If you have read my blog you know I am a dual US and EU citizen. EU citizenship has many benefits believe me. The purpose of this post is to briefly tell you how to have a passport from more than one country, or at least my personal experience on how I achieved this.
First off EU citizenship from any country is a privilege. It is not something that is to be taken lightly. It is only for those who have a sincere interest in contributing to the nation they are living and working in. Usually this is reserved for people who have a historical connection or association with the country. My family for example live in Poland since the beginning of the nation. The only reason they left was Poland was partitioned and war was breaking out. After the war they wanted to come back for re-nationalization. However, the politics were too difficult, and so it was I who was repatriated.
I have written a post on how to get a EU citizenship, this is a good starting point. However, beyond that if you have any questions please ask. The following was my story.
10 Steps to EU citizenship
- Family tree – My first step was in Excel create a detailed family tree. Use birth, marriage etc dates and locations. Be detailed but readable. Mine was on one page. It does not have to be a work of art, but it does have to be factual and clear to an ordinary person.
- Original documents - Try to collect as much information as you can from original documents. You can get US birth certificates etc no problem. They even have on the form a question why you need it, you can check off dual citizenship. US municipalities get these requests often. Get your parents and anyone else you can also. Collect all US documents then focus on foreign documents. The Polish government in Warsaw had my grandparents records from 1900 even thought they were from and area which is today Ukraine. I went to the local church priest and found documents. I basically built a case of original documents that supported my family tree. Paper is everything. Before I live in Europe I paid someone, he tried to rip me off I got my money back, when I threatened to sue the middle man. There are many honest people that can help in local countries. I prefer to do things myself.
- I got applications from the embassy - I let the foriegn consulate represntive guide me, as well as talked to the people who worked there to the right government offices to go to. They will tell you what you need.
- Legal help – I considered a lawyer but by the time I talked to one I knew more than they did.
- EU visa – My first step was a visa. From there I was in the system. I got this based on the right of blood. Jus sanguinis – You are who you are.
- Dual citizenship – Unless you want a Ukrainian citizenship, you can keep your US citizenship for almost any country in Europe in the European Union or not. Countries do no care if you are a dual citizenship as long as you obey the laws of the country your in. You are a citizen of that country only, where you are and can not go crying to the USA for help if you get into legal trouble.
- Buying a citizenship – You can basically buy a Russian citizenship legally if you have the cash to set up a business, but it is not the way to go. A CIS citizenship is not as good as a EU citizenship. Buying an EU citizenship is not possible.
- Getting official translations – Putting your doucments into the language you need is a moot point, there are a lot of official translators.
- The citizenship application - When you apply, write from your heart, you have to personally write a strong case of why you want to be a citizen. It can not be for frivolous reasons, like it is cool. Write how you have a historical connection that goes way back. Write what is true and honest. That you have an interest in the culture and the language and the people. If possible you would like to add to the society someday. Be sincere and into the country you are trying to get a citizenship for.
- The EU government – Be patient. It may take years but is worth the wait. Remember every coutry in this Union is an individual country and where you apply is important not the Union as a whole. Your passport will come from one of the member countries.
You can read more about the European Union citizenship on their home page. Or better yet as a question to a real person, me. If you have any questions regarding citizenship or even questions like citizenship of babies born in a foreign country, or marriage and citizenship questions, please ask. I am not an expert but I can tell you based on my personal experiences.
6 responses to How I got an EU citizenship
Hello,
After reading your blog, i was convinced as i think i should tell you some about my immigrantion issue.
I came into the UK on a visitor visa (visa still valid till next year 2011).At the moment,i can’t just go back to my country as i have had enough (no job, unemployment keeps increasing).
To cut the long story short, a lady has got pregnant for here in UK and the issue is that we are both on visitor visa. In what way do you think we can get any EU citizenship,so i can pick up a job to take care of my family.
In this case what do you suggest i can do?
Await you reply soon into my mail box
Thank you
Olar
UK has right of blood than right of birth so your child will be a citizen of the parents country and the further, the baby’s citizenship does not affect the parents. I understand your situation and I am very sorry to hear about all your problems, but I can not think of a way to extend your visa.
US with European roots wants to Get EU Citizenship
I stumbled upon your page while doing a search on to how an American can receive or obtain a passport for an EU country. I am a recent college graduate and my dream has always been to live and work in Europe, though due to the rules and regulations of the EU, it seems to have become very difficult for someone in my position to muscle his or her way into the EU for work. This is quite frustrating to me, as I have no desire to work or live in the USA, and yet was unable to choose where I was born.
For awhile I thought that maybe I could claim citizenship in Ireland, England or Germany, since I can trace my ancestors back to these three countries. My father’s side of the family left Germany during the 18th century, whereas my grandmother’s father was from England, and her grandmother from Ireland. Unfortunately though, it seems that these ties are all too far removed to be of any use. So although I identify as European and can trace my whole family back across the Atlantic, it seems that it will be a struggle to obtain some sort of EU passport and citizenship.
Do you have any suggestions, advice or other avenues, through which I can try to find a solution? Thanks for any help.
Getting EU citizenship though the back door if the front door is not open
I think only with Ireland is there a chance to get Citizenship in your case as this country is the least restrictive. However, you can get citizenship in another way.
If you can not get citizenship directly then take a legal round about approach.
Try to find a job there. My brother did this in the UK and 20 years later he still lives there and has a UK citizenship.
But you do not have to be a hot-shot professional. Most of my friends connect with an English as a second language school and teach. Or they enroll in a University. In Eastern Europe is a cheap place to get a high quality Master’s degree.
Others start a company or language school.
The main idea is to get residence in a country legally. Once you live there for a few years, door open up. You make connections and you learn how to get citizenship legally. This might be by learning the language and being a good resident with a visa for about 5 to 7 years.
Others fall in love and get married.
But if there is a will there is a way. I would start with teaching at a school to get your foot in the door. You are a native speaker of English and should have no problem and can live a middle class life in most cases.
2nd Generation half German Seeking German / EU Citizenship
Hi Mark!
I am so glad I came across your blog. I am half German, my father being 1st generation born in America. — We previously believed my paternal grandmother to be Russian – it turns out she is from a German village settled on the Volga RIver in Russia – but a German born.
I have always preferred to be able to live in Europe. One of my brothers lives in Italy, has an Italian wife, 4 children and two businesses. I would like to be able to be closer to them and move more freely within Europe to live and work.
It seems there may be some chance of this since I am half German and 2nd generation?
I have studied German, French and Italian language though I am not fluent in any of them.
Any opinion or suggestions?
Thank you!
With your attitude I think there is a good chance. In my experience getting an EU citizenship is a lot about preparing the papers and being persistant to find something in the law that would help you. Techincally your parents would have had to be German citizens. But German citizenship law is complex and there are many conditions. Therefore I personally would contact the German embassy and see what way you could get this. If this does not work, a German immigration lawyer to get you a visa that would lead to citizenship eventually. I did not intially get citizenship, only a visa, but this lead to my citizenship.
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