Countries Offering Citizenship Through Marriage: This article will examine the 17 Countries That grant Citizenship by Marriage. Over the years, there has been a significant increase in the popularity of international travel, which is not surprising considering how common the global village concept is. Increased migration for economic and business purposes has led to a greater acceptance and tolerance of cultural diversity, which has facilitated more contacts. Mixed-nationality marriages were certain to occur in the midst of such a situation. As a result, these global developments unavoidably had an impact on nations that granted citizenship through marriage.
This is especially relevant given the focus being placed right now on the idea of family reunification. A key component of immigration integration policy has been the strong emphasis on family unity. Marriage confers the right to coexist as equal citizens with one’s spouse, allowing them to build a future together. Authorities constantly assess countries based on the policies they have in place to simplify migration and facilitate family integration.
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Globally, the number of citizens acquired via marriage is increasing. The US authorized 188,200 in spouses’ naturalizations in FY 2023. Spouses made up 21.4% of the country’s record-breaking number of naturalizations among US citizens’ immediate relatives. The Federal Statistics Office recorded 12,000 mixed-nationality marriages in Switzerland in 2020, which accounted for 34.2% of all unions, showing similar increases. There were 25,854 awards for marriage-based naturalization in the UK in 2020.
Countries in Central, East, and Southeast Asia are also experiencing an increasing number of foreign marriages. In their search for a foreign marriage, almost 3.5 million men and women have created online profiles on different platforms. Bangladeshi media widely reported the trend of non-Bangladeshi women traveling to Bangladesh to meet and marry men they had met online in 2019 and 2020. In Singapore, transnational couples—that is, marriages between citizens and non-citizens—accounted for around one-third of all citizen marriages in 2022, up from 29% in 2021.
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Traveling abroad and having access to the internet certainly play a role in international weddings, but it’s also important to take into account one of the main reasons people migrate: the pursuit of better employment possibilities. It was noted that many immigrants came to the United States, which has the biggest immigrant population (45.3 million in 2021), in order to find employment. 41.8% of the 1.53 million new immigrants to the US in 2021 stated employment as their reason for coming.
As a result, there will probably be more marriages between people of different nationalities. Furthermore, these workers usually become citizens first and then sponsor their wives, which again contributes to an increase in marriage-based citizenship applications and grants.
In the US, a large number of multinational corporations sponsor the green cards of their international employees. For computer-related industries in particular, the nation depends heavily on foreign labor; in 2019, immigrants made about 25% of the computing workforce. There is a common practice among several of the nation’s leading technology companies, such as Amazon Inc (NASDAQ: AMZN), Infosys Limited (NYSE: INFY), Cognizant Technology Solution Corporation (NASDAQ: CTSH), and Google (NASDAQ: GOOG), to sponsor H-1B visas, which allows immigrants who fall into the marriageable age range to enter the nation.
17 Countries Offering Citizenship Through Marriage
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17. Uruguay
Time Needed: Three Years at Least
One option to become a citizen of Uruguay is to marry a citizen of the nation. Married people have three years after obtaining their first temporary cedula to petition for citizenship. Because of its steady economy, low tax structure, and general safety and stability, this lovely Latin American country makes an ideal relocation option.
16. Dominican Republic
Time Needed: Three Years at Least
A Caribbean island called Dominica grants citizenship by matrimony. After three years of marriage, people who marry Dominican nationals are eligible to apply for citizenship. Being a citizen of the Dominican Republic has several advantages, such as a more affordable way of life, access to some of the most breathtaking natural beauties on earth, and financial advantages such tax breaks that improve standard of living.
15. Sweden
Time Needed: Three Years at Least
After three years, cohabiting individuals, those married to Swedish nationals, and those in registered partnerships may apply for citizenship. However, a couple must have lived together for the previous two years; simply being married is insufficient. There are several benefits to moving to the country, such as higher living standards, better access to healthcare and education, and many other advantages.
14. Germany
Time Needed: Three Years at Least
This highly developed European nation grants citizenship by marriage relatively quickly. After three years, spouses of German nationals with registered same-sex partners can apply for naturalization. Before submitting a citizenship application, individuals should have been married or in a registered partnership for two years. It’s not difficult to relocate with a loved one to an area that ensures a high standard of living. A healthy work-life balance, first-rate healthcare, and a low cost of living—roughly $2,050 for a pair, not including rent—are just a few advantages they may take advantage of.
13. USA
Time Needed: Three Years at Least
The United States is one of the nations that offers citizenship via matrimony. Getting married to a citizen of the United States does not guarantee citizenship. Essential qualifications include living with one’s spouse for three years of legal permanent residency in the United States. The United States is often recognized as one of the greatest nations to relocate to because of its great standard of living and plenty of job opportunities. It is also a great spot for couples to begin their lives together. The cultural diversity of the nation makes it easier for immigrants to settle down, and the numerous advantages of citizenship are guaranteed to please them.
12. Ireland
Time Needed: Three Years at Least
Obtaining citizenship through marriage offers a genuinely advantageous choice for married couples and civil partners living in Ireland. After three years of marriage or civil partnership, individuals in such partnerships may petition for citizenship through naturalization; however, they must also reside in the nation for the required amount of time. Ireland has a lot to offer those who decide to move there after getting married, including affordable housing alternatives, safe and secure housing, easily accessible healthcare, and stunning scenery that draws tourists.
