Gizane Campos
A common question in immigration law is: what is naturalization vs citizenship? These terms are often used interchangeably, but they carry distinct meanings.
Citizenship is a legal status granting full rights and responsibilities in a country, while naturalization is the process through which non-citizens can obtain that status. Beyond naturalization, many acquire citizenship automatically by birthright (jus soli) or by descent from citizen parents (jus sanguinis).
This guide breaks down the differences between naturalization and citizenship, outlines what the naturalization process looks like in the U.S. and across the globe, and highlights the rights, responsibilities, and documents that uphold one’s citizenship status.
Naturalization vs citizenship: What’s the difference?
What is citizenship?
Citizenship is the legal status of belonging to a country. It gives people rights and responsibilities such as voting, holding a passport, and receiving government protection.
Once granted, citizenship is usually permanent, and the same rights apply to both natural born and naturalized citizens.
What is naturalization?
Naturalization is the legal process by which a foreigner or lawful permanent resident becomes a citizen. Unlike automatic birthright citizenship, citizenship by naturalization requires applicants to meet specific eligibility requirements and complete several steps.
At the end of the day, citizenship is the status itself, while naturalization is the path towards achieving citizenship status.
Eligibility Requirements for Naturalization Process
Although requirements differ across countries, most share similar principles for who can become a citizen through naturalization.
Typical naturalization requirements for aspiring U.S. citizens include:
- Being a Green Card holder for at least five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen).
- Being 18 years of age or older.
- Displaying good moral character with no disqualifying criminal history.
- Passing an English test and civics test on U.S. history and government.
- Filing Form N-400 with the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services).
- Attending a naturalization ceremony and taking the Oath of Allegiance.
Many countries have similar requirements, though the details differ:
- Residency period: Canada requires three years within a five-year span, while Spain generally requires ten years, with exceptions for citizens of Latin American countries.
- Language and civic knowledge: Germany, France, and Australia all require proof of local language proficiency and knowledge of culture, laws, or history.
- Background checks: Immigration authorities worldwide, from the U.K. to the U.S., conduct security and criminal record checks before granting citizenship.
These eligibility requirements ensure that applicants are well integrated into their host country and committed to its values before receiving full citizenship status.
Certificates of Naturalization and Citizenship
Proof of citizenship often comes in the form of official certificates, and the type issued depends on the pathway taken.
- A Certificate of Naturalization is granted to individuals who complete the naturalization process. In the U.S., this follows approval of Form N-400 and the Oath of Allegiance. Other countries, such as Canada or Australia, issue similar documents after their naturalization ceremonies.
- A Certificate of Citizenship (or its equivalent) is given to those who automatically acquire citizenship. This can be, for example, children born abroad to citizen parents or those who gain derived citizenship through a parent’s naturalization.
Both certificates serve as proof of citizenship and are critical for obtaining a passport, sponsoring family members, or accessing government benefits.
Each certificate carries a unique identification number, often referred to as the naturalization number or citizenship number.
In the U.S., these appear on the respective certificates and are used by immigration services for record-keeping.
Other countries also assign reference numbers for the same purpose, in other words to ensure official recognition of a person’s nationality.
Obtaining Citizenship Around the World
Pathways to obtain citizenship vary depending on the country in question’s immigration law, but they generally fall into a few main categories:
- Citizenship by Birth (also known as natural born citizenship or jus soli): In countries with birthright citizenship, such as the United States and Canada, anyone born on national soil automatically becomes a citizen. By contrast, most European nations do not follow birthright citizenship, so children born in these countries to foreign citizens may not qualify unless other conditions are met.
- Citizenship by Descent (also known as citizenship by ancestry or jus sanguinis): Also known as citizenship by ancestry, this applies when children born abroad to citizen parents acquire nationality automatically. Many European countries, including Italy, Ireland, and Poland, recognize this principle, often requiring proof such as a birth certificate and supporting lineage documents.
- Citizenship by Adoption or Derivation: In some cases, children gain citizenship when their parents naturalize or when they are adopted by parents who are citizens. For example, under the U.S. Nationality Act, certain adopted or minor children automatically derive citizenship via their parents’ status.
- Citizenship by Naturalization: The most common path for long-term residents and foreign citizens who are not otherwise entitled to citizenship. The residency period varies: three years in Canada (for permanent residents), five years in the U.S. (or three if married to a U.S. citizen), and up to ten years in countries like Spain or Austria.
- Citizenship by Investment: Some nations, such as Turkey and several Caribbean countries, offer fast-track programs in exchange for significant economic contributions. These allow qualified investors and their families to obtain citizenship more quickly.
Looking for a faster route to citizenship? Discover how citizenship by investment programs provides a direct pathway.
Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens
Globally, obtaining citizenship status brings with it its own privileges and obligations. While the country involved may change the details, the most common rights and responsibilities include:
Rights:
- Voting in elections: Citizens can participate in shaping their government, whether in the U.S., the European Union, Canada, or Australia.
- Applying for a passport: A key benefit of citizenship is access to one of the world’s most powerful passports, which provides international travel freedom.
