European Union citizenship

European Union citizenship is a special legal status given to everyone who is a national of any country that belongs to the European Union. This status was created in 1992 with the Maastricht Treaty, the same treaty that formed the European Union. Being an EU citizen does not replace a person's national citizenship, but it adds extra rights and protections.

EU citizens can move, live, and work in any of the European Union countries without needing special permits. They can also buy and sell goods, services, and money across borders without extra fees or restrictions. EU citizens can vote in local and European Union elections, even if they live in a different country from their own. They can also take part in a special process called a European Citizens' Initiative.

EU citizens are protected by EU laws. If they travel to a country where their home country does not have an embassy, another EU country’s embassy can help them. They can also speak directly to important EU groups like the European Parliament, the European Ombudsman, and EU agencies in any EU language about issues those groups can help with. These laws include important protections like equal pay and safety from unfair treatment.

History

The modern status of European Union citizenship is based on many years of European history and shared culture. Ideas about a European form of citizenship with clear rights were discussed as early as the 1960s. The key rights of EU citizenship, like the right to live and work in any EU country, started with rules in the Treaty of Paris in 1952 for workers in coal and steel industries. These rules slowly grew into what we now call EU citizenship.

The EU citizenship was formally created by the Maastricht Treaty in 1992 and later expanded by the Treaty of Amsterdam. Before 1992, rules only guaranteed free movement for workers, not for others. Over time, courts and laws added more rights, such as the right to live in another country even if you are not working, as long as you have enough money and health insurance. These developments helped shape the rights that EU citizens have today.

Stated rights

EU member states may use a common passport design, colored burgundy (except Croatia's dark blue), featuring the country's name, its coat of arms, and the title "European Union."

The rights of EU citizens are listed in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and the Charter of Fundamental Rights. A key benefit of being an EU citizen is the freedom to move and live in any EU country. This freedom also extends to citizens of European Economic Area countries and Switzerland. With EU citizenship, certain political rights also apply.

The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union ensures specific political, social, and economic rights for EU citizens and residents. Important rights include the ability to vote and run in European Parliament elections, vote and run in local elections, enjoy good administration, access documents, submit petitions, move and live freely, and receive diplomatic and consular protection.

The Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union allows citizens to access EU government documents, be free from discrimination based on nationality, move and live freely across the EU, vote and run in European and local elections in any EU country, receive consular protection from other EU countries when abroad, submit petitions to the European Parliament and the Ombudsman, and use any official EU language when communicating with EU institutions.

Acquisition

Every person who is a citizen of a country in the European Union (EU) is also an EU citizen. This means that EU citizenship is added to a person's national citizenship and does not replace it.

Each EU country decides its own rules about who can become a citizen of that country. Because of this, the rules can be different in each country. Some people might need to work with a special lawyer to understand and follow these rules. Also, some people living in faraway areas linked to EU countries might not have all the same rights as other EU citizens. For example, people from some faraway parts of the United Kingdom or Denmark do not have the same EU rights as people living in the main parts of these countries.

There are also many people outside of Europe who might be able to claim EU citizenship because they have ancestors from an EU country. If they can prove their connection, they could move freely within the EU.

