After Brexit changed the relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union, UK citizens no longer had the automatic right to live, work, and move freely throughout the EU, and as a result, many people in the United Kingdom have been looking for ways to obtain an EU passport. For UK citizens, having an EU passport will offer better travel opportunities, better work opportunities, better access to European healthcare, and better access to European education opportunities.
This guide discusses how you can go about obtaining an EU passport as a UK citizen, the routes available to you, and how to make it a simpler process by providing information to follow step by step.
Why do UK citizens want an EU passport?
An EU passport offers many benefits for UK citizens, including:
- Freedom of movement throughout 27 countries in the EU.
- Work opportunities without the hassle of visas or work permits.
- Access to education at local EU university tuition rates.
- Rights to use healthcare systems under EU directives.
- Convenience in travel, as many countries worldwide have fewer visa restrictions for EU passport holders.
In essence, this is a way for UK citizens to get back some of the benefits that they had prior to Brexit.
Main routes to get an EU passport
As a UK citizen, you will not be able to apply directly for an EU passport. It is necessary to qualify through certain legal routes. The most common routes include:
- Citizenship by Descent (Ancestry)
- Citizenship by Naturalization (Living in the EU)
- Citizenship by Marriage or Civil Partnership
- Citizenship by Investment
- Special schemes or restored rights
Let’s go through each option step by step.
1. Citizenship by Descent
One of the easiest ways to get an EU passport is family ancestry. You can obtain citizenship in many EU countries if you can prove that your parents, grandparents, or, in some cases, great-grandparents held citizenship.
How does it work?
If your parents were born in an EU country, you already qualify for citizenship. In countries like Italy, Ireland, and Poland, you can potentially claim citizenship from your grandparents or beyond. You will have to find a few documents, usually a birth certificate, a marriage certificate, and citizenship documentation.
Examples:
- Irish Passport: A grandparent born in Ireland gives you enough eligibility to apply for Irish citizenship. This is popular with British citizens.
- Italian Passport: Italy has a law allowing for “jure sanguinis” (citizenship by blood) applicants, potentially back several generations. It is relatively cheap, but depending on where you need to get documents, it can take time.
2. Citizenship by Naturalization
If you do not have EU ancestry, you will need to apply for citizenship after the following: a period of 5-10 years of residence in an EU country. (varies). Some requirements are:
- Proof of legal residence (visa, work permit, or residence card).
- Proficiency in the local language and culture.
- Good character, i.e., no serious criminal history.
Examples:
- Spain: 10 years of residence.
- Portugal: Just 5 years of residence. This is one of the quickest options.
- France: Generally 5 years and 2 years of residency if you studied there for 2 years.
This takes some time, but it’s simple for those who are ready to integrate abroad.
3. Citizenship Through Marriage or Civil Partnership
Marrying an EU citizen can expedite obtaining European Union citizenship. Important points include:
- You don’t automatically obtain citizenship through marriage.
- Most countries require you to live there for a certain amount of time before granting citizenship.
- The time period is usually shorter than getting citizenship through naturalization routes.
Example:
- France: This can help you become a citizen after 3 years of marriage to a French citizen (only 2 years if you are living in France).
- Spain: 1-year of residency and being married to your Spanish partner. This option may be more advantageous if your partner is from an EU country and you want to live there together.
4. Citizenship by Investment
Some EU countries also allow for citizenship or residency for large investments.
How It Works
You invest in real estate, government bonds, or in return for jobs. You’re granted residency with the potential for citizenship down the line.
Examples
- Malta: One of the fastest ways to receive citizenship by investment in the EU.
- Portugal Golden Visa: Residency from investment and citizenship after 5 years.
This route will be pricey; there is usually a requirement for €250,000 up to €1 million or more. However, it is widely accessed by high-net-worth individuals.
5. Special Schemes or Restored Rights
Some countries provide unique opportunities to British citizens:
- Ireland: The Common Travel Area (CTA) provides British citizens and Irish citizens preserved special rights to live and work in each other’s respective countries.
- Germany and Austria: Descendants of people who fled during WWII have the option to reclaim citizenship.
- Restitution Programs: Members of EU countries such as Poland, Lithuania, and Hungary allow descendants of people who lost citizenship due to political reasons to apply.
If you qualify, these schemes may allow access to an EU passport at a faster pace than the other routes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying
Here is a simple process to follow:
Step 1: Identify Eligibility
First, find out which route qualifies you: ancestry, marriage, residency, hotel, or investor. Each route has its own requirements; if you pick the right route, doing everything should be faster and more efficient.
Step 2: Get Your Documents
Obtain all documents you need, for example, birth or marriage certificates, proof of residence in a country, or investment records. A few countries ask for language and/or cultural test results. This will help you by having these documents readily available to expedite the process.
Step 3: Apply for residency (if applicable)
If you cannot qualify for citizenship directly, you may need to reside in an EU country first. That would involve applying for the correct visa (e.g., work, study, or family), and then you will simply need to reside in the country for a specific time frame, demonstrating your connection and residency.
Step 4: Meet the requirements
You will need to complete the required number of years of residence and comply with the respective country’s laws. There may be requirements for language and/or cultural exams. In addition, you will need to show proof of financial stability and good character.
Step 5: Submit application for citizenship
Once you have completed the requirements, you can submit your citizenship application with the immigration authority as instructed. You will submit your documentation and pay the fees. Most application processing times will vary from months to years.
Step 6: Receive Passport
Once approved, you can apply for your EU passport. This gives you the automatic right to live, work, and travel anywhere in the EU, restoring a number of the freedoms enjoyed by British citizens before Brexit.
