Every year, many people think about changing citizenship. For some, this is a way to gain freedom of movement, while others want to change their standard of living or gain security. However, very often the idea of changing citizenship freezes at the level of reflection, because it is commonly believed that becoming a resident of another country is a long and very difficult process.
In fact, there are many ways to change citizenship. Many countries of the world annually simplify migration legislation.
We invite you to familiarize yourself with the types of citizenship and learn more about the countries and the terms for issuing a new passport.
Ways to obtain citizenship
Currently, there are several ways to obtain citizenship:
Born in the country. Newborn children can inherit citizenship from their parents on the basis of blood ties or receive it at the place of birth – “jus soli”. To varying degrees, the principle of granting citizenship based on place of birth is implemented in 60 countries of the world.
However, quite often, before the birth of a child, foreign parents need to fulfill a number of requirements, for example, to live in the country legally for several years before the birth of the child.
Also, this method of obtaining citizenship is not available to everyone, since most often only a child can obtain citizenship based on the place of birth. In most countries, parents go through the procedure for obtaining a new passport on a common basis.
Citizenship by descent and repatriation. If at least one of the parents is a citizen of the country or the child was born abroad, but with a citizen of this country, then you can apply for citizenship by origin.
Citizenship by repatriation is acquired when returning to their historical homeland. For example, you can obtain citizenship of Romania, Poland, Germany, Bulgaria or other countries by proving that your ancestors were born on the territory of the state. This path is quite long and not accessible to many, because a prerequisite is the presence of family ties.
Citizenship in exchange for investment. Some countries offer to become a resident of the country in exchange for a certain financial contribution. The amount may vary from country to country depending on various factors such as type of investment, number of applicants, etc.
The most popular ways to invest are buying real estate, starting a business, investing in projects that affect the country’s economy, investing in funds, and others. This method of obtaining citizenship has many advantages, most often citizenship is issued quickly, without exams and sometimes even without requirements for residence in the country.
However, citizenship by investment is not available to everyone, as it requires a certain amount of funds.
Naturalization. The most common way to obtain citizenship, which is available to almost anyone. A passport is issued on the basis of legal residence in the country for a certain period of time. Subject to compliance with laws and fulfillment of obligations to obtain a residence permit.
The procedure for obtaining citizenship by naturalization
Most often, the procedure for obtaining citizenship by naturalization occurs in several stages:
- A foreigner obtains a visa to enter the country for work or study.
- After legal entry, you can apply for a residence permit.
- After several years of residence with a residence permit, a foreigner applies for permanent residence or immediately for citizenship. When making a decision, the presence of a permanent job, the absence of problems with the law, knowledge of the language, history and culture are assessed. Thus, a person confirms that he has integrated into society.
Each state has its own qualifying period – the mandatory time of residence in the country to obtain citizenship. It is written into the law and can be revised. For example, in Portugal until 2018 the qualifying period was 6 years, and then it was reduced to 5.
Which countries are the fastest to get citizenship?
Below is a list of countries in which the period for obtaining citizenship is minimal and does not require additional complex conditions.
Please note that the terms of the qualification period are indicated, in some countries it can be counted from the moment of obtaining permanent residence, for example, in Australia, Canada, Poland, Serbia and the Czech Republic.
Countries in which citizenship can be obtained after 2 years of continuous residence:
Argentina – to obtain citizenship, you must
- To document the fact of residence.
- Justify the availability of funds for living in the country: an employment contract, work book or salary receipts.
- Prepare a package of documents: birth certificate, passport, registration and other certificates.
Peru – when applying, you must provide information about the place of residence, income, health status and no criminal record of the applicant for citizenship.
3 years
Armenia – in addition to residence, the applicant must demonstrate a good knowledge of the Armenian language and the Constitution of the country.
Israel
An application can be submitted by a foreigner who has a permanent residence permit and meets the requirements:
- currently located in Israel;
- lived in Israel for 3 out of 5 years before applying;
- has the status of a permanent resident;
- speaks Hebrew at any level;
- renounced another citizenship or can provide evidence that he will cease to be a citizen of another country upon naturalization.
Canada
To become a citizen of the country, you must fulfill a number of conditions:
- have lived in Canada for 3 of the last 5 years and are there at the time of application;
- submit a tax return (if necessary);
- pass a citizenship test (20 questions in the categories history, geography, economics, government, laws and symbols of Canada);
- language proficiency (you must be able to speak and listen in English or French).
Poland
To obtain Polish citizenship, you must:
- legally reside in Poland for a continuous period of at least 3 years on the basis of a permanent residence permit, a long-term residence permit in the EU countries or the right of permanent residence,
- have a stable and regular source of income in Poland,
- rent or own real estate in the country.
Also after 3 years you can apply for citizenship of Honduras, Paraguay, Ecuador and Serbia.
4 years
Australia
In order to become an Australian citizen, you must live in the country and meet certain criteria: comply with the laws and fulfill all the obligations of a citizen, speak English at a basic level, pass a citizenship test, which includes questions about the privileges of Australian citizens and knowledge of the country’s values.
Brazil
Applications for Brazilian citizenship by naturalization can only be made in Brazil, at any branch of the Federal Police Department.
In addition to permanent residence in the country, the applicant must demonstrate knowledge of the Portuguese language and no criminal record.
5 years
Within 5 years, you can obtain citizenship of many countries of the world: Belgium, Latvia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Malta, Portugal, Finland, France, Czech Republic, Sweden, Albania, Great Britain, Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand, Panama, USA, Taiwan, Turkey, Uruguay, South Korea and Japan.
In most countries, the basic requirements are also knowledge of the language and history of the state, the presence of real estate (own or rented), financial stability (work, savings, etc.) and the absence of a criminal record.
We will consider the procedure for obtaining citizenship after 5 years of residence using the example of Turkey.
A foreigner can apply for Turkish citizenship if he meets a certain list of requirements specified in the Turkish Citizenship Law:
- reside on the basis of a residence permit in Turkey for 5 years without a break;
- pass the Turkish language proficiency exam;
- provide a medical certificate – a document confirming that the applicant does not have diseases that may pose a danger to the health of the Turkish population;
- prove no criminal record;
- the applicant is legally employed in Turkey, has a permanent source of income and housing.
Those who plan to obtain EU citizenship will be interested in the fact that in 2020 the most passports were issued by Italy, Spain, Germany, France and Sweden.