Obtaining EU Citizenship: 3 Key Factors to Consider

Are you looking to become an EU citizen and gain access to the benefits of a strong EU passport?

Or perhaps you’re considering dual citizenship, with a significant and flexible second passport from an EU member state?

When planning your strategy to obtain an EU passport, one of the most viable options is moving to your target country and pursuing naturalization. Simply put, citizenship through naturalization is a process that grants citizenship to foreigners who have legally resided in a country for the required number of years.

But how do you choose the right country for obtaining this coveted document?

In this article, we’ll explore three key factors to help guide your decision.

Unlike other paths to obtaining an EU passport (such as through ancestry or marriage to an EU citizen), citizenship by naturalization typically requires a period of residence in the chosen country. Each EU country has its own rules and timelines for the naturalization process, usually ranging from 5 to 10 years of residency.

Here are some examples:

• Cyprus: One of the fastest routes to citizenship. Highly skilled foreign professionals working in Cyprus-based companies and demonstrating proficiency in Greek can apply for citizenship after just four or five years of residency. The standard naturalization period is 8 years.
• Portugal: A very flexible naturalization program requiring just 5 years of residency.
• France: Requires 5 years of residency, with the period reduced to 2 years for those who have obtained a degree from a French higher education institution.
• Greece: Requires 7 years of continuous residency.
• Italy: The naturalization process takes 10 years of residency.
• Spain: The standard naturalization period is 10 years. However, for citizens of certain Latin American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, and Portugal, the period is reduced to 2 years.

This means you need to be prepared to commit to living in your chosen country for this period before you can apply for citizenship. Additionally, some countries may impose further requirements for continuous residency, such as a minimum number of days spent in the country each year.

Choosing a country with a shorter naturalization period can significantly speed up the process of obtaining citizenship, especially if you’re eager to enjoy the full benefits of a European passport sooner.

Here’s something to consider: Do you want to keep your original citizenship? Not all EU countries allow dual citizenship. For example:

• Spain generally requires you to renounce your previous citizenship unless you’re acquiring EU citizenship as a citizen of Latin American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, or Portugal. If retaining your current citizenship is crucial, Spain might not be the best option.
• Germany: In most cases, Germany requires you to renounce your previous citizenship. However, there are exceptions for EU and Swiss citizens.

The ability to maintain dual citizenship can play a key role in your decision. Keeping your original citizenship along with EU citizenship offers numerous additional benefits. Most EU countries, such as Portugal, France, Cyprus, and Italy, do allow dual citizenship.

This is important to consider if preserving your current citizenship is a priority for you. Dual citizenship can be especially vital if you want to maintain business interests and other socio-economic ties in your home country.

Therefore, before choosing a country for naturalization, make sure to understand its policy on dual citizenship. This will help you avoid unnecessary complications and ensure a smooth transition to your new citizenship while retaining all the benefits of your current one.

Proficiency in the language of your target country is often a necessary requirement for obtaining citizenship through naturalization. You will typically need to demonstrate knowledge of the national language at a certain level, which can range from A1 (beginner) to fluent. Most countries require a B1 or B2 level, which is considered intermediate.

Therefore, it’s important to assess your language abilities and your capacity to learn the language of the country you’re considering for naturalization. This will not only help you prepare for the necessary exams but also ease your adaptation to life in your new country.

Learning the language will also enhance your understanding of the culture, customs, and traditions, making your integration smoother and your new life more comfortable.

In summary, choosing a country for EU citizenship through naturalization requires careful analysis and understanding of all the nuances. Naturalization timelines, the possibility of dual citizenship, and language requirements are key factors that will help you make an informed decision.

READ ALSO:

• Ways to Obtain EU Citizenship
• Types of Immigration Programs in EU Countries
• EU Citizenship through Real Estate: Conditions and Requirements
• Moving to the EU for Permanent Residence: How and Where It’s Easiest to Obtain PR

Article author

Anastasia Taran Head of Corporate Services
Ukraine

In 2013, she graduated in law from the National University «Odessa Law Academy» with honors and received a Master of Law degree. Anastasia Taran has experience in international and contract law, as well as corporate and tax law in Europe. Within the framework of Feod Group, she specializes i...

In 2013, she graduated in law from the National University «Odessa Law Academy» with honors and received a Master of Law degree. Anastasia Taran has experience in international and contract law, as well as corporate and tax law in Europe. Within the framework of Feod Group, she specializes in immigration and corporate law of European countries, particularly:

• family and corporate immigration solutions.
• establishing a business in Europe.
• personal and corporate taxation in Europe.
• opening accounts in European banks.
• obtaining a tax resident status.

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