Citizenship by Naturalization: How to Become a Naturalized Citizen

What is citizenship by naturalization?

Citizenship by naturalization is the process by which a foreign national becomes a citizen of a new country after meeting specific requirements set by that nation’s naturalization laws.

These requirements can include being a lawful permanent resident for a certain period, taking and passing English language and civics tests, and taking an oath of allegiance.

Unlike citizenship by descent or by birth, naturalization is based on fulfilling residency, native language proficiency, and civic obligations and demonstrating loyalty to the country.

It allows individuals to become full citizens, gaining the same rights such as being able to vote, hold public office, and obtain a foreign passport.

Applicants may also need to provide basic information and in some cases submit a medical certification. Some countries allow people to file online to simplify the process.

Benefits of Citizenship by Naturalization

Full legal rights

Naturalized citizens enjoy the same legal protections as native-born citizens, including voting in elections, holding public office (with some exceptions), and applying for civil service roles.

They are entitled to constitutional rights, legal representation, and the ability to participate fully in democratic processes.

Residency security

Citizenship provides permanent legal status, which protects against deportation and removes the need to renew visas or residence permits. Once you become a naturalized citizen, you cannot be deported based on previous immigration status.

Global mobility

Naturalized citizens often gain access to some of the world’s most powerful passports. These travel documents grant visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to numerous destinations, enabling seamless international travel.

Countries like Canada, the United States, and many EU nations offer their citizens enhanced global mobility, making business, tourism, or emergency travel much easier.

Family reunification

Becoming a naturalized citizen enhances your ability to bring close family members, such as spouses, children, or parents, to join you.

Many countries offer simplified residency or citizenship options for relatives of citizens, reducing waiting times and processing barriers.

Public services access

Citizenship allows access to high-quality public services including healthcare, national education systems, and social welfare programs. Some government-funded benefits, like unemployment insurance or public housing, may be exclusive to citizens.

Economic opportunities

Citizenship opens doors to economic rights that are often restricted to nationals, such as government jobs, business registration, and land ownership.

Naturalized citizens may also qualify for local financial aid, loans, or tax incentives reserved for citizens.

Inheritance and tax benefits

In many countries, citizens receive preferential treatment under inheritance laws or benefit from lower tax obligations. This includes exemptions or streamlined processes for transferring property or wealth to heirs.

How to Obtain Citizenship by Naturalization

There are multiple routes to becoming a naturalized citizen, each with distinct eligibility criteria depending on the legal framework of the country.

Understanding these pathways can help applicants choose the naturalization process best suited to their background, goals, and timeline:

Residency-based naturalization

This is the most common and traditional path to becoming a naturalized citizen. It requires continuous legal residence for a specified period, typically between three to ten years.

Applicants must usually hold lawful permanent resident status and may be required to demonstrate ties to the community, such as employment, tax contributions, or property ownership. Countries like Canada, Australia, and Germany follow this model closely.

Marriage to a citizen

Many countries offer expedited naturalization for foreign nationals through the process of citizenship by marriage. This typically reduces the minimum residency requirement to two to five years. Proof of a bona fide marital relationship is required, and the couple may need to live together for a continuous period.

The naturalization process for spouses often includes additional interviews and documentation to verify the authenticity of the relationship.

Military service

Serving in a country’s armed forces can accelerate the path to naturalization.

In the United States, for instance, non-citizens who serve honorably during peacetime or designated periods of conflict may apply for naturalization without meeting the standard residency requirements.

Other countries, including the United Kingdom and Israel, also offer fast-track citizenship for military personnel.

Investment-based naturalization

Several countries provide a route to naturalized citizenship through significant economic contributions. This path is often referred to as Citizenship by Investment (CBI).

Countries like Turkey, St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, and Dominica allow foreign nationals to obtain citizenship by making qualifying investments in real estate, development funds, or government bonds.

These programs often do not require prior residency, making them attractive for global investors seeking mobility and a second passport.