11. United Kingdom
Time Needed: Three Years at Least
The UK is unique among European nations that offer a quick path to citizenship by marriage. Those in civil partnerships or married to UK nationals may apply for citizenship through naturalization as long as they have lived in the nation for a minimum of three years. The UK is one of the most sought-after locations in Europe for foreign nationals, demonstrating how easily individuals can adapt to a new setting. Living in the UK has numerous benefits, including a high standard of living, plenty of employment options, access to first-rate healthcare and education, and cultural variety.
10. Netherlands
Time Needed: Three Years at Least
The Netherlands is one of the nations in the world that offers citizenship to people who marry. Couples who have lived together for three years and are married to a Dutch native or in a registered partnership with them can apply for Dutch citizenship. Even though relocating overseas to be with the person you love can be highly intimidating, the Netherlands’ beautiful surroundings and excellent standard of living might work in their favor. Western citizens perceive the nation as a less stressful place to relocate, especially due to its liberal attitude, active social life, security, outstanding work-life balance, and easy access to top-notch healthcare.
9. Slovenia
Time Needed: Three Years at Least
People can quickly become citizens of Slovenia by marrying someone. The regular naturalization process, which leads to citizenship, takes about ten years. However, marrying a Slovenian native might shorten this period to only three years. To qualify for the accelerated process, the pair must be married for three years and have lived in the nation for a year before they can apply for citizenship. People who relocate to Slovenia after getting married experience many advantages. It is not only aesthetically pleasing, but its low cost of living allows a couple to stretch their income further for a higher standard of living (a monthly budget of roughly $1,750, not including rent). Slovenia also has excellent international schools that are perfect for kids.
8. Chile
It needs a minimum of two years.
The nation has recognized the value of giving citizenship to foreign spouses of its citizens in order to encourage family reunion. After two years of marriage and cohabitation in the same Chilean household, one can become eligible for citizenship. Numerous benefits come with being a citizen of this country, such as a strong economy, good healthcare, job possibilities, and an all-around economical lifestyle.
7. Grenada
It needs a minimum of two years.
One can obtain citizenship in one of the Caribbean Islands through various ways, and marriage is another way to obtain citizenship. Husbands of nationals who wed on or after February 6, 1974, are able to apply for Grenadian citizenship. Nevertheless, regardless of whether the spouse was born in Grenada or obtained citizenship through naturalization, they had to live in the nation for two years in order to be eligible to apply for citizenship. Relocating to Grenada offers several advantages and opportunities. Not only is the nation stunning, but it also provides excellent healthcare, visa-free travel to other nations, high safety standards, excellent real estate investment opportunities, and an affordable cost of living—a couple can live well on $2,000, not including rent.
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6. Bolivia
It needs a minimum of two years.
Bolivia is one of the South American nations with the fewest direct citizenship programs, despite the availability of numerous residency options. But because it takes less time to become a citizen, getting married has become one of the greatest choices. Marriage to a Bolivian national shortens the normal three-year residency requirement for the naturalization procedure to just two continuous years. Bolivia offers inexpensive cost of living (about $950 monthly to sustain bills without rent for a couple), better healthcare and education facilities, and more global mobility without the need for a visa. People who settle down with their spouse can lead happy lives.
5. Peru
It needs a minimum of two years.
One of the South American nations that allows citizenship by marriage is Peru. A person can become a citizen of Peru by marrying a citizen and living there for two years. Considering all of the benefits this nation offers, a marriage of that kind is likely to be very happy. Who wouldn’t want to live in a low-priced, high-quality environment where monthly expenses, excluding rent, only cost about $1000?
4. Argentina
It needs a minimum of two years.
This South American nation has many advantages, such more job prospects, first-rate healthcare, a friendly local population, a rich cultural heritage, a beautiful environment, and general safety. The affordability is another draw; a couple’s monthly expenses, rent-free, come to just around $900. Beyond these perks, the easiest and fastest way to obtain citizenship through marriage is the best part. Marriage to an Argentine gives you immediate residency, and citizenship takes about two years.
3. Spain
Minimum One Year of Time Needed
This country is a true gift for culture lovers, with breathtaking locations, kind people, wonderful food, a high standard of living, pleasant weather, and, last but not least, affordable living expenses (an estimated $1,400 monthly cost for a couple not including rent). Not only may a person fall in love with their country, but also with its people. Spanish citizenship-also called the “fast-track route”-can be acquired quickly and easily in the latter instance. The country’s standard citizenship procedure takes roughly ten years. A person lawfully married to a Spanish citizen can acquire citizenship following a year of cohabitation.
2. Belize
Minimum One Year of Time Needed
Belize is becoming a haven for expats, as it is regarded as one of the most beautiful tropical islands with a low cost of living (estimated monthly expenses for a couple without rent are about $1,400), a great climate, friendly locals, and a policy that welcomes foreign investors. The nation provides a number of avenues for obtaining citizenship, including through marriage, which heightens its allure. In this sense, Belize offers one of the easiest and fastest citizenship procedures. A person can obtain citizenship through marriage by being married to a Belizean national for at least one year, regardless of whether the spouse was born in Belize or obtained citizenship before marriage.
1. Luxembourg
Needed Time: 0–3 Years
One nation that offers citizenship by marriage in a distinctive way is Luxembourg. A Luxembourg national must also be able to pass the Luxembourgish language test before they can marry. Applicants who were not citizens at the time of the marriage must wait three years to apply for citizenship. A Luxembourg national who works for a public or international organization in Luxembourg is exempt from the time requirement. Being a citizen of Luxembourg has many benefits, as it is one of the best countries to live in.
