Fast-tracked citizenship or not, love and marriages could come in any form. In an increasingly globalized world, governments are adapting to new strategies to attract foreign investment, skills, and talent. One such approach is offering fast-track citizenship through marriage to foreign nationals. Many countries are now providing a streamlined process for individuals to obtain citizenship by marrying a local citizen or a foreign national who is already a citizen of that country.
For many couples who find love across borders, the dream of building a life together often includes navigating the complexities of immigration laws. While each country has its own unique set of rules, some offer expedited pathways to citizenship for spouses of their citizens.
This article explores the concept of obtaining citizenship through marriage, examining the factors that influence these processes and highlighting countries that may offer faster routes to a new nationality.
The Path to Citizenship
Marrying a citizen of another country can open doors to new opportunities, including the possibility of acquiring a new citizenship. This process typically involves demonstrating a genuine and committed relationship.
Countries Offering Fast-track Citizenship Through Marriage
1.Cyprus: The island nation offers citizenship through naturalization by investment, which includes marriage to a Cypriot citizen. The process typically takes around 6-12 months.
2. Greece: Greece’s “Golden Visa” program allows foreign nationals to obtain residency and potentially citizenship through marriage to a Greek citizen.
3. Mexico
As the partner of a Mexican citizen, you can seek temporary residency right after submitting evidence of your marriage and your spouse’s financial capability to support you in Mexico.
Following one year, your temporary residence may be extended for an additional year. During the third year, you have the opportunity to apply for permanent residency or citizenship in Mexico.
Major Advantages of Obtaining Citizenship
Property rights: Acquire property in restricted regions without requiring a trust (fideicomiso).
Derechos electorales: Obtén el derecho a votar en México.
No fees for immigration renewal: Eliminate extra expenses for changes in status or residency updates.
Labor rights: Employment permissible without an employer certificate (Constancia de empleador).
Dual citizenship: Possess dual citizenship if permitted by your native country.
Criteria for obtaining Mexican citizenship
Residency: Reside in Mexico for a minimum of two years prior to applying.
Documents: Provide original versions of your passport, identification, residency card, birth certificate (apostilled or legalized), marriage certificate, and criminal background check.
Language and integration: Exhibit foundational Spanish skills, understanding of Mexican history and culture, and assimilation into Mexican society.
Application form: Fill out the necessary application form and submit the application fee.
Interview and assessment: Participate in an interview and succeed in a fundamental Spanish exam unless you are above 60.
Processing duration: Your application will be processed in roughly 4 to 6 months.
4. Spain: Spain’s “Golden Visa” program provides residency and potentially citizenship to foreign nationals who invest in the country’s real estate, businesses, or job creation. Marriage to a Spanish citizen can also be a route.
Wedding a Spanish national can simplify and accelerate the process of acquiring Spanish citizenship. Although marriage does not automatically grant citizenship, it is among the quickest routes to obtain it.
Essential criteria for obtaining Fast-tracked Citizenship through marriage
To obtain Spanish citizenship, you need to marry a Spanish citizen and reside together in Spain for a minimum of one year. You must fulfill multiple requirements, such as successfully completing the DELE A2 language test and the CCSE culture examination.
Moreover, it is necessary to present a valid passport, marriage license, evidence of financial resources, and a criminal record check. You must also demonstrate that you have been residing with your spouse at the same registered address in Spain for the necessary duration.
Application procedure
Once you meet the criteria and have resided in Spain for a year, you may proceed with your application. The officials will examine your paperwork and might ask for extra details. If granted, you will receive Spanish citizenship.
5. Portugal: Portugal’s “Golden Visa” program offers fast-tracked citizenship to foreign nationals who invest in the country’s real estate, businesses, or job creation. Marriage to a Portuguese citizen can also be a criterion.
6. Argentina
Argentine citizenship can be acquired primarily in two ways: through birthright (for offspring of Argentine nationals) or via naturalization. To obtain naturalization, one must reside in Argentina for two years, wed an Argentine national, or have a child born in Argentina.
Criteria for Acquiring Fast-track Citizenship
To apply for a Fast-track citizenship, you need to be at least 18 years old and have resided in Argentina for two years, or be wed to an Argentine citizen or a parent of a child born in Argentina. You’ll require multiple documents, including your birth and marriage certificates, criminal record checks, proof of residency, and financial resources.
Procedure for application
When your documents are complete, file them with the court (Juzgado Civil) for processing. Upon completing fingerprinting and obtaining court approvals, you’ll be issued a Carta de Ciudadanía (citizenship approval). From that point, you can request your DNI (ID card) and passport.
This procedure may require several months, but when finalized, Argentine citizenship is enduring.
7. Brazil
To acquire Brazilian citizenship via marriage, you need to satisfy the standard criteria for regular naturalization, rather than solely being married to a Brazilian. Though marriage can expedite the naturalization process, all required procedures must still be completed.
Procedures For A Fast-track Naturalization
Acquire a visa for entry into Brazil (if required).
Submit your application for residency and await confirmation.
If permanent residency isn’t awarded right away, submit your application within the necessary timeframe.
Reside in Brazil for a year while being married to a Brazilian.
Submit an application for citizenship.