Other specialized routes

According to the Refugees, Statelessness, and the Quest for Belonging report from Global Intelligence Unit, research unit of Global Citizen Solutions, approximately 4.4 million stateless individuals remain without legal nationality, and around 8.4 million people are seeking international protection under other categories.

These stateless individuals and refugees are offered naturalization by certain countries alongside people with exceptional talent or contribution to national interest.

These specialized routes often bypass standard requirements and are processed on a case-by-case basis. For example, Sweden offers accelerated paths for stateless minors, while Austria may grant citizenship by exceptional merit for economic or scientific contributions.

When choosing a route, applicants should consider the naturalization timeline, cost, dual citizenship policies, and whether the host country has streamlined processes for family members.

Citizenship by Naturalization in the United States

The U.S. has one of the most powerful passports in the world, providing naturalized citizens with access to over 180 countries visa-free or with visa-on-arrival. Before applying for U.S. citizenship through naturalization, most individuals must have five years of continuous lawful permanent residency (Green Card status). For those married to a U.S. citizen, the requirement is reduced to three years, provided they have lived in marital union during that time.

Applicants must also meet physical presence and good moral character requirements, and demonstrate knowledge of U.S. history, government, and the English language. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) oversees the naturalization process and provides official forms and guidance, while support organizations like the Immigrant Legal Resource Center can offer additional assistance.

Who is eligible for citizenship by naturalization in the U.S.?

To become a naturalized U.S. citizen, applicants must meet several legal requirements. These include continuous residence, physical presence in the U.S., and fulfillment of civic and language expectations. While exceptions exist for certain groups, such as military personnel and spouses, most must follow a standardized process that includes interviews and ceremonies administered by USCIS and local courts.

U.S. naturalized citizenship requirements

To qualify for U.S. citizenship by naturalization, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old when submitting Form N-400
• Be a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen)
• Demonstrate continuous residence and physical presence in the U.S.
• Be able to read, write, and speak basic English
• Pass a civics test on U.S. history and government
• Show good moral character and comply with U.S. law
• Take an Oath of Allegiance
• Have lived for at least 3 months in the USCIS district or state where you apply

How much does it cost to be a naturalized citizen in the U.S.?

• Form N-400 application fee: $640
• Biometrics fee: $85
• Total standard cost: $725

Other potential costs include:

• Fee waivers (Form I-912) or reduced fees (Form I-942) for those facing financial hardship
• No fees for military service members applying under INA sections 328 or 329
• Optional expenses like legal assistance, naturalization classes, or travel to interviews and ceremonies

Processing time

On average, the U.S. naturalization process, from application to oath ceremony, takes between 6 and 12 months. Times may vary depending on USCIS backlogs and the applicant’s location.

Eligibility Requirements for Citizenship by Naturalization

The standard criteria you must meet for obtaining citizenship through naturalization vary from country to country, but they generally revolve around a set of standard requirements you must meet. However, certain circumstances may alter the process depending on the government.

Here are the critical requirements considered by immigration services that grant citizenship through naturalization:

Residency

Most countries require a period of continuous residency before applying for naturalization. The duration varies by country, ranging from a few years to over a decade. For example, in the U.S., applicants must be green card holders for at least five years and maintain continuous residence, with physical presence for half of that time.

Good moral character

A key requirement in the naturalization process is proving good moral character. This generally means having no serious criminal convictions or immigration violations and demonstrating responsible behavior over the required residency period.
The U.S. is a country that requires good moral character as a specific requirement for the naturalization process. Applicants cannot be involved in minor offenses like DUIs or failure to pay child support, as this can affect their eligibility.

Language proficiency

Applicants must often prove they can read, write, and speak the official language of the country. This is commonly assessed through standardized language tests as part of the citizenship application process.

Examples of this include the United Kingdom that requires passing an English test and demonstrating knowledge of life in the UK during the naturalization process. The same goes for Sweden and the Netherlands, which require passing the Civic Integration Examination alongside a language proficiency assessment.

Civics knowledge

Many countries require passing a citizenship or civics test that evaluates understanding of the country’s history, political system, laws, and cultural values. Some countries may also conduct an interview to assess this knowledge.

