7 Tips for Getting Citizenship in an EU Country

Unfortunately, many countries in the EU make citizenship difficult to obtain intentionally, as a way to ensure the commitment of incoming aspiring citizens as well as protecting the nation's resources and culture.

The good news is, there are some strategies that can help you get citizenship in an EU country.

How to Get Citizenship in an EU Country Easier

Follow these tips and strategies if you want an easier path to getting EU citizenship:

1. Understand that different countries have different standards. First, you should understand that different countries have different standards for citizenship. With some countries, all you need is a sizable amount of capital and you can acquire citizenship or permanent residency through investment. In other countries, you'll have to meet a number of requirements, including living in the country for a number of years, learning the language, and becoming familiar with the political scope of the country before you can become a citizen. If you're open to options, you may consider moving to a country with looser restrictions for citizenship. If you have your heart set on a specific country, make sure you understand how easy or hard that country will be.
2. Get assistance. If you're interested in making the process as smooth and convenient as possible, consider getting citizenship assistance. With the right backing, you can expedite the citizenship process, learn more about your options, and get support throughout the process. For example, currently in 2020, you can seek Italian citizenship assistance and reduce wait times, get expert advice, and rely on support if you need to file an appeal.
3. Review all possible paths. In most countries, there are multiple paths to getting citizenship, and some may appeal to you more than others. For starters, you might be able to get citizenship through descent; if your ancestors came from a specific country, and you can prove your lineage, you might have a clear path to becoming a citizen there. Otherwise, you can pursue naturalization. To become a citizen through naturalization, you may have to hold an approved job, marry someone in the country, and/or live in the country for a number of years. Beyond that, you may be able to become a citizen through investment, bringing a certain amount of capital into the country, or you can become a citizen through exception; in rare cases, an official may allow you to bypass the typical requirements for citizenship. Be sure to research each of these avenues (and whether they exist in your country of choice) before deciding how to move forward.
4. Be aware of the requirements and repercussions. Becoming a citizen in one country often requires you to take several important actions, some of which may be hard to reverse. It's relatively easy to fill out paperwork or learn a new language, but you may also have to renounce any other citizenships you currently hold. In other words, if you ever decide to move back to your home country after getting citizenship somewhere else, you might find it exceptionally difficult.
5. Be sure of your decision. Are you sure you want citizenship in this country? With so many options to choose from, and with citizenship being such a permanent choice, you need to be sure of your decision. Don't just read about the country; go out of your way to visit it. Live in the country for months, or even years, and immerse yourself in the culture before you finalize your decision.
6. Start the process early. Acquiring citizenship is a process that typically takes years and comes with many requirements, so it's in your best interest to start the process as early as possible. If you're kicking around the idea of moving somewhere else, start researching what the requirements are, and consider moving there for a period of years.
7. Be as consistent and accurate as possible. You'll be filling out lots of paperwork and answering a lot of questions during the process to attain citizenship. During this process, make sure you're as consistent and accurate as possible to avoid delays.

Remaining Patient

Acquiring citizenship in another country is a process that can take anywhere from several months to several years; even if you have a lot of money to invest or are seeking citizenship in a relatively lax EU country, this is not a process that happens overnight. Take your time, understand the complexities of the process, and don't be surprised if you run into some major hurdles along the way.