Member State		Acquisition by birth	Acquisition by descent	Acquisition by marriage or civil partnership	Acquisition by naturalisation	Multiple nationality permitted
Austria		People born in Austria: at least one of whose married parents is an Austrian citizen out of wedlock and whose mother is Austrian citizen who is foundling and is found out under the age of 6 months	Austrian nationality is acquired by descent under one of the following conditions: Conditions born to Austrian parents born after 9 January 1983 and if parents are married at the time of birth, Austrian citizenship of either the mother or the father is sufficient born before or on 9 January 1983: father must have been an Austrian citizen; children born to an Austrian mother married to a non-Austrian father do not qualify. If parents are not married, however, a father cannot pass on Austrian citizenship, whereas a mother can should the parents happen to marry at some time after birth, citizenship is automatically granted to child retroactively. If the child is over 14 at that time, child's consent is needed.	6 years' residence if married for at least 5 years (and general citizenship conditions are met, including German language proficiency)	6 years' residence if born in Austria, citizen of another EEC country, or "exceptionally integrated" depending on fulfilment of other conditions, up to 30 years' residence 10 years' residence for refugees	Only allowed with special permission or if dual citizenship was obtained at birth (binational parents [one Austrian, one foreign] or birth in a jus-soli country such as USA and Canada)
Belgium		People born in Belgium who: are stateless are foundlings lose any other nationality before 18 have a parent born in Belgium have a birth or adopted parent resident in Belgium for at least 5 of the past 10 years	Belgian nationality is acquired by descent under one of the following conditions: People with a Belgian parent	5 years' cohabitation in Belgium	Foreigners can obtain nationality by declaration at their municipality of residence if they have a permanent right to reside in Belgium and satisfy either of the following: 5 years' continuous lawful residence, subject to language, economic, and social integration criteria 10 years' continuous, lawful residence, subject only to a language and integration requirement 5 years' continuous, lawful residence for retired, handicapped, or disabled people Foreigners can also petition the federal government for naturalization by the Chamber of Representatives without a formal residence requirement if they demonstrate exceptional merits in art, science, culture, or sport.	Yes
Bulgaria		People born in Bulgaria who: are stateless are foundlings	Bulgarian nationality is acquired by descent under one of the following conditions: Conditions At least one parent is a Bulgarian citizen Any person of Bulgarian ethnicity; Also, member of a historical Bulgarian ethnic community (e.g. in Moldova, North Macedonia, Ukraine) (no limit on number of generations).	The applicant should be at least 18 years old; have permission for permanent or for long-term residence in Bulgaria since at least 3 years; have not been investigated or sentenced by the Bulgarian authorities; have income or occupation; be able to speak and write in Bulgarian; renounce previous citizenship (not applicable to citizens of the EU and EEA countries, Switzerland and countries with reciprocity agreement with Bulgaria; dual citizenship is allowed for them); have marriage to Bulgarian citizen since at least 3 years and the marriage is actual.	The applicant should be at least 18 years old; have permission for permanent or for long-term residence in Bulgaria since at least 5 years; have not been investigated or sentenced by the Bulgarian authorities; have income or occupation; be able to speak and write in Bulgarian; renounce previous citizenship (not applicable to citizens of the EU and EEA countries, Switzerland and countries with reciprocity agreement with Bulgaria; dual citizenship is allowed for them).	Yes – for Bulgarian citizens by birth; Yes – for naturalised citizens of the EU and EEA countries, Switzerland and countries with reciprocity agreement with Bulgaria
Croatia		People born in Croatia who: have least one parent who is a Croatian citizen are foundlings (but such citizenship can be revoked if later found parents were foreign citizens)	Croatian nationality is acquired by descent under one of the following conditions: Conditions through parentage (right of blood) by proving Croatian descent or ethnicity born in Croatia to at least one parent who is a Croatian citizen born abroad to at least one parent who is a Croatian citizen; birth must be registered at an authorized authority in Croatia before child reaches 18 years of age born abroad to a Croatian parent if child would otherwise end up stateless by adoption by parents who are Croatian citizens	8 years' residence (can be shortened)	8 years' residence sufficient knowledge of Croatian language	Yes (if a Croatian citizen by descent/origin) No (if a naturalised Croatian citizen, unless applying by 'privileged naturalisation' (e.g. descendants of Croatian emigrants) Citizens with multiple citizenships are treated as exclusively Croatian citizens by law.
Cyprus		People born in Cyprus who: are stateless are foundlings	Cypriot nationality is acquired by descent under one of the following conditions: Conditions born to Greek Cypriot parent(s) born to Turkish Cypriot parent(s) after 1974 whose parent(s) was/were citizen of the Republic prior to 1974 Turkish Cypriots who have lost their citizenship after the occupation in 1974 born to a Turkish Cypriot parent and a Turkish parent if the Turkish parent is not a settler after 1974 (marriage must not have taken place in Northern Cyprus after 1974)	3 years' residence	7 years' residence	Yes