- Government protection and public office: Citizens are entitled to the protection of their government abroad and may qualify for most public offices at home.
Responsibilities:
- Paying taxes and obeying laws: Nearly all countries require citizens to contribute financially and comply with national laws.
- Jury or military service: In the U.S., jury duty is a civic duty, while in countries like South Korea or Israel, citizens may be required to serve in the military.
In the U.S., the only significant legal distinction between naturalized citizens and natural born citizens is eligibility for the presidency. Elsewhere, rights are typically identical regardless of how citizenship was acquired.
Discover the key differences between residency and citizenship, and which is right for you.
Benefits of Naturalization
The advantages related to naturalization extends those associated with being a permanent resident:
- Security of status: Unlike a permanent resident or a visa holder, a citizen usually cannot be deported or lose their nationality except in rare cases like fraud.
- Greater travel freedom: Citizenship unlocks the ability to hold a national passport, potentially in countries with the most powerful passports.
- Family sponsorship: Naturalized citizens can often sponsor a broader range of relatives, such as spouses, children, and sometimes parents or siblings, to come live with them abroad.
- Equal rights: In democracies such as the U.S., Canada, and Australia, naturalized citizens enjoy the same rights and protections as those with natural born citizenship, from voting to social benefits like free healthcare.
- Full participation in society: Citizenship often enhances access to jobs, education opportunities, and political engagement, helping new citizens to fully integrate.
While the entire naturalization process can be long and complex, the benefits make it worthwhile for those looking for stability and new opportunities.
Explore Global Citizenship: Key Insights and Options
Navigating the complexities of citizenship, passport acquisition, and immigration can be a daunting task. Whether you're considering a move for business, personal, or security reasons, understanding your options is crucial. At Global Citizen Solutions, we specialize in providing clear, comprehensive guidance in these areas. Our expertly crafted articles offer deep insights and comparisons to help you make informed decisions.
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Exploring Citizenship by Investment: For those interested in acquiring citizenship through investment, our guide on citizenship through investment breaks down the process, benefits, and key considerations, helping you understand how this path might suit your personal and financial goals.
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Comparing Citizenship by Investment Programs: Choosing the right program is vital. Our comprehensive comparison of CBI programs worldwide provides a clear, side-by-side look at what each country offers, aiding you in finding the perfect match for your needs.
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Top Citizenship by Investment Programs: To further assist your decision-making, we've curated a list of the best citizenship by investment programs available. This resource is invaluable for anyone looking to understand which programs offer the most value, security, and benefits.
At Global Citizen Solutions, we're committed to helping you navigate the path to a new citizenship with ease and confidence. Explore our resources to gain a clearer understanding of your options and embark on your journey towards global citizenship.
Frequently Asked Questions about Naturalization vs Citizenship
What is the difference between naturalization and citizenship?
Citizenship is a legal status that grants full rights and responsibilities in a country, while naturalization is the process by which non-citizens acquire that status.
For example, someone may gain citizenship automatically at birth, while long-term residents often become citizens through naturalization after meeting residency and eligibility requirements.
Can you be a citizen without naturalization?
Yes, many people are citizens by birthright (born in the country) or by descent (born abroad to citizen parents).
In these instances, citizenship is automatic and does not require going through the naturalization process.
What documents are needed for naturalization vs citizenship applications?
Naturalization typically requires an application form, proof of long-term residency, identity documents, background checks, and a pledge or oath of loyalty, leading to a certificate of naturalization (or its equivalent).
How long does it take to become a citizen through naturalization?
Processing times vary by country. In some places, the process may take under a year, while in others it can take several years due to residency requirements and administrative backlogs.
Do naturalized citizens have the same rights as birth citizens?
In most countries, naturalized citizens enjoy the same rights as those who are citizens by birth, such as voting, holding a passport, and accessing government services. A few exceptions exist, such as restrictions on holding certain high political offices in some nations.
Can naturalization be revoked while birthright citizenship cannot?
Yes, naturalization can sometimes be revoked if it was obtained through fraudulent means like bribery or via misrepresentation, though this is rare.
By contrast, citizenship by birth or descent is generally permanent and cannot be withdrawn or revoked.
Is there a citizenship test required for naturalization applicants?
Many countries require applicants for naturalization to pass tests on language ability, history, or civic knowledge.
For example, the U.S., Canada, and Germany all require applicants to demonstrate knowledge of language and culture. People with citizenship by birth or descent are not required to take such tests.
Can naturalized citizens hold dual nationality?
Often, yes. Some countries allow dual citizenship or even multiple citizenships, while others require applicants to renounce previous nationalities when naturalizing. It depends on the specific laws of both the country of origin and the new country.
Are children automatically granted citizenship if parents are naturalized?
In many countries, children under 18 may automatically gain or derive citizenship when their parents naturalize, provided they meet certain residency or custody requirements. Others may require a separate application for the child.
What are the pros and cons of naturalization vs permanent residency?
Naturalization gives full citizenship rights, such as voting, stronger protection against deportation, and the ability to hold a passport.
Permanent residency is often easier to obtain and maintain but comes with limits, such as travel restrictions, renewal obligations, or fewer political rights.
