15 Countries with Fastest Citizenship by Marriage

Summary

This video ranks 15 countries offering quick citizenship through marriage, highlighting the time and cost involved in each process. It covers countries with varying timelines, from as short as 1 year in Brazil to up to 7 years in Norway. The script discusses requirements such as residency periods, language proficiency, and integration into society. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of avoiding fraudulent marriages, noting that some countries enforce rigorous checks and penalties. Countries like Argentina, Mexico, and Sweden are also explored for their relatively fast and accessible paths to citizenship.

Takeaways

• 😀 Citizenship by marriage allows foreign nationals to become citizens of a country through their spouse, with varying requirements and timelines.
• 😀 The time it takes to obtain citizenship by marriage ranges from 1 year to 10 years, depending on the country and specific conditions.
• 😀 Some countries, like Brazil, have a very quick citizenship process, taking only about 1 year, while others like Norway take up to 7 years.
• 😀 The cost of obtaining citizenship through marriage can vary greatly, from a few hundred dollars in Brazil to over $16,000 in the Netherlands.
• 😀 Certain countries, like Belgium and Sweden, require proof of integration (language skills, societal knowledge) as part of the citizenship process.
• 😀 Some nations, such as Norway and Canada, require the foreign spouse to hold permanent residency before applying for citizenship.
• 😀 Countries like Portugal, Ecuador, and Mexico offer relatively straightforward processes with less stringent requirements, making them popular among foreign spouses.
• 😀 In some cases, like in the Dominican Republic and Paraguay, a foreign spouse may be eligible for citizenship after just 2–3 years of marriage.
• 😀 Dual citizenship is recognized in several countries, including Belgium, Portugal, and Mexico, though some countries may not allow it.
• 😀 It is essential for applicants to avoid fraud, as some countries perform thorough checks to confirm the authenticity of the marriage, including psych tests and background checks.

Q & A

What is the general process of obtaining citizenship by marriage?

Citizenship by marriage is a process where a foreign national can become a citizen of a country by marrying a native citizen. The process typically involves living in the country for a specific period, fulfilling residency requirements, proving the authenticity of the marriage, and possibly passing language and cultural tests. The time and cost for this process vary depending on the country.

Which country offers the fastest path to citizenship via marriage?

Brazil offers the fastest path to citizenship via marriage, with the process taking around 1 year, although delays can occur due to bureaucratic issues.

How much does the process of obtaining citizenship by marriage typically cost?

The cost of obtaining citizenship by marriage varies greatly depending on the country. For instance, Brazil costs about $200 USD, while countries like Norway and Belgium can have total costs around $4,000 to $5,000 USD or higher.

What is a unique requirement for obtaining citizenship in Norway by marriage?

In Norway, applicants must hold permanent residency for at least 3 years before being eligible for citizenship. Additionally, applicants may have to complete social studies and Norwegian language courses, which can shorten the time frame by 1-2 years.

What additional criteria must an applicant meet in Belgium to qualify for citizenship through marriage?

In Belgium, applicants must live in the country for at least 5 to 6 years, speak one of the national languages (Dutch, German, or French), and prove economic and social integration. The total cost for the process can exceed $5,000 USD.

What steps are required for a foreign spouse to acquire citizenship in Canada?

A foreign spouse must first obtain permanent residency. After 3 years of residence in Canada, they can apply for citizenship, which involves passing a citizenship test and interview that assesses knowledge of Canada’s history, geography, and political system.

Does Portugal recognize dual citizenship, and what is the process for acquiring citizenship by marriage?

Yes, Portugal recognizes dual citizenship. To acquire citizenship through marriage, a foreign national must be married to a Portuguese citizen for over 3 years and must reside permanently in the country. The process costs about $3,000 USD.

What makes Sweden’s immigration policy unique in comparison to other Nordic countries?

Sweden has a more relaxed immigration policy compared to other Nordic countries. Foreign spouses of Swedish nationals can apply for citizenship in 3 to 5 years, provided they have lived together for at least 2 years before applying.

How does the citizenship process in Germany differ for foreign spouses compared to other applicants?

In Germany, foreign spouses must first apply for a residence permit. After 3 to 4 years, they can apply for naturalization, which requires passing a German language test and a test on German culture and society. This is different from other applicants who may have a longer or different process.

How does marriage to a Colombian citizen affect the citizenship process?

Marriage to a Colombian citizen shortens the citizenship process significantly. While normal applicants might take 5 to 10 years to acquire citizenship, foreign spouses can apply for Colombian citizenship after just 2 years of residence.