Benefits of European citizenship

Citizenship in European countries is highly attractive due to the benefits it brings, which help to enhance various aspects of life. Residing in the EU means enjoying stability, membership of a highly developed society and accessing a competitive business market. States of Europe are among the best places in the world to settle, as confirmed by many relevant indicators from independent statistical sources. According to Numbeo, by 2024, 15 of the top 20 countries in terms of quality of life are European.

Unlike a residence permit, which grants freedom to reside and work in EU states, citizenship offers even more benefits. It makes you an integral part of European society. Furthermore, citizenship can be inherited from one generation to the next. It also gives access to simplified procedures for the whole family to relocate to the EU.

The main benefits of obtaining European citizenship are described below:

• Freedom of travelling

Visa-free access to countries around the world is an advantage for both leisure and business. With European citizenship, you can cross the borders of more than 170 states and reside freely within the EU. This makes it possible to go almost anywhere on vacation and attend international business meetings without spending time on getting a visa. EU citizenship also enables free movement of capital between European countries, which is a major benefit for entrepreneurs.

• Prestigious and quality education

European citizenship gives the benefit of studying at the best universities in the world under favorable conditions. Various discounts, tuition fee deferrals and government financial support are available. Some EU universities even offer free education to holders of their country's passport.

• Employment in leading companies

One of the benefits of European citizenship is its prestigious status. Job applications from EU nationals are usually given priority consideration, making it easier to find a workplace. In addition, European governments provide legislative guarantees of high-quality employment conditions. Working experience in EU enterprises is a major benefit when applying for jobs in the leading companies, including in Great Britain and the USA.

• Superior welfare benefits

Another advantage of European citizenship is access to the social security systems of the country of residence. Many EU states boast high levels of payments for large families, unemployment and retirement benefits, etc.

• Participation in the country's political life

The benefit of obtaining citizenship in a European state, rather than a residence permit, is the opportunity to hold high positions in government agencies. It is also possible to vote in elections and influence changes in the EU's political systems.

How to become a citizen of a European country

Anyone having sufficient grounds can obtain citizenship of any European country. Each state of Europe has a unique set of laws, different immigration programs and requirements for acquiring a passport. Knowing the latest information on relocation is not just a benefit, but an obligation for every newcomer. Noncompliance with laws and official procedures carries serious consequences, including being banned from re-entering the country.

No exact guideline exists on how to get citizenship in any European state. However, there are certain steps you should take, regardless of where you intend to acquire a passport. Those are listed below:

1. Decide which immigration program you wish to use. With sufficient grounds, it is possible to obtain European citizenship more swiftly than through ordinary naturalization. Via the repatriation program in Romania, you can register a passport in two years or less.
2. Acquire a visa and start fulfilling the requirements for European citizenship. The basic conditions are a specified period of residence in the country and sufficient knowledge of the national language.
3. Prepare the appropriate documentation. The list of required certificates varies depending on the state's laws and the immigration program chosen. Some of these will need to be translated into the country's language and notarized. Having competent professionals to help gather and prepare the documents can be a great benefit.
4. Submit an application to the immigration authorities. Be ready for the formal assessments required by the legislation of the European state. These include language and cultural tests and an interview. The officials ask questions that are relevant to the granting of citizenship. These relate to the reasons behind resettling and checking if all necessary requirements are fulfilled.
5. Wait for the officials' decision, take the oath and register an EU passport. Immigration authorities need from several months to a year to process a migrant's case. If the outcome is positive, you are invited to take an oath and receive a citizenship certificate. Later, a passport and other documents for living in European countries can be applied for and registered.

Conclusions and recommendations

The benefits of gaining European citizenship are encouraging an increasing number of people to emigrate to Europe in search of better living prospects. The process of getting a passport is more straightforward in some EU countries than in others. For example, the requirements to obtain citizenship in Romania via repatriation are easier to meet than in some European states. Therefore, it is advisable to choose an immigration destination where you have grounds to speed up the relocation process if possible.

Meeting the requirements for European citizenship is equally important. This applies particularly to the preparation of documents, since this stage of immigration is where people tend to fail the most. Contact Legal EU Counsel for personalized guidance and assistance in collecting documents. Supported by competent lawyers, the acquisition of European citizenship will be a swift and straightforward process.