European Citizenship: How to Obtain It

Millions of descendants of Europeans currently live in the Americas. Many of them are unaware of the heritage they carry or that they can claim European citizenship. Nowadays, holding dual nationality is a true asset, offering undeniable advantages such as mobility, access to better job opportunities, education, and quality of life, as well as being a legacy that can be passed down to future generations. If you have European ancestry, it is very likely that you are entitled to a second nationality. Interested? Read on to discover how to trace your European roots.

Atlantic Bridge offers consulting and specialized support in obtaining citizenship in countries such as Portugal, Spain, and Italy.

Click the links below to learn more about each:

• Portuguese Citizenship
• Spanish Citizenship
• Italian Citizenship

1.What Is European Citizenship?

European citizenship is a concept established by the Maastricht Treaty in 1992 and is automatically granted to all citizens of EU member states. It offers benefits such as:

• Freedom of movement and residence within the EU.
• Political rights at the European and municipal levels, including the right to vote and run for election in municipal and European Parliament elections.
• Diplomatic protection in third countries.
• The right to petition the European Parliament.

2.Who Is Entitled to European Citizenship?

To obtain European citizenship, one must acquire the nationality of a member country of the EU.

As of 2024, the European Union (EU) comprises 27 member states: Germany, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Denmark, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Romania, and Sweden.

Generally, the following are eligible for European citizenship:

2.1 Descendants of Europeans (European Citizenship by Descent)

Also known as citizenship by descent, this pathway applies to individuals who have parents, grandparents, or other ancestors born in an EU country. To claim this right, it is essential to gather birth and marriage certificates and other documents from relatives in the line of descent, proving the connection to the country of origin.

Some countries, like Portugal, limit the direct grant of Portuguese citizenship to the second generation, meaning parents and grandparents. However, other countries, like Italy, do not impose strict generational limits, allowing descendants from more distant generations to apply for Italian citizenship, provided they can prove their ancestry. Additionally, certain countries may require additional criteria, such as a minimum residency period or cultural ties to the country of origin in some cases. This is true for Spain regarding Spanish nationality.

2.2 Born in Europe (European Citizenship by Birth)

Being born in a European country that adopts the principle of jus soli can be a pathway to citizenship for newborns. However, while jus soli exists in some European countries, it is often conditional on factors such as the legal residency of the parents or the duration of their stay in the country. This is the case in Portugal, where this birth registration is free and, in addition to securing citizenship for the baby, can also facilitate the citizenship process for the parents.

2.3 Residents in Europe (European Citizenship by Naturalization)

Legally residing in a European country can be a route to obtaining citizenship in that country. The minimum residency requirement varies according to the laws of each nation. Furthermore, the process may include requirements such as fluency in the local language and knowledge of the culture and history of the country.

2.4 Spouses of Europeans (European Citizenship by Marriage)

Marrying a citizen of an EU member country can provide a pathway to citizenship. Generally, it is necessary to demonstrate the duration of the relationship and fulfill certain legal and administrative requirements. However, this is not a guarantee. Some countries require additional criteria for spouses, such as residing in the country and speaking the local language, among others. Moreover, having children from the union can reduce the minimum timeframe required for naturalization.

2.5 Investors (European Citizenship by Investment)

Some EU countries offer citizenship-by-investment programs, such as the Golden Visa Portugal, where applicants can obtain citizenship by making a significant investment in the local economy, such as purchasing real estate or supporting local businesses, such as opening a company, acquiring public debt securities, among others.

3. How to Know if You Have European Citizenship?

3.1 Genealogical Research

The first step to discovering if you are entitled to European citizenship is to conduct a detailed investigation of your family tree. After identifying European ancestors, it’s time to seek birth, marriage, and death documents of your relatives, either in local public archives or through specialized services. Atlantic Bridge has a team specialized in document research, capable of tracing your complete family tree back to your European ancestor and locating the necessary certificates.

3.2 Documentary Requirements by Country

Each country has its own requirements regarding the documentation needed to prove descent. It is common for consulates to request birth certificates of ancestors, old passports, or any other official document that verifies the connection to the country of origin and among relatives in the line of descent.

3.3 Professional Consulting

Citizenship processes can be complicated. Therefore, many opt for consulting services like Atlantic Bridge. We assist in locating and organizing documentation and managing the procedures, including opening the applications with the responsible agencies in each country. Speak with our experts to find out the cost of this service for your specific case!

4. Advantages of Obtaining European Citizenship

4.1 Free Movement within the European Union

One of the greatest advantages of having European citizenship is the right to free movement among the 27 EU countries. This includes residency, work, and study in any of these nations without the need for additional visas or work permits.

4.2 Academic and Professional Opportunities

With a European passport, you and your children will have access to prestigious universities at reduced or even waived fees, as well as more job opportunities throughout Europe due to the absence of labor barriers within the EU.

4.3 Quality of Life Benefits

European countries are known for their high quality of life, offering excellent public healthcare services, safety, and social welfare systems. Additionally, many have advantageous pension systems for their citizens, ensuring a stable life in old age.

4.4 Transmission to Children

Another crucial benefit of European citizenship is the ability to pass it on to your descendants. This ensures that your children and grandchildren can enjoy the same rights and benefits, providing them with a future filled with more opportunities and global mobility. It is important to emphasize that we are talking about a possibility and not a guarantee, as there are specific rules for the transmission of citizenship in each country that must be observed.

5.How to Obtain European Citizenship?

As European citizenship is tied to national citizenship, the way to acquire it varies according to the citizenship laws of each member country. After gathering the documents that prove your European ancestry, contact the consulate of the relevant country for more information and to begin your nationality process.

It is worth noting that, in addition to proving ancestry, some countries may require the fulfillment of other criteria, such as:

• Knowledge of the official language of the country.
• Proving knowledge about the local culture and history.
• Presenting a clean criminal record.

6. Citizenship Processes: What to Expect?

6.1 Waiting Time

The waiting time for citizenship approval can vary widely from country to country. While some processes may be completed in six months, others can take several years, depending on the amount of documentation required, demand for citizenship, and the complexity of the process.

6.2 Costs of European Citizenship

Generally, citizenship processes are not free, with fee waivers limited to specific cases, such as for children. Therefore, during the process, you will incur some costs. This includes requesting documents, sworn translations, consular fees, and, if desired, support from a lawyer or specialized consulting service.

Expenses can range from €250 to €6,000, depending on the country of citizenship, the type of application, and even the applicant’s age!

6.3 Easiest Countries to Obtain European Citizenship

• Italy: For those with Italian ancestry, obtaining Italian citizenship can be relatively simple, with no generational limit or residency requirement, only proof of descent. However, administrative processes typically take between 4 and 12 years, while judicial routes for obtaining Italian citizenship cost between €4,000 and €10,000.
  
• Portugal: Portugal is widely recognized as one of the most accessible countries, with a relatively simple citizenship process. For children, for instance, the process usually takes about six months and costs approximately €250. Additionally, the Golden Visa program in Portugal allows for citizenship acquisition after maintaining the investment for five years, requiring only a minimum of seven days of presence in the country annually.

7. What Atlantic Bridge Can Do for You?

Claiming your European citizenship can open doors to a future filled with opportunities, both for you and your descendants. At Atlantic Bridge, we primarily work with countries like Portugal, Italy, and Spain, which offer accessible pathways for obtaining citizenship by descent. It is important to remember that other European countries also grant this right. Investigating your origins can not only reveal a rich family history but also ensure a safer and more prosperous future.

Contact us today and discover how we can help you take this important step toward European citizenship!