Pathways to Citizenship for Third-Country Nationals in the EU Member States

Abstract

The study focuses on citizenship matters as defined in the EMN glossary or otherwise commonly used. It shall cover the acquisition, by a third-country national, of the citizenship of an EU Member State. The study covers the broad category of third-country nationals who immigrated to the EU as first generation ('new migrants') and thus excludes second-and third generation migrants. If it is difficult to make the distinction in your Member State, please mention this throughout the template wherever relevant. EU citizens acquiring the citizenship of another EU Member State are not covered. The acquisition of citizenship of an EU Member State by persons living in a third country is also outside of the scope of this study. As far as policies and legislation regarding the acquisition of citizenship is concerned, this study shall reflect the most recent situation and developments in the Member States, therefore focusing on 2019. Regarding policy and legal developments, it also appears useful to trace any such developments over the past five years. If reasonable, contributing EMN NCPs may also include planned legal or policy developments that have not yet come into effect at the time of writing.