In this article, we will take a look at 17 Countries That Give Citizenship by Marriage in the World.
International travel has gained tremendous momentum over the years, a development not surprising given the prevalence of the global village phenomenon. Greater tolerance and acceptance of cultural differences, along with increased migration for economic and business reasons, have fostered more interactions. In the midst of such a scenario, mixed nationality marriages were bound to be an inevitable outcome. Consequently, countries offering citizenship through marriage were also a guaranteed consequence of these global trends.
This holds particularly true in the current emphasis on the family reunification concept. As a significant aspect of immigrant integration policy, the union between families has been greatly emphasized. Citizenship through marriage provides the right to live as equal citizens with one’s spouse, enabling them to establish a future together. Countries are continually evaluated based on their policies aimed at facilitating easy migration and the integration of family members.
Respecting “I Do”
The number of citizenship granted through marriage is rising worldwide. In FY 2023, the US approved naturalization for spouses, amounting to 188,200. The country recorded the highest share for naturalization among the immediate relatives of the US citizens, with spouses representing 21.4%. A similar upward trend in mixed nationality marriages was observed in Switzerland, where the Federal Statistics Office reported 12,000 such marriages in 2020, constituting 34.2% of all marriages in the country. In the UK, the total grants for naturalization by marriage reached 25,854 in 2020.
The prevalence of international marriages is also evident in Central, East, and Southeast Asian countries, with numbers continuously on the rise. Approximately 3.5 million men and women have posted online profiles on various platforms in their quest for an overseas spouse. Between 2019 and 2020, Bangladeshi media extensively covered the trend of non-Bangladeshi women moving to Bangladesh to meet and marry men they had encountered online. In Singapore, about a third of citizen marriages in 2022 comprised transnational couples (marriage between a citizen and a non-citizen), marking an increase from the 29% recorded in 2021.
More Immigrants in the Marriageable Bracket
While international travel and online access undoubtedly contribute to marriages across nations, one of the primary drivers of migration, the search for better work opportunities, must also be considered. It was observed that a significant number of immigrants moving to the US, which hosts the largest immigrant base, totaling 45.3 million in 2021, did so for work. Among the 1.53 million new immigrants in the US in 2021, 41.8% cited work reasons. Consequently, the likelihood of mixed nationality marriages is expected to increase. Moreover, these workers typically acquire citizenship for themselves first and later sponsor their spouses, once again leading to a rise in citizenship applications and grants through marriage.
Numerous multinational companies in the US depend on foreign workers and sponsor their green cards. The country particularly relies on foreign workers for computer-related jobs, with immigrants constituting 25% of the computer workforce in 2019. Among various top tech companies, including Amazon Inc (NASDAQ: AMZN), Infosys Limited (NYSE: INFY), Cognizant Technology Solution Corporation (NASDAQ: CTSH), and Google (NASDAQ: GOOG), there is a consistent practice of sponsoring H-1B visas, thereby bringing in immigrants in the marriageable bracket into the country.
17 Countries That Give Citizenship by Marriage in the World
Methodology
For our list of the 17 Countries That Grant Citizenship by Marriage in the World, we have consulted the GLOBALCIT Citizenship Law Dataset– Modes of Acquisition of Citizenship, 2022, to identify countries that require residence for citizenship by marriage. We then determined the number of years of residency needed before citizenship can be obtained. The countries are chosen and ranked based on the required number of residency years, with a higher rank associated with a shorter time period.
Note: Brazil is not included due to its high crime rate. The cost of life figure reported is an estimated cost for a couple by doubling the amount found for a single person.
17. Uruguay
Time Required: Minimum 3 Years
Marrying a Uruguayan national is one pathway to obtaining citizenship in the country. After receiving the first temporary cedula, married individuals can apply for citizenship after three years. This country presents an excellent option for relocation due to its stable economy, low tax regime, and the safety and stability prevalent in this beautiful Latin American nation.
16. Dominica
Time Required: Minimum 3 Years
Dominica, a Caribbean island, offers citizenship through marriage. Individuals marrying a Dominican national become eligible for citizenship after three years of marriage. Dominican citizenship comes with numerous benefits, including an affordable lifestyle, the opportunity to experience some of the world’s most stunning natural beauty, and financial incentives such as tax benefits, making life more comfortable.