Dual citizenship considerations

Some countries allow dual citizenship, while others may require you to renounce your original citizenship before becoming a naturalized citizen.

For instance, countries such as the United Kingdom, Mexico, and Italy recognize multiple citizenship and dual nationality, allowing individuals to acquire a foreign passport without renouncing their existing citizenship.

Special considerations for naturalization

Application Process for Citizenship by Naturalization

By the time the process reaches the application stage, it means thorough research has been conducted on the immigration laws and regulations for citizenship by naturalization in the country where the applicant wishes to live.

The application process for obtaining citizenship by naturalization differs in many countries. Many nations follow a general step-by-step process, but some may require additional requirements.

Here is a typical step-by-step process for obtaining citizenship by naturalization.

1. Ensure eligibility

The first step for naturalization applicants is to confirm that they meet the basic requirements, such as legal residency for a set number of years, a clean criminal record, and financial stability.

2. Provide supporting documents

Another important step that may determine the processing time is submitting necessary and correct documents, which may include:

• Proof of residency status.
• Identification.
• Tax records.
• Other documents to demonstrate integration (e.g., employment or community involvement).

3. Submit naturalization application

Complete the application form provided by the relevant government body (e.g., immigration or citizenship office) and pay the required fees.

4. Pass language and knowledge tests

A step to prove integration in society is to take a test to demonstrate proficiency in the country’s official language and pass a civics test covering the country’s history, government, and laws.

5. Attend an interview

Some countries require an in-person interview to assess your understanding of the country’s values, laws, and reasons for seeking citizenship. For example, countries like France and Australia require interviews with local authorities to assess integration, language skills, and knowledge of the countries’ society.

6. Undergo background checks

Authorities will conduct a background check to verify your criminal record, financial history, and overall character to ensure you meet the good moral character requirement.

7. Wait for decision

After completing all the steps, wait for the decision on your application. Depending on the country’s processing times, this may take several months.

8. Take the oath of allegiance

Once at this step, the process is coming to an end. If approved, you will be invited to take an oath of allegiance, formally pledging loyalty to the country and agreeing to abide by its laws and values.

9. Receive citizenship certificate

After taking the oath, you will receive your citizenship certificate, officially confirming your status as a naturalized citizen.

Citizenship by Naturalization Processes in Different Countries

Various countries offer more accessible paths to citizenship by naturalization, while some are known for their sought-after passports. The nations below are worth highlighting for their varying naturalization requirements, including residency, language proficiency, cultural integration, and dual citizenship allowances.

1. Spain

Spain requires ten years of continuous legal residency to apply for naturalization. However, the residency requirements are shorter for citizens of Latin American countries, Portugal, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and Sephardic Jews (two years).

The requirement is just one year for individuals married to a Spanish citizen or born in Spain to foreign parents. The nation stands out for providing special treatment based on historical ties.

Additional requirements

• Proof of integration, including knowledge of Spanish culture and language (through the DELE exam for Spanish language proficiency).
• A clean criminal record in both Spain and your home country.
• Proof of financial stability and contribution to society.

Application process duration

• After submitting supporting documents and undergoing an interview, the processing may take up to two years.

2. Portugal

Portugal is one of the more flexible European countries in terms of naturalization. There is a five-year residency requirement and no obligation to renounce previous citizenship. The country also stands out for its Portugal Golden Visa, which is particularly appealing because it offers a potential pathway to citizenship after specific investment criteria is met.

Additional requirements

• Proof of basic knowledge of the Portuguese language (A2 level)
• Clean criminal record
• The option to retain original citizenship (Portugal allows dual citizenship).
• There is no requirement to demonstrate economic contribution or financial stability.

Processing time 

• After applying, the permanent resident can expect the process to take one to two years to complete.

3. Italy

Ten years of lawful permanent residence is required for non-EU citizens to apply for naturalization in Italy. However, shorter periods apply for those married to an Italian citizen, with two years of residence in Italy or three years abroad, provided they meet the continuous residence and physical presence requirements. Dual citizenship is also allowed.

