There are many different ways to get EU citizenship. In this blog post, we will discuss the most common methods a person can obtain, or begin the process of obtaining EU citizenship. We will also provide a brief overview of the benefits of being an EU citizen.
If you are interested in obtaining EU citizenship, then this is the blog post for you!
Understanding ways of becoming an EU citizen
European Union citizenship is the citizenship of the European Union. It affords rights, freedoms, and legal protections to its citizens. The EU does not have its own nationality, but instead, member states’ nationals become citizens of the EU.
Consequently, an EU citizen is a national of one of the EU’s 28 member states. Whether you are a Portuguese golden visa holder, an EEA national, or have married an EU citizen, there are different ways that you can obtain citizenship.
Moreover, each member state has its own requirements for citizenship. However, there are some general requirements that are applicable to all EU member states.
These include being 18 years of age or older, having resided in the country for a certain period of time, and passing a language test.
Citizenship by naturalization
Naturalization is the process by which a foreign national can become an EU citizen. In order to be eligible for naturalization, you must, logically, meet certain requirements the country you want to become a citizen of asks of you.
These requirements vary from country to country, but they typically include having lived in the country for a certain number of years, being proficient in the language, and passing a test on the country’s history and culture.
Furthermore, you must also be of good character and have no criminal record. Naturalization can be a lengthy and expensive process, but it is the most common way to obtain EU citizenship.
You can obtain your citizenship by naturalization in any EU member state, regardless of your country of origin.
Citizenship by marriage
If you are married to an EU citizen, then you may be eligible for citizenship. In order to obtain citizenship through marriage, you must usually reside in the country for a certain period of time.
Additionally, you may be required to pass a language test. The marriage must also be a genuine and lasting relationship. There are ways to lose your EU citizenship, such as if you get divorced or if your spouse dies.
Moreover, the certified board will inspect if the marriage was entered into for the sole purpose of obtaining citizenship. Finally, this method of gaining citizenship is not available in all EU countries.
Getting citizenship by marriage is possible in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
Citizenship by descent
If you have a parent or grandparent who is an EU citizen, then you may be eligible for citizenship by descent. This is typically the case if your ancestor was born in an EU country.
In order to obtain citizenship through descent, you must usually reside in the country for a certain period of time.
Additionally, you may be required to pass a language test. Descent citizenship can also be lost in certain circumstances, such as if you have been living outside of the EU for a prolonged period of time.
To prevent that, you must usually notify the authorities of your intention to maintain your citizenship. Some examples of countries that offer citizenship by descent are Ireland, Italy, and the United Kingdom.
Citizenship by investment
There are some countries in the EU that offer citizenship in exchange for an investment. This is typically done through a residency by investment program. In order to obtain citizenship through investment, you must usually make a financial investment in the country.
This can take the form of a real estate investment, a business investment, or a government bond investment.
Additionally, you will most likely need to spend some time living in the country you want to gain citizenship in.
And you may also be required to pass a language test. The approximate amount you should invest varies from country to country, but on average, it is around two million euros. EU countries that have this program include Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Malta.
Citizenship obtained through visas
If you have a residency visa, then you may be eligible for citizenship. In order to obtain citizenship through a residency visa, you must usually reside in the country for a certain period of time.
Additionally, you may be required to pass a language test. The requirements for obtaining a residency visa vary from country to country. However, they typically include having a job offer or being a student.
The benefits of being an EU citizen
These include the right to live and work in any EU country, the right to vote in European elections, and the right to consular protection when traveling outside of the union. Additionally, as an EU citizen, you will have the right to free movement within its borders.
And you will also have the right to reside in any EU country without a visa. Finally, as an EU citizen, you will have the right to pass your citizenship on to your children.
Out of all the different ways to obtain EU citizenship, citizenship by investment is the most expensive.
However, it is also the quickest way to obtain citizenship. And it provides you with a number of benefits that are not available through other methods. If you have the financial resources, then the citizenship by investment may be the best option for you.
Whichever method you choose, make sure that you fulfill all the requirements. And be prepared to wait, as the process can take several years.
But once you have obtained your EU citizenship, it will be well worth it. Furthermore, as an EU citizen, you will have a number of rights and privileges that are not available to non-citizens.
So if you want to live and work in the European Union, then consider becoming a citizen today. Most importantly, remember that you have a number of options available to you.
And with a little bit of research, you should be able to find the best way for you to obtain EU citizenship.