Czech Republic		People born in the Czech Republic: who are foundlings whose parents are both stateless, and at least one of whom is a Czech permanent resident	People who have at least one parent with Czech citizenship (at the time of the person's birth). Whether a person is born in the Czech Republic or elsewhere is irrelevant. Those with at least one parent or grandparent who lost their Czech or Czechoslovak citizenship on or before 31 December 2013 may also apply for Czech citizenship by declaration also known as citizenship by descent, in which case they must prove the loss of their ancestor's citizenship by a US naturalization certificate, a court order from the Communist era that stripped their ancestor of their citizenship, or a marriage certificate if their ancestor was a Czechoslovak woman who married a foreigner before 24 June 1947 (women automatically lost their Czechoslovak citizenship by marriage to a foreigner according to the Emigrant Patent of 1832 from Austrian law that was in effect until 23 June 1947).	2 years' residence in the country if married or in a same-sex registered partnership and the holder of a permanent residence permit at the date of the application (still must prove other requirements for naturalization, including the language requirement and social integration.)	Holders of a Czech permanent residence permit for at least 5 years (or 3 years for EU citizens), with real/factual residence in Czechia totaling at least half the relevant period (absences not exceeding 2 months (or 6 months for serious reasons) not being relevant) Holders of a Czech permanent residence permit (at the date of the application), and lawfully resident in Czechia for 10 years, with real/factual residence in Czechia totalling at least 5 years (absences not exceeding 2 months (or 6 months for serious reasons) not being relevant) Holders of a Czech permanent residence permit (at the date of the application) and whose naturalization would prove to be significant for the Czech Republic in terms of science, education, culture, sports, or other reasons that are in the interests of the Czech Republic. All the applicant has to prove for this route is a clean criminal record and a letter from a state institution stating why they should be awarded Czech citizenship. No language requirement in this case.	Yes, effective 1 January 2014
Denmark		People born in Denmark who: are foundlings	People who have at least one parent with Danish citizenship.	6 years' residence if married for at least 3 years	9 years' residence (holders of a permanent residence permit) 8 years' residence (refugees and stateless People) 2 years' residence (citizens of a Nordic country, i.e. Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden) Have a relatively advanced knowledge of the Danish language (equivalent to B2 CEFR).	Yes, effective 1 September 2015
Estonia		People born in Estonia who: are foundlings	People who have at least one parent with Estonian citizenship.	No (unless married to an Estonian citizen before 26 February 1992)	8 years' residence	Estonia does not recognise multiple citizenship. However, Estonian citizens by descent cannot be deprived of their Estonian citizenship, and are de facto allowed to have multiple citizenship.
Finland		People born in Finland who: are stateless, or are foundlings (Possibility to obtain citizenship by declaration exists for inborn aliens who have lived a major part of their childhood in Finland.)	Finnish nationality is acquired by descent from a Finnish mother, and from a Finnish father under one of the following conditions: Conditions the child's father is a Finnish citizen and the parents are married; the child's father is a Finnish citizen, the child was born in Finland out of wedlock and the father's paternity is established the child's father who died before the child was born was a Finnish citizen and who was married to the child's mother at the time of his death; or the child's father, who died before the birth of the child, was a Finnish citizen and the child was born in Finland out of wedlock and the father's paternity was established. a child born out of wedlock to a Finnish father outside Finland can get citizenship by declaration, if paternity is established.	Minimum residence requirement of five years of residence.	Eight years of continuous residence (or a total of seven years of residence since age 15) in Finland; and knowledge of at least one of Finnish, Swedish, or Finnish sign language. Reductions apply under certain conditions.	Yes
France		At birth, People born in France who: Are stateless. Aged 13–16, upon the parent's request, having resided habitually in France since the age of 8. Aged 16–18, upon their own request, having resided in France for 5 years (continuously or discontinuously) since the age of 11. Aged 18, automatically for People born in France, having resided in France for 5 years (continuously or discontinuously) since the age of 11.	French nationality is acquired by descent under one of the following conditions: Through parentage (right of blood): The child (legitimate or natural) is French if at least one parent is French.	4 years' marriage; also, after 5 years outside France	Naturalisation conditions 5 years of continuous residence. This condition is reduced to 2 years for: People who have completed successfully 2 years of higher education in a French school/university. People who have made exceptional contributions to France (civil, scientific, economic, cultural, sports). The continuous residence condition is waived for: People who have served in the French military. People who are refugees in France. People for whom French is their mother tongue or who have been enrolled for 5 years in a French-language institution in a country where the official language or one of the official languages is French.	Yes