Additional requirements

• A sufficient level of Italian language proficiency (B1 level).
• Proof of stable income and accommodation.
• Clean criminal record in Italy and any countries of prior residence.

Processing time

• Italy has one of the slower processes, and naturalization applications can take several years to be fully processed.

4. New Zealand

New Zealand requires the applicants to be lawful permanent residents for five years before the application date. While dual citizenship is allowed, applicants must spend most of this time physically present in the country.

Additional Requirements

• Proof of good character (including police clearance certificates from all countries where the applicant has lived for 12 months or more).
• Knowledge of New Zealand’s customs, language, and values.
• Financial stability or a job offer is not mandatory, but applicants must not have outstanding debts to the government.

Processing time

• After applicants submit their forms, provide proof of residence, and undergo a thorough character assessment,  processing time can range from 12 to 18 months.

5. Ireland

Ireland requires five years of residency out of the previous nine years (with at least one year of continuous residence before applying). However, the requirement is three years of residence for those married to an Irish citizen. The country also permits dual citizenship.

Additional Requirements

• Applicants must be of “good character,” as assessed by Garda vetting (police clearance).
• Basic knowledge of Irish culture is preferred but not tested.
• Ireland allows dual citizenship, so you don’t need to renounce your previous nationality.

Processing time

• After applicants file their documents, processing times can vary but generally take 18 to 24 months. Approval is subject to ministerial discretion.

Frequently Asked Questions about Citizenship by Naturalization

What is citizenship by naturalization?

Citizenship by naturalization is the legal process through which a foreign national becomes a citizen of a country after meeting specific criteria, such as residency, language proficiency, and passing a citizenship or civics test.

How does the naturalization process work?

The naturalization process typically involves meeting residency requirements, submitting an application, passing language and civics tests, attending an interview, and taking an oath of allegiance. Each country has specific rules, but the steps are generally similar.

Is naturalization the same as citizenship?

Naturalization is how an individual becomes a citizen, while citizenship is holding the status of being a citizen of a particular country and also encompasses the rights, privileges, and responsibilities that the citizens of the country can enjoy.

What are the requirements for naturalization?

Common requirements include a minimum period of lawful residency, good moral character, proficiency in the national language, knowledge of the country’s laws and government, and a willingness to take an oath of allegiance.

How long does it take to get citizenship through naturalization?

The naturalization timeline varies by country and applicant background. In most countries, it takes between 6 months and 2 years after application submission.

However, the total duration from residency to citizenship can take 3 to 10 years depending on legal residency requirements.

What are the steps to become a naturalized citizen?

Steps include ensuring eligibility, gathering required documents, submitting the application, passing language and civics tests, attending an interview, undergoing background checks, and finally taking the oath of allegiance.

Can permanent residents apply for naturalization?

Yes, most countries allow lawful permanent residents to apply for citizenship after meeting the minimum residency requirement, which typically ranges from three to ten years depending on the country.

What documents are needed for naturalization?

Documents typically include a valid passport, proof of legal entry and residency, tax records, language proficiency certificates, birth certificate, criminal background checks, and completed application forms.

Can I apply for naturalization if I have dual citizenship?

Yes, in many countries, you can apply for naturalization even if you already hold dual citizenship, but the rules vary significantly depending on the country.

Is passing a language test required for naturalization?

Yes, many countries require applicants to pass a language test to demonstrate basic communication skills in the official language. Some exemptions may apply based on age, disability, or long-term residency.

What is the easiest country to get citizenship by naturalization?

The easiest country depends on your background. For example, Turkey and St. Kitts and Nevis offer fast-track citizenship through investment with no residency requirement.

Can naturalized citizens lose their citizenship?

Yes, in rare cases, naturalized citizenship can be revoked for reasons such as fraud, misrepresentation, or national security threats. However, revocation is typically subject to legal review.

Do naturalized citizens have the same rights as natural-born citizens?

In most countries, naturalized citizens enjoy the same rights and protections as native-born citizens, including voting, access to healthcare, and the ability to hold public office, even though some top-level positions may be restricted.