How the Rich Still Get EU Citizenship Fast in 2026

About this episode

The episode discusses the shift from formal citizenship by investment programs to citizenship by merit in Europe following the European Court of Justice's ruling.

In 2025, the European Court of Justice ended formal citizenship by investment programs across the EU, shutting down Malta, Cyprus, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. IMI covers how citizenship by merit is becoming the new shadow market for wealthy investors in Europe. Read the full article here.

People in this episode

Host: Christian Henrik Nesheim

Topics covered

• citizenship by investment
• wealthy investors
• European Union
• citizenship by merit
• shadow market

Keywords

• EU citizenship
• investment programs
• wealthy investors
• citizenship by merit
• European Court of Justice

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: European Court of Justice

Places: Malta, Cyprus, Montenegro, North Macedonia

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