Easiest Citizenship by Marriage in Europe

It all started with a seemingly simple wedding in Italy. Sarah, a Canadian artist, had fallen in love with Luca, an Italian chef. What they didn’t know was that their marriage would open the doors to European citizenship faster than they'd ever imagined. Within just a couple of years, Sarah found herself holding an Italian passport. But this isn't just Sarah’s story—it’s a reality for many. Europe offers unique paths to citizenship through marriage, and for those lucky enough to marry a citizen, the process can be incredibly swift. But which European country is the easiest to gain citizenship by marriage?

When people think of European citizenship, they often envision the lengthy bureaucratic hurdles, tons of paperwork, and endless waiting periods. However, some European nations make this journey much more accessible. Countries like Portugal, Italy, and Spain have relatively simple and speedy processes for spouses of citizens. Let's break down what makes these countries stand out and how you can navigate their systems effectively.

Italy
When Sarah married Luca, she found out that the road to Italian citizenship was surprisingly straightforward. Italian law allows spouses of Italian citizens to apply for citizenship after just two years of legal marriage if they reside in Italy. If the couple lives outside of Italy, this timeline extends to three years. A key advantage here is that these periods can be cut in half if the couple has children together. Sarah, having settled in Rome, quickly met the two-year residency requirement and submitted her application.

One of the biggest perks in Italy is that dual citizenship is fully recognized, so you don’t have to give up your original nationality. However, the actual processing of the application can take anywhere from six months to four years, depending on how efficiently you navigate the system. The good news is that once you're in the system, you're likely to get your citizenship without much hassle as long as all documents are in order.

Portugal
Portugal offers one of the most flexible and inclusive citizenship-by-marriage options in Europe. Once married to a Portuguese citizen, there’s no requirement for the spouse to live in Portugal before applying for citizenship. This lack of a residency requirement makes Portugal stand out, especially for couples who live abroad. The only catch is that the couple must be legally married for at least three years before applying.

In Portugal, the entire process is streamlined. After meeting the three-year marriage requirement, applicants submit their documentation, including a clean criminal record and proof of the marriage's authenticity. Once citizenship is granted, the spouse enjoys all the benefits of being a Portuguese citizen, including EU freedom of movement. The process is generally completed within six to twelve months from the date of application.

Spain
Spain’s citizenship-by-marriage program is also worth mentioning, though slightly more complex than Portugal's or Italy's. To qualify, you need to have been legally married to a Spanish citizen for at least one year and must have lived in Spain during that period. Additionally, Spain requires renunciation of your original nationality, which may be a dealbreaker for some. However, the process itself is relatively quick once the one-year residency is met.

Spain has a comprehensive citizenship exam that tests applicants on the Spanish language and culture, so some preparation is necessary. However, the process is generally faster than for non-married applicants. If you and your spouse live in Spain, you could become a Spanish citizen within just a couple of years, making it one of the fastest ways to gain citizenship through marriage in Europe.

Why Citizenship by Marriage is an Attractive Option

The most appealing part of gaining citizenship through marriage is the access it provides to the European Union. Once you obtain citizenship in any EU country, you gain the freedom to live, work, and travel across all 27 member states. This is a huge incentive for many people, especially those outside the EU who are looking for better opportunities, education, or even retirement options.

For non-EU spouses, this type of citizenship often bypasses many of the more stringent immigration rules that apply to other applicants. Instead of navigating the maze of work visas or permanent residency applications, citizenship by marriage offers a more direct route to becoming a European citizen.

Comparing Timeframes Across Countries

Here's a look at the typical timelines for obtaining citizenship by marriage across various European countries:

Country	Minimum Marriage Duration	Residency Requirement	Dual Citizenship Allowed	Application Processing Time
Italy	2-3 years	2 years if in Italy	Yes	6 months - 4 years
Portugal	3 years	None	Yes	6-12 months
Spain	1 year	1 year in Spain	No	1-2 years
France	4 years	None	Yes	1-2 years
Germany	3 years	3 years in Germany	Yes	6 months - 1 year

As the table shows, Portugal and Italy are the clear leaders when it comes to ease and speed. Both countries recognize dual citizenship, and their application processes are relatively quick, especially in comparison to places like France or Germany. Spain offers one of the fastest routes, but its dual citizenship limitations might pose a challenge for some.

Challenges and Considerations

While the process may seem simple on paper, there are some challenges and roadblocks that couples may face. For one, proving the legitimacy of the marriage is a key step in the process. Some countries, like Portugal, require an interview process to ensure that the marriage isn’t one of convenience solely for citizenship purposes. Additionally, the application process can be delayed by bureaucracy, especially in countries like Italy, where waiting times can stretch into years.

Another consideration is language. While countries like Portugal don’t require language proficiency, others like Spain and Germany do. Therefore, if you're planning to apply in a country with language requirements, it's wise to start learning the language early on.

The Impact of Brexit

Brexit has complicated the situation for those looking to gain citizenship through marriage in the UK. While the UK is no longer part of the EU, its citizenship laws have become more restrictive, especially for EU spouses. Previously, EU citizens and their spouses had a relatively easy path to residency and citizenship in the UK. Post-Brexit, this has become more complicated, and the waiting times have increased.

For those married to EU citizens, the best options now lie within the remaining 27 member states, where citizenship still provides full access to the EU.

2222:Conclusion
So, which country should you choose if you’re looking to gain European citizenship by marriage? If speed and simplicity are your top priorities, Portugal stands out as the best option. With no residency requirement and a relatively short three-year marriage period, it’s an attractive choice for non-EU spouses. Italy is another solid choice, especially for those willing to reside in the country and who are looking for dual citizenship. Spain’s fast process is offset by its renunciation requirement, so it may not appeal to everyone. Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal circumstances and priorities.