Germany		People born in Germany, if at least one parent has resided in Germany for at least 5 years and holds a permanent residence permit	German nationality is acquired by descent under one of the following conditions: Through parentage (right of blood) Member of recognised historical German community abroad (e.g. in the Balkans, Kazakhstan); Also granted to children/grandchildren of those deprived of citizenship by the Nuremberg Laws	2 years of marriage and 3 years of residence in Germany	5 years' residence Proficiency in German Sufficient finances All conditions above, including residence, waived for victims of Nazi persecution	Yes, effective 27 June 2024
Greece		People born in Greece who: have a parent born in Greece are foundlings are stateless	Greek nationality is acquired by descent under one of the following conditions: Member of recognised historical Greek community abroad in countries of ex-USSR Ethnic Greek of different citizenship accepted to military academies, or inscribes to serve to the army, or enlists as a volunteer in time of war Child or grandchild of a Greek Citizen	3 years of continuous residence in Greece and has an offspring from the marriage	10 years' residence in the last 12 years 5 years' residence in the last 12 years for refugees Sufficient knowledge of Greek language, Greek history, and Greek culture in general Athlete of an Olympic Sport, with 5 years' residence in the last 12 years, who fulfills the conditions of being a member of the Greek National Team of that sport, as these are stated by the international laws for that sport	Yes
Hungary		People born in Hungary who: are foundlings are stateless	Hungarian nationality is acquired by descent under one of the following conditions: At least one parent is a Hungarian citizen Any person of Hungarian ethnicity, which has to be proven by sufficient level of Hungarian language demonstrating at least one ancestor born in the Kingdom of Hungary (no limit on number of generations).	3 years of residence in Hungary and 3 years of marriage to a Hungarian citizen, or 5 years of marriage to a Hungarian citizen and has offspring from the marriage, or 10 years of marriage to a Hungarian citizen	After 8 years and meeting conditions of good character After 5 years if born in Hungary resided in Hungary in their pupillage stateless After 3 years if married to a Hungarian citizen has a minor child that is Hungarian citizen adopted by a Hungarian citizen refugee in Hungary	Yes
Ireland		People born in Ireland: are automatically an Irish citizen if he or she is not entitled to the citizenship of any other country. entitled to be an Irish citizen if at least one parent is: an Irish citizen (or someone entitled to be an Irish citizen). a resident of the island of Ireland who is entitled to reside in either the Republic or Northern Ireland without any time limit on that residence. a legal resident of the island of Ireland for three out of the 4 years preceding the child's birth.	Irish nationality is acquired by descent under one of the following conditions: if at the time of birth, at least one parent was an Irish citizen. if you have an Irish citizen grandparent born on the island of Ireland. The parent would have automatically been an Irish citizen. Grandchild can secure citizenship by registering themselves in the Foreign Births Register. Citizenship gained via the Foreign Births Register can only be passed on to children born after the parent themselves were registered.	3 years of marriage or civil partnership to an Irish citizen. Three-years of residency out of the most recent five-year period is required.	5 years of residency in Ireland with a "non-temporary" purpose within the preceding nine years, of which 1 (one) year immediately before application The residency period can be waived, in the discretion of the Minister of Justice, for a person of "Irish descent or associations".	Naturalised Irish citizens cannot obtain any more citizenships than they currently have unless this new citizenship is obtained by marriage or civil partnership, as this will result in the cancellation of the naturalisation papers. Naturalised citizens can have dual nationality with countries they were a citizen of prior to naturalising as Irish. There are no restrictions on dual nationality for those who obtained Irish citizenship by any method that does not involve a naturalisation certificate (e.g citizens by birth or descent). See also Irish Nationality Law.
Italy		People born in Italy who: are foundlings are stateless	Italian nationality is acquired by descent under one of the following conditions: Conditions (Rules are in place that permit the recognition of Italian nationality for many members of the Italian diaspora, even generations after departure. The rules are complex.) Citizenship was accorded ethnic Italians born in the territory only in/after 1863. After this, Italian citizen fathers could pass down citizenship. Mothers pass down citizenship only for children born in/after 1948. A child gaining another citizenship by birth may also gain Italian citizenship by parentage, with no interference. If such a child is an Italian citizen, he/she can pass on citizenship subject to the rules above, like any other Italian citizen. A person naturalising to a foreign state loses the right to pass on citizenship to any children he/she may have after naturalisation. A father's later naturalisation also retroactively annulled the child's citizenship if the child was born before 1910.	2 years of legal residence in Italy (3 years if living abroad) through naturalisation (as of 2018, the spouse must prove Italian language ability at B1 level for JM citizenship)	10 years' residence, no criminal record and sufficient financial resources. However, this reduced, if: 7 years' residence for children adopted by Italian citizens 5 years' residence for refugees or stateless individuals 4 years' residence for EU member states nationals but requires permanent residency which is typically issued after 5 years 3 years' residence for descendants of Italian grandparents and for foreigners born in Italy Knowledge of Italian language (no lower than B1).	Yes
