When a person acquires a new nationality, this process receives two names: nationalization or naturalization. In order for a foreign individual to obtain the nationality of a country, it is necessary that they meet certain requirements. Not all candidates achieve their goal.
The purpose of this process is to abandon the status of foreigner and, consequently, become a citizen with the same rights as the inhabitants of a nation.
General criteria for approving a naturalization application
Although each country has its own rules for a foreigner to acquire the new nationality, there are a series of general guidelines that are taken into account.
The candidate is required to legally reside in the country for a minimum of years and to be of legal age. Likewise, his economic stability and his family situation are taken into account.
As is logical, the fact of not having had legal problems, such as non-payment of taxes, possible lawsuits or problems with the police, is valued positively.
The cultural question and the mastery of the national language are relevant aspects, since with them the will of the individual to integrate in his new country of residence is revealed. In this sense, some countries carry out general knowledge tests to find out to what extent a person is fully integrated into their new community.
naturalization by marriage
This modality is the most widespread. Thus, when a person has married someone from a country, the partner of foreign origin can request the acquisition of a new nationality.
naturalization letter
When the candidate for the new nationality meets the requirements, a committee of civil servants assesses his final suitability. Finally, if he is accepted as a member of the host nation, the citizen of foreign origin is granted a letter of naturalization, normally for residency reasons.
In most countries, the naturalization letter is not granted to those who live temporarily in the country, for example foreign university students.
Applying for a new citizenship is a common process in first world countries, such as Germany, France or the United States. In order for the procedures to be carried out to be correct, it is recommended that the candidate contact a lawyer specialized in immigration.
Photo: Fotolia – Maksym Yemelyanov
Following