For many people looking to immigrate to another country, obtaining citizenship can be a long and difficult process. However, there are some countries that offer a faster route to citizenship for foreign nationals. In this article, we will take a look at the 20 fastest countries for immigrants to get citizenship from multiple perspectives.
Be a Citizen in No Time: 20 Fastest Countries for Immigrants to Get Citizenship
1. USA
In the United States, foreign nationals can become citizens in as little as three years if they have obtained a green card and met other eligibility requirements such as passing an English and civics test.
2. Canada
In Canada, immigrants can apply for citizenship after they have been a permanent resident for at least three years and met other eligibility criteria such as passing language and citizenship tests.
3. Mexico
Mexico offers a relatively quick path to citizenship for foreign nationals who have been working in the country for four years. Applicants must also pass a Mexican history and culture exam and a Spanish language exam.
4. Brazil
In Brazil, immigrants can apply for citizenship after one year of residency if they can prove economic stability and have no criminal record.
5. Panama
Foreign nationals in Panama can apply for citizenship after five years of residency or three years if they are married to a Panamanian citizen.
6. Paraguay
To become a citizen in Paraguay, foreign nationals must live in the country for three years and meet other eligibility criteria such as proficiency in Spanish and passing a citizenship exam.
7. Bulgaria
Foreign nationals can apply for citizenship in Bulgaria after five years of residency, or two years if they are married to a Bulgarian citizen.
8. Moldova
In Moldova, immigrants can apply for citizenship after 10 years of residency. However, this time period is reduced to one year if they have made significant investments in the country.
9. Montenegro
In Montenegro, foreign nationals can apply for citizenship after three to five years of residency depending on the nature of their investment in the country.
10. Serbia
In Serbia, immigrants can apply for citizenship after three years of residency. They must also demonstrate knowledge of the Serbian language and culture.
11. Portugal
To become a citizen in Portugal, immigrants must be a resident for five years and pass a Portuguese language test.
12. Spain
Foreign nationals can become citizens in Spain after 10 years of residency. However, this time period is reduced to five years if they are from a former Spanish colony.
13. Belgium
In Belgium, immigrants can apply for citizenship after five years of residency if they have a job and can pass language exams.
14. Luxembourg
Foreign nationals can apply for citizenship in Luxembourg after five years of residency. They must be fluent in one of the national languages and pass a citizenship exam.
15. Netherlands
To become a citizen in the Netherlands, immigrants must live in the country for five years and pass Dutch language and culture exams.
16. Ireland
In Ireland, immigrants can apply for citizenship after five years of residency and meeting certain eligibility criteria such as no criminal record.
17. Malta
Foreign nationals can become citizens in Malta after a year of residency if they have made significant contributions to the country's economic, cultural, or social development.
18. Cyprus
In Cyprus, immigrants can apply for citizenship after seven years of residency. However, this time period is reduced to five years if they are married to a Cypriot citizen.
19. Greece
To become a citizen in Greece, immigrants must have lived in the country for seven years and meet other eligibility criteria such as no criminal record.
20. Turkey
Foreign nationals can apply for citizenship in Turkey after five years of residency. They must also demonstrate proficiency in the Turkish language and have no criminal record.
In conclusion, there are many countries that offer a relatively quick route to citizenship for foreign nationals. However, each country has its own eligibility criteria and requirements that must be met. Immigrants should carefully research and consider their options before deciding which country to apply for citizenship in.