Latvia		People born in Latvia who:	Latvian nationality is acquired by descent under one of the following conditions:	No	After 5 years of permanent residence	Starting from 1 October 2013 the following are eligible to have dual citizenship with Latvia: citizens of member states of the EU, NATO and EFTA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland) citizens of Australia, Brazil, New Zealand citizens of the countries that have had mutual recognition of dual citizenship with Latvia people who were granted dual citizenship by the Cabinet of Ministers of Latvia people of Latvian or Livonian ethnicity or exiles registering citizenship of Latvia people who applied for dual citizenship before the previous Latvian Citizenship law (1995).
Lithuania		People born in Lithuania who: are stateless.	Lithuanian nationality is acquired by descent under one of the following conditions: at least one parent is a Lithuanian citizen at least one direct ancestor was a Lithuanian citizen during the 1918–1940 period.	7 years of permanent residence and demonstrating Lithuanian language ability	10 years of continuous residence (plus demonstrating Lithuanian language ability, passing the Constitution exam, having no criminal record)	No, unless: Conditions the non-Lithuanian citizenship is obtained by birth (acquiring parents' citizenships) or birth in a jus-soli country such as USA and Canada) the non-Lithuanian citizenship cannot be renounced the Lithuanian citizen or his/her ancestors left Lithuania between 1918 and 1990 the Lithuanian citizenship is acquired via the way of exception the Lithuanian citizenship is obtained by naturalisation by a refugee
Luxembourg		People born in Luxembourg who: are stateless, or are foundlings, or have a parent born in Luxembourg		3 years of marriage to a Luxembourgish citizen if residing outside Luxembourg, or Immediate naturalisation, if residing in Luxembourg and married to a Luxembourgish citizen	5 years' residence, including 12 months continuous residence immediately preceding the citizenship application, and pass certificates for a test/course on the Luxembourgish language (Sproochentest) and Luxembourgish society and government	Yes
Malta		People born in Malta between 21 September 1964 and 31 July 1989 People born outside Malta between 21 September 1964 and 31 July 1989 to a father with Maltese citizenship through birth in Malta, registration or naturalisation People born on or after 1 August 1989, inside or outside Malta, to at least one parent with Maltese citizenship through birth in Malta, registration or naturalisation	Maltese nationality is acquired by descent under the following condition: Direct descendant, second or subsequent generation, born abroad of an ascendant who was born in Malta of a parent who was also born in Malta.	5 years of marriage to a Maltese citizen (if de jure or de facto separated, then still living together five years after the marriage) or a widow/widower of a Maltese citizen five years after the marriage	5 years of residence or citizenship-by-investment program	Yes
Netherlands		People born in Netherlands who: see: "Dutch by birth"	Dutch nationality is acquired by descent under one of the following conditions: People with a Dutch parent	3 years of residence and demonstrating Dutch language ability	After 5 years uninterrupted residence, with continuous registration in the municipal register and a "non-temporary" purpose of stay, or 10 years' total residence with the preceding two years uninterrupted, and language and integration criteria satisfied	No, unless: Conditions the non-Dutch citizenship is obtained by birth (through a parent with non-Dutch citizenship or birth in a jus soli country) the non-Dutch citizenship is acquired through jus matrimonii (acquired automatically through marriage) or is obtained by naturalisation from the country of the spouse the non-Dutch citizenship is obtained by naturalisation and the person has lived in the naturalised country for at least five years before turning 18 Dutch citizenship is obtained by naturalisation when married to or in a partnership (registered or de facto) with a Dutch national Dutch citizenship is obtained by naturalisation by a refugee Dutch citizenship is obtained by naturalisation and the person is unable to renounce his current nationality due to various reasons (military service, high renunciation fees, or prohibited from renouncing by the country's laws) or has "objective and compelling reasons", as judged by the immigration service, for not renouncing their current nationality Dutch citizenship is obtained by naturalisation and the person is a citizen of a country that is not recognised by the Netherlands Dutch citizenship is obtained by naturalisation by someone born in the Kingdom of The Netherlands (the person does not need to have lived in the Kingdom their entire life) Dutch citizenship is obtained by naturalisation as a minor. Dutch citizenship is obtained through an option procedure. People over 18 with multiple nationalities must live in the Kingdom of the Netherlands or the EU for at least one year out of every thirteen years, or receive a Dutch passport or a nationality certificate once every thirteen years.