15. Sweden
Time Required: Minimum 3 Years
People married to a Swedish national or in a registered partnership, as well as those cohabiting with a partner, can apply for citizenship after three years. However, mere marriage is not sufficient; couples must have been living together for the last two years. Moving to the country comes with numerous perks, including a good quality of life, access to excellent healthcare and education, and much more.
14. Germany
Time Required: Minimum 3 Years
This highly developed European country falls into the category of nations that offer citizenship through marriage within a short time frame. For spouses of registered same-sex partners of German nationals, naturalization is a possibility after residing legally in the country for three years. Their marriage or registered partnership should span a period of two years before applying for citizenship. Moving with a loved one to a place that guarantees a high quality of life is not a daunting task. With a low cost of living– amounting to just about $2,050 for a couple (excluding rent)– a good work-life balance, and excellent healthcare, are just some of the benefits they can enjoy.
13. United Nations of America
Time Required: Minimum 3 Years
The United States is also among the countries that grant citizenship through marriage. Marrying a U.S. citizen does not automatically confer eligibility for citizenship. Specific conditions, such as being a legal permanent U.S. resident for three years and cohabiting with one’s spouse during that period, are essential requirements. Renowned as one of the best countries for relocation due to its high quality of life and abundant work opportunities, the U.S. serves as an ideal place for couples starting their life journey. The country’s cultural diversity facilitates easy settlement, and the manifold benefits associated with citizenship are sure to satisfy newcomers.
12. Ireland
Time Required: Minimum 3 Years
For spouses and civil partners residing in Ireland, citizenship through marriage presents a truly opportunistic option. Individuals in such unions can apply for citizenship through naturalization after three years of marriage or civil partnership, with the additional requirement of residing in the country for the specified duration. Those moving to Ireland after marriage would find the country’s offerings truly satisfying, with accessible healthcare, safety, accommodation options for all budgets, and beautiful scenery that entices newcomers.
11. United Kingdom
Time Required: Minimum 3 Years
As one of the European countries facilitating citizenship through marriage, the UK stands out as a fast-track route. Individuals married to a UK citizen or in a civil partnership can apply for citizenship by naturalization, provided they have resided in the country for at least three years. The UK ranks among the most popular European destinations for expats, showcasing the ease with which people can adjust to a new environment. The country’s cultural diversity, coupled with a high standard of living, abundant work opportunities, and access to excellent healthcare and education, makes life in the UK advantageous in many aspects.
10. Netherlands
Time Required: Minimum 3 Years
In the case of the Netherlands, it is also among the countries in the world that grant citizenship through marriage. Individuals who have been married to a Dutch national or in a registered partnership with them for three years, and have lived together during that period, become eligible for Dutch citizenship. While moving abroad, even to be with the person you love, can be extremely daunting, the picturesque setting and high quality of life in the Netherlands could very well tip the scale in their favor. For Western residents, in particular, the country has been associated with a less stressful move, given its liberal attitude, vibrant social life, security, great work-life balance, and access to excellent healthcare.
9. Slovenia
Time Required: Minimum 3 Years
Among the various routes available for those aspiring to attain Slovenian citizenship, marriage is notably one of the quicker options. While normal naturalization typically takes around 10 years to lead to citizenship, marrying a Slovenian national can significantly reduce this time-frame to just three years. The requirement for this expedited process is that the couple must be married for three years and reside in the country for a year before applying for citizenship. Individuals moving to Slovenia after marriage would find that the country offers numerous perks. Not only is Slovenia visually appealing, but the cost of living is also low (a couple could sustain a monthly expenditure of about $1,750, excluding rent), stretching their income for a better quality of life. Additionally, Slovenia boasts great international educational institutions for children.
8. Chile
Time Required: Minimum 2 Years
To promote family reunification, the country has acknowledged the significance of granting citizenship to foreign spouses of its citizens. Eligibility for citizenship is attained after two years of marriage and cohabitation with the spouse in the same household in Chile. The perks of this citizenship are numerous, including a high quality of life marked by excellent healthcare, a robust economy, employment opportunities, and an overall affordable lifestyle.
7. Grenada
Time Required: Minimum 2 Years
As one of the Caribbean Islands offering citizenship through various means, gaining citizenship through marriage is also possible. Spouses of citizens of this country who got married on or after February 6, 1974, become eligible for Grenadian citizenship. However, they must spend two years with their spouse in the country to claim citizenship, irrespective of whether the spouse was born in Grenada or became a citizen through naturalization. Moving to Grenada presents great possibilities and benefits. The country is not only beautiful but also offers quality healthcare, the opportunity to explore several countries visa-free, high safety standards, great real estate investment options, and a low cost of living, where a mere $2,000 can comfortably sustain a couple (excluding rent).
6. Bolivia
Time Required: Minimum 2 Years
Bolivia is among the South American countries that do not offer many direct citizenship programs, although various residency programs are available. However, the marriage route has emerged as one of the best options due to its shortened time period for acquiring citizenship status. While the naturalization process typically requires a residency of three years, marriage to a Bolivian national reduces the time to just two uninterrupted years. Bolivia provides excellent education and healthcare facilities, greater visa-free global mobility, and a low cost of living (requiring about $950 monthly to sustain costs without rent for a couple). Those settling down with their spouse can experience a satisfying life.
5. Peru
Time Required: Minimum 2 Years
Peru is among the South American countries that not only offer citizenship by marriage but also streamline the process, making it fast and easy. By marrying a Peruvian citizen and residing in the country for two years, one can obtain citizenship. With the numerous advantages enjoyed by citizens of this country, such a marriage could potentially lead to much happiness. Who wouldn’t want a high quality of life with a low cost of living– approximately $1000 required for an individual’s monthly expenses, excluding rent.
4. Argentina
Time Required: Minimum 2 Years
Offering greater work opportunities, excellent healthcare, a rich culture, friendly locals, a pleasant climate, and overall safety, this South American country provides numerous benefits. What adds to the allure is the affordability, with a couple’s monthly cost without rent amounting to just about $900. Beyond these attractions, the best part is the easy and fast acquisition of citizenship through marriage. Marrying an Argentinean national grants immediate residency, and the citizenship process, while still relatively quick, takes approximately 2 years.
3. Spain
Time Required: Minimum 1 Year
A treat for culture lovers, featuring stunning places, warmhearted people, incredible food, a high quality of life, warm weather, and last but not the least, a low living cost (estimated monthly costs for a couple without rent are around $1,400), make this country truly amazing. People can fall in love with not only the country itself but also its citizens. In the latter case, the good news is that citizenship in Spain, also known as the fast-track route, can be achieved quickly and easily. The normal citizenship process in the country typically takes about 10 years. However, if a person is legally married to a Spanish citizen and has lived together for one year, citizenship can be obtained after completing that period.
2. Belize
Time Required: Minimum 1 Year
Considered one of the most beautiful tropical islands with a high quality of life, a great climate, friendly locals, English widely spoken, a foreign investor-friendly policy, low taxes, and a low cost of living (estimated monthly costs for a couple without rent are around $1,400), Belize is evolving into a haven for expats. Adding to its appeal, the country offers various pathways to acquiring citizenship, including through marriage. Belize provides one of the most expedient and straightforward citizenship processes in this regard. As long as one is married to a Belizean national for a minimum of only 1 year– whether the spouse is a born Belizean or acquired citizenship before marriage– one can qualify for citizenship through marriage.
1. Luxembourg
Time Required: 0-3 Years
Luxembourg stands out as one of the countries that offer citizenship through marriage in a unique way. Marrying a Luxembourg national requires passing the Living Together in Luxembourg course or test, in addition to the Luxembourgish language test. If the marriage occurred when one was not a resident of the country, the waiting period for citizenship application is three years. However, if the Luxembourg national spouse is living abroad due to a job with a public authority or a Luxembourg international organization, the time period requirement is waived. Renowned among the top countries for providing a very high quality of life, acquiring Luxembourg citizenship is bound to bring numerous advantages.
Source: Insider Monkey
