When can I apply for citizenship?

Moving abroad can be confusing and exhilarating at the same time with lot of things to consider and many decisions to make.

After a few years of living in a new country you might want to settle down and apply for a citizenship. Applying for citizenship is a similar process in most countries; you need to be a permanent resident and you shouldn’t have a criminal record. Every country is different and the exact rules and application processes vary. To help you, ExpatInfo has put together an overview of how to apply for citizenship in the 10 most popular countries amongst expats.

UAE – after 30 years

Becoming a citizen in the United Arab Emirates is quite a challenging and lengthy process for a foreigner. Firstly, the rules are different for men and women. To apply for citizenship by marriage, you must stay married to an Emirati citizen for at least 3 years from the date you apply for nationality (this is only applicable to females who marry an Emirati man, as women are considered as dependents). You can also seek naturalisation after living and working in the UAE for 30 years. It’s also expected that you speak Arabic, you are legally employed in the Emirates and you are of “good character”. If obtaining citizenship by marriage, the citizenship will become void if you divorce and then marry someone from outside the UAE. The authorities also have the power to offer citizenship to foreigners if they have made an exceptional contribution to the region.

Austria – after 10 years

To apply for citizenship in Austria as a foreigner, you must have lived legally and continuously in Austria for 10 years, and a minimum five with a residency permit in place. You need to have all of your paperwork in order, such as your employment contract, taxes and your insurance. It is also necessary to speak German and have a basic knowledge of the democratic system, plus you must be knowledgeable about the history of Austria.

Sweden – after 5 years

To apply for citizenship in Sweden you must have been a legal continuous resident there for the last five years, be 18 years or older, have a permanent resident permit and not have a criminal record. If you travel abroad for more than six weeks a year, this time will be removed from your habitual residence. If you are cohabiting, have a registered partnership or you are married to a Swedish citizen, you can apply after 3 years. If you’re from Denmark, Finland, Norway or Iceland you can apply after two years of residency.

Australia – after 4 years

To apply for permanent citizenship in Australia you must have legally lived in Australia for the last four years. You must have a basic knowledge of the English language, be of “good character” and also have knowledge of the privileges and responsibilities of an Australian citizenship. People aged 60 years or older doesn’t have to sit the test, and children under 16 years can be included in the parent’s citizenship. After the application has been accepted you must make the Australian Citizenship Pledge within 12 months, or your acceptance may be cancelled.

Canada – after 3 years

To apply for citizenship in Canada you have to be a permanent resident for at least 3 years. You have to know how to speak and write in either French or English. It’s also necessary that you have filed your taxes for the last 3 years and if you have a criminal record, you won´t be eligible.

Netherlands – after 5 years

To apply for a citizenship in the Netherlands you have to be over 18 years old. Its necessary that you have lived continuously in the Netherlands for a minimum of 5 years with a valid residence permit. If you’re from a country that is in the EU or EEA, you don’t need to have a residence permit. You must be able to speak and understand Dutch and not have received any criminal record or large fines in the past five years that exceeds €810 in the country or abroad. It is also necessary to take the declaration of solidarity to become a citizen.

Germany – after 8 years

To apply for citizenship in Germany you must have lived there for 8 years with a resident permit. It Is also necessary that you speak German and that you are financially stable without any financial aid from the state. You can’t have a criminal record and you must take a citizenship test.  If married to a German citizen, you can apply for citizenship once you have been married for 2-3 years.

New Zealand – after 5 years

To apply for citizenship in New Zealand you must have been legally present in the country for at least 1,350 days in the last 5 years, or 240 days per year for the last 5 years. You must have a residence visa or a permanent residence visa to apply. Its also required that you are of “good character”, understand the privilege of a New Zealand citizenship, you can speak and write English and that you are planning on staying in New Zealand in the long term.

Norway – after 7 years

You must have lived legally with a residence permit in the country for the last 7 years. It is necessary for the person applying to have completed a Norwegian course and a social studies test. If you have been convicted or fined by the police, the process will be longer.  If married to a Norwegian citizen, the residence and marriage period must be 7 years combined, but you can apply for citizenship after 3 years in Norway.

Singapore – 2 years

For your citizenship here, you have to be 21 years or older and you must have been a permanent resident for 2 years or more and be in employment.  If you are married to a Singapore citizen, the same rules apply, however you must have been married for two years or more.  If accepted you are expected to take the “Oath of Renunciation, Allegiance and Loyalty” and attend a citizenship ceremony.

Each country has exceptions and special rules, these are just a few of the basic requirements to use a starting point when choosing your adoptive country and applying for citizenship. Check out this website for more information https://flagtheory.com/easiest-countries-to-become-a-citizen/