Period
The process of a Fast-track Brazilian naturalization can take a maximum of 180 days following the submission of the application, according to Decree 9199/2017. This duration could be prolonged if additional measures are required by the Ministry of Justice.
8. Italy
Italy’s “Investment Visa” program offers fast-tracked citizenship to foreign nationals who invest in the country’s real estate, companies, or government bonds. Marriage to an Italian citizen can also be a criterion.
The non-Italian spouse of an Italian citizen may request Italian citizenship by fulfilling specific criteria and following an application procedure. The process varies based on whether the couple lives in Italy or outside the country. Here are the essential steps, prerequisites, and documentation needed for applying for citizenship through marriage.
Criteria and prerequisites
Residency Requirements: For a fast-track nationality in Italy, the foreign partner may apply after 2 years of marriage while living in Italy, or after 3 years if living overseas. The duration is cut in half if the couple has kids under 18.
Essential Requirements:
The wedding needs to be recorded at the Town Hall in Italy.
The Italian partner needs to be registered with the Consulate or Embassy as an Italian Citizen Living Abroad (A.I.R.E.).
Necessary Paperwork
Certification in the Italian language: Secure this certificate prior to any other paperwork. Acceptable evidence comprises a B1-level language certificate from organizations like Università per Stranieri di Siena or Società Dante Alighieri.
Marriage and birth certificates: Provide the original marriage certificate (Estratto per riassunto dai registri di matrimonio) along with a certified translation of the birth certificate.
Criminal history and background verification: Submit a certificate of good behavior from your country of origin and from any prior countries of residence since the age of 14.
Additional documents: Attach a €250 fee payment receipt, identification proof (passport), and residency evidence (e.g., utility bill). Candidates from outside Sweden must also submit their Swedish Permanent Resident Card, if relevant for a Fast-track Citizenship.
9.Colombia
Obtaining Colombian citizenship via marriage is simple when following the correct procedures. Here is a summary of the procedure:
Acquire your marriage certificate: You need to wed a Colombian citizen.
Visa application: Submit a Migrant Visa request as the partner of a Colombian citizen.
Residency application: Once the residency criteria are fulfilled, submit an application for a resident visa.
Tests in language and culture: Complete necessary assessments to attain Colombian citizenship.
Criteria for Eligibility and Application Procedure
You need to be wed to a Colombian citizen and possess an R-type resident visa for no less than two years in order to have a Fast-track Citizenship.
There is no age limit to acquire citizenship, though the procedure necessitates holding the Migrant visa for three years prior to applying for residency.
Application
To apply for a marriage visa, collect documents like your passport, marriage certificate, your partner’s ID, and a notarized power of attorney. Send these via the Cancilleria website, regardless of whether you are applying from Colombia or overseas.
Benefits of Colombian citizenship
Once you acquire Colombian citizenship, you gain:
- The right to live, work, and vote in Colombia.
- Access to social benefits and services.
- Visa-free travel to 134 countries, including the EU, Philippines, Singapore, Russia, and Turkey.
10. France
The partner of a French citizen may seek French citizenship via marriage, regardless of residing in France or outside the country, provided they fulfill the following criteria.
Essential qualification requirements
Duration of marriage: At least 4 years of marriage (5 years if residing overseas without your French partner’s registration at the consulate).
Residency conditions: You must have cohabited with your French spouse in both a material and substantial manner since the marriage.
Evidence of French citizenship: The French partner must have held French citizenship when the marriage took place.
Requirement for language: Must show B1 level skills in French (both spoken and written).
Necessary documents
Marriage certificate: If wed overseas, it must be recorded with French civil registries.
Criminal history: You must present a clean record from the countries where you have resided during the last decade.
Translation and legalization: Documents issued by foreign authorities need to be translated into French and, when required, apostilled or legalized.
Benefits Of Fast-tracked Citizenship Through Marriage
Simplified citizenship process: Fast-track citizenship through marriage can significantly reduce the time and paperwork required to obtain citizenship, often taking just a few months.
Investment opportunities: Many countries offer investment opportunities alongside citizenship, allowing individuals to grow their wealth while gaining a new nationality.
Stability: Fast-track citizenship through marriage can provide a sense of security, especially for individuals who have established a life in their current country.
Family reunification: Marriage to a foreign national can provide a route for families to be reunited, with the fast-track citizenship allowing individuals to live and work freely in their partner’s country.
Pitfalls In Fast-tracked Citizenship
1. Language barriers: Language difficulties can create obstacles in the citizenship process, particularly if official documents are not available in the individual’s native language.
2. Residency requirements: Some countries require foreign nationals to reside in the country for a certain period before applying for citizenship.
3. Divorce and separation: In cases of divorce or separation, fast-tracked citizenship obtained through marriage may be revoked or result in a significant waiting period before reapplying.
4. Bureaucratic hurdles: Complex bureaucratic processes can create delays and difficulties, even in countries with fast-track citizenship programs.
Fast-track citizenship through marriage is a growing trend in countries worldwide, offering a streamlined process for individuals to obtain citizenship. With benefits ranging from simplified citizenship processes to investment opportunities and family reunification, this option can be an attractive choice for foreign nationals looking to secure a new nationality.
However, it is essential to carefully consider the potential pitfalls and requirements before pursuing this path. But wouldn’t you agree that the risks of a fast tracked Citizenship is worthwhile?.
