship granted directly by the President of the Republic — no fixed criteria, residence or language requirement.
- Timeline: Varies — case by case.
- Decided by: President of the Republic of Poland.
Italy
By merit
By merit
- Citizenship by Presidential Decree for eminent services to Italy or exceptional State interest.
- Timeline: Typically 12–24 months.
- Decided by: President of the Republic.
Malta
By merit
By merit
- Exceptional contribution to Malta, assessed case by case.
- At least 8 months' residence first.
- Residential property in Malta.
