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Voices of the Brexit Diaspora
“I always felt European,” says Sean, an entrepreneur, who moved to Malta in 2024. Getting my EU passport was my way of staying connected – and safeguarding my future.”
James, a London-based IT strartup founder: “Now I have access to EU countries again. It’s a safety net and a business advantage.”
When the United Kingdom officially left the European Union on January 31, 2020, it triggered not just political and economic ripples, but also a very personal shift for millions of Britons – the loss of EU citizenship. Overnight, Brits became third-country nationals in the eyes of the EU, meaning freedom of movement, work, and residency across 27 member states was no longer guaranteed.
In the years since Brexit, thousands of British citizens have pursued – and often successfully obtained – alternative citizenship in EU countries and beyond. But what’s behind this growing trend, and where are Brits going?
Why More Brits Are Turning to Alternative Citizenship?
Reconnecting with Europe
For many British nationals, the decision to pursue a second passport is driven by a desire to restore the rights and freedoms that were lost with Brexit. Chief among these are the ability to travel freely across Europe, to live and work in any EU country, and to access public services like healthcare and education across the bloc.
A Practical Step for Professionals and Entrepreneurs
Brexit created a number of hurdles for those doing business across borders or working internationally. With an EU passport in hand, setting up a business, expanding into Europe, or simply working remotely from another EU country becomes a far simpler process. Visa requirements fade into the background, and mobility within the EU becomes seamless once again.
Families Looking Ahead
Dual citizenship is also proving to be a valuable asset for families. Parents planning for their children’s future education, or retirees seeking a better quality of life in southern Europe, increasingly view an EU passport as a practical and strategic move. It’s not just about freedom of movement – it’s about long-term security and opportunity.
The Numbers Behind the Trend
Since the 2016 referendum, EU countries have seen a major rise in citizenship applications from UK nationals. Ireland, with its strong historic ties, saw more than 100,000 UK citizens apply for Irish passports in less than a decade – most through ancestral connections. Germany naturalised over 40,000 British nationals in the same period, a dramatic increase from pre-Brexit years. France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Malta have also welcomed growing numbers of Brits applying through residency or heritage.
How Brits Are Securing EU Citizenship?
There are three main paths that British nationals have followed to secure a second EU passport. One of the most accessible has been ancestry – especially for those with Irish, Italian, or Polish roots. Irish citizenship through a grandparent has proven particularly popular, while Italy’s “jure sanguinis” pathway continues to attract descendants of Italian emigrants.
Others chose to relocate to the EU before the Brexit transition ended, allowing them to qualify for citizenship after several years of residency. Portugal, thanks to its flexible immigration policies and quality of life, has become a top choice. Germany and France also processed thousands of applications from long-term UK residents.
For high-net-worth individuals, Malta offers a direct route through investment. This option provides a streamlined path to full EU citizenship in exchange for financial contributions and a period of residency.
Understanding the Challenges
While many countries welcome dual citizens, others do not. Spain, for example, requires applicants to renounce their British nationality – something that can be a dealbreaker for some. Malta, on the other hand, has no such restrictions and fully permits dual citizenship.
Malta: A Pathway Back to the EU
Malta stands out as an attractive destination for those looking to regain EU rights. As a fully integrated EU member state with close historical and cultural ties to the UK, it offers a unique mix of familiarity and opportunity. English is an official language, the economy is strong and business-friendly, and the legal environment is stable.
Its citizenship-by-naturalisation program – the Citizenship for Exceptional Services (CES) route – has become a top-tier option for individuals seeking a swift, legitimate return to EU citizenship.
How the Process Works
To begin, applicants must first obtain residency in Malta. Depending on the chosen investment route, they maintain residency for either 12 or 36 months before applying for citizenship.
The financial commitments include a government contribution (€600,000 for the standard track or €750,000 for the fast track), a property investment or long-term lease, and a philanthropic donation. Malta is also known for its robust due diligence standards – only applicants of good repute are approved.
One of the appealing features of the CES program is that it allows family members -spouses, children, and dependent parents – to be included in a single application.
Once granted, citizenship offers full rights across the EU, including the ability to live, work, and travel freely within all member states.
Why Malta Is Gaining Popularity Among Brits
Speed is one reason: the fast-track option can lead to citizenship in just over a year. There are no language exams or integration tests, unlike in many other countries. The lifestyle is also a draw – Malta offers a sunny climate, a strong healthcare system, and a low crime rate, making it ideal for families, retirees, and remote professionals alike.
A Passport to the Future
For many in the UK, the loss of EU citizenship felt like a closing door. But programs like Malta’s offer a way to reopen that door – not just to restore lost rights, but to create new possibilities. Whether it’s about securing your family’s future, expanding business horizons, or simply reclaiming the freedom to move, live and work across Europe, Malta offers a meaningful and strategic way forward.
It’s more than a passport. It’s a bridge to new opportunities.
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