Poland		A child born to a Polish parent. Children born or found in Poland acquire Polish citizenship when both parents are unknown, or when their citizenship cannot be established, or if determined to be statelessness.	Polish nationality is acquired by descent under one of the following conditions: Conditions Certain descendants of Polish citizens, even after multiple generations, can apply for recognition: Polish citizenship begins 1920. Acquisition of foreign citizenship prior to 1951 led to the loss of Polish nationality. After this, any Polish citizen transmits nationality to all his/her children and nationality is only lost by explicit request. These children can pass on nationality as well. Descendants of Polish-language/ethnic People in some neighbouring countries including Belarus, Lithuania, Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine et al., can apply for Karta Polaka which gives many of the same rights as Polish citizenship but serves as a substitute when acquisition of Polish citizenship would result in the loss of the person's earlier citizenship.	3 years of marriage to a Polish citizen and 2 years' residence in Poland as a permanent resident, or Grant of citizenship by presidential decree (discretionary with no set conditions for grant)	3 years of residence with permanent residence permit card under the condition of speaking the Polish language as proven by certificate 2 years of residence with permanent residence permit card acquired on the basis of marriage with Polish citizen and under the condition of speaking the Polish language proven by a certificate 1 year of residence with permanent residence permit card acquired on the basis of Polish ethnicity or by possessing Pole's Card and under the condition of speaking the Polish language proven by a certificate 10 years of lawful residence (under any type of residence permit/visas) and possession of permanent residence card under the condition of speaking the Polish language as proven by a certificate Grant of citizenship by presidential decree (discretionary with no set conditions for grant)	Yes but in Poland, Polish identification must be used and the dual citizen is treated legally as only Polish
Portugal		A person who is not descended from a Portuguese citizen becomes a Portuguese citizen at the moment of birth, by the effect of the law itself, if that person was born in Portugal and: would otherwise be stateless is a foundling is born to non-citizen birth parents one of whom, at least, is resident in Portugal at the time of the birth (independently of the legality of such residency), but only if that parent resident in Portugal was also born in Portugal, and provided that such residency in Portugal is not due to service to a foreign State. A person who is not descended from a Portuguese citizen and who is not covered by the conditions for automatic attribution of nationality by birth in Portugal set out above, has a right to declare that he or she wants to become a Portuguese citizen, and that person becomes a natural-born Portuguese citizen, with effects retroactive to the moment of birth, upon the registration of such declaration in the Portuguese Civil Registry (by application made by that person, once of age, or by a legal representative of that person, during minority), if that person was born in Portugal and: had, at the date of birth, a birth parent legally resident in Portugal for at least 5 years, either enjoying Treaty rights (namely, the European Union freedom of movement, for citizens of other Member States of the Union, or the special conditions for settlement in Portugal by citizens of the Member States of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries), or in possession of any of the categories of residence permit issued by the Portuguese State, but provided that such parent's residency in Portugal was not due to service to a foreign State.	Portuguese nationality is transmitted by descent under one of the following conditions: Conditions a child becomes a Portuguese national at birth, and nationality is recognised by the law itself if at least one of the parents of that child is a Portuguese national and the birth takes place in Portugal or in a territory administered by Portugal. (That form of transmission of nationality, combining descent from a Portuguese parent and birth in Portugal is the main form of transmission of the Portuguese nationality). No registration is necessary for the transmission of nationality in that case. Nationality is also recognised by the law itself at birth to a child born outside Portugal, provided that the said child has at least one Portuguese parent, and the birth takes place outside Portugal due to the parent's service to the Portuguese State abroad. No registration is necessary for the transmission of nationality in that case, Nationality retroactive to the moment of birth is recognised by the law to a person born outside Portugal if at least one of the birth parents is a Portuguese national, but only if that person's birth is registered before the Portuguese Civil Registry or if a declaration by that person, stating that he or she wants to be a Portuguese citizen, is lodged with the Portuguese Civil Registry. The registration of the birth can be applied for, as a matter of right, at any time during the person's life, by the parents, by another legal guardian of a minor, or by the person himself, if the person is already of age (18 years old or older), and also by the legal guardian of an incapacitated adult. The registration of the birth or of the declaration, can be made at any time during the person's life, but the descendants of that person cