Naturalisation

Naturalisation is how someone who was not born a citizen, and does not qualify through descent, acquires citizenship of a country. Applicants usually need to have lived there lawfully for a set number of years, often holding permanent residence first, and to meet further conditions such as language ability, knowledge of the country’s history and institutions, good character, a clean criminal record and sometimes financial self-sufficiency. Periods can be shorter for spouses of citizens or particular groups. Once granted, often at a ceremony with an oath or pledge, the new citizen generally has the same rights as other citizens, including a passport and the right to vote.

Naturalisation differs from citizenship by birth, by descent and by investment; it is usually the slowest route but the most widely accepted. Some countries require applicants to give up their previous nationality, while others allow dual citizenship, so the effect on your existing citizenship needs checking in both countries. Citizenship rarely changes where you pay tax, since most countries tax by residence, although the US taxes its citizens worldwide. Time spent holding a golden visa may or may not count towards the residence requirement, depending on the country and on how much time you were actually present. Rules change often, so rely on official sources.