In an increasingly globalised world, many individuals are no longer content with holding citizenship solely in their country of birth. Instead, they are exploring legal avenues to acquire foreign nationality, often by marrying a citizen of another country. While some nations have simplified and formally recognised this process, the eligibility criteria, waiting periods, and additional requirements vary widely. Below is an overview of several countries offering citizenship through marriage.
| Country | Minimum Duration Before Citizenship Application | Additional Requirements | Benefits of Citizenship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey | 3 years of cohabitation | Proof of valid marriage | Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 110 countries |
| Spain | 1 year of cohabitation | Proof of valid marriage | Dual citizenship possible in Latin America and select European countries |
| Argentina | 2 years of cohabitation | Clean criminal record, basic Spanish proficiency | Full Argentine citizenship |
| Mexico | 2 years of cohabitation | Basic Spanish proficiency, marriage certificate | Full rights of a Mexican citizen |
| Switzerland | 3 years of marriage + 5 years residency | Valid marriage; six-year married relationship allows application from abroad | Most rights of Swiss citizens |
| Cape Verde | Not specified, marriage proof required | Valid marriage mandatory | Most rights of local citizens |
Turkey: Foreign nationals married to Turkish citizens can apply for citizenship after three years of legal marriage. Turkish passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 110 countries, facilitating global mobility.
Spain: Marriage to a Spanish citizen allows one to apply for citizenship after just one year of cohabitation. Spanish citizenship offers the possibility of holding dual nationality in several Latin American countries and selected European nations.
Argentina and Mexico: Individuals married to Argentine or Mexican citizens can seek citizenship after two years. Applicants must present a valid marriage certificate, maintain a clean criminal record, and demonstrate basic proficiency in Spanish. Citizenship grants full legal rights, including employment and property ownership.
Switzerland: Despite strict immigration policies, marriage to a Swiss citizen simplifies the naturalisation process. Citizens’ spouses may apply after three years of marriage combined with five years of residency in Switzerland. For couples living abroad, a six-year marital duration suffices for application.
Cape Verde: Marriage to a local citizen enables eligibility for citizenship. While the waiting period is unspecified, proof of a valid legal marriage is mandatory, granting most rights enjoyed by local citizens.
This practice, often referred to internationally as “marital migration,” highlights the importance of complying with local laws, demonstrating language skills, and maintaining a clean legal record. Awareness of each country’s specific requirements allows couples to plan effectively and legally secure foreign citizenship through marriage.