There are so many speculations and outright lies about obtaining a European passport that it will take days to disperse all the myths. If you do not have time, read this article. We have tried to compile most common misconceptions about a second passport in Europe. At the end, to put theory into practice, we will tell you about the fastest route to European citizenship.
Before we start separating myths from reality, let’s talk terminology. When we say “European passport”, what do we mean? Passports of Belarus or Ukraine are technically European, but it would not be your first choice of investment. You would be looking into becoming national of one of the Western European countries that are part of EU, wouldn’t you? Besides, there are jurisdictions that are not in the EU, but their residents enjoy similar rights and benefits, for example the United Kingdom or surprisingly Montenegro. Therefore, when we say “European passport”, we mean passports of EU and other countries that allow visa-free travel in Europe and worldwide.
Another important thing to consider is that immigration laws of each country are different. There cannot and will not be one simple answer to many questions, because it will depend on the rules of a chosen jurisdiction.
Unfortunately, it does not work like that though there are examples when it does. The USA and Canada grant citizenship to anyone who is born in the country. However, nobody guarantees the same to a new-born’s parents.
European states offer citizenship to those who has lived and worked or studied there for a long period of time. When a child is born in Europe, including the UK, they do not normally get a passport automatically, let alone their parents. However, most European countries would grant citizenship to a newly born and their parents if they have been legally living in the country for many years.
Yes, you will, but only if your marriage is genuine. At the same time, there are many schemes and frauds on the Internet where people are enticed to enter a scam marriage in order to more to Europe.
First, none of the European countries would grant citizenship to a foreign wife or husband straight away after coming to the country; a process of naturalisation normally takes a few years. For example, the UK would require a spouse of a British national or settled person to live in the country for at least 5 years.
Second, never underestimate the competence of European authorities. Immigration officers are dealing with hundreds of couples every year where a foreign spouse tries to relocate to Europe through a scam marriage. They recognise them intuitively and monitor their every move. If you, by not proving to be a happy couple, confirm their suspicions, you can be deported or even persecuted.
This is both true and false. Not all European countries, even from the Common Market, accept dual nationality. For example, if you become a citizen of Austria or Spain, you will have to rescind your first nationality.
On the other hand, there are countries that would welcome dual and multiple nationals. They are the United Kingdom, Montenegro, Cyprus and Malta. In other countries you are allowed to have two and more passports, but you must notify authorities about them. in most cases, dual nationals are not eligible to serve in the government
You can read more about dual citizenship in this article.
If we put aside illegal ways of obtaining citizenship, then this is a myth as well. For example, there are no legal programs in Bulgaria or Romania to get a passport in 6 months by investing certain amount of money. Even if that were true, imagine how other European countries would treat such “citizens” and how you would worry about the authenticity of your passport.
This is not true, but not entirely false. Europe should not be viewed as one entity; each country is different and every economy has its needs.
You will be welcome and granted European citizenship by investment in those countries that need foreign investment and where they operate special immigration programs for foreign investors.
Some countries offer residence by investment with minimum requirements leading to citizenship in 5-10 years of living in the country.
You will not be granted a European passport simply for coming to a country to give birth, marry or enter a scam with a European. Is if this opportunity does exist, it does not happen overnight, and it will take years before you become naturalised.
European passport does not always mean that you must revoke your first nationality. Check citizenship laws of each country to know whether dual nationality is allowed and what you can and cannot do as a dual national.
Irrespective of what some unscrupulous companies would promise you, you cannot just ‘buy’ a European passport.
You can obtain a European passport by applying for one of the citizenship by investment programs in Europe where you will be granted a passport in return for your generous contribution to a local economy. Such schemes are offered by Cyprus, Malta and Montenegro.
A few other jurisdictions are ready to give you a residence permit or a Golden Visa that will guarantee visa-free access to that country and within the EU – they are Portugal, Spain, Malta and Latvia.
Immigration to Europe through investment is not cheap. Therefore, be extra careful when choosing an immigration lawyer for a successful relocation. Qualified advisers in Imperial & Legal will help you find a country for your needs and requirements, advise where to invest money, prepare all necessary paperwork and make sure you get your second passport fast and hassle-free.
We will work with you to find a customised solution for your immigration, second citizenship, business, tax and other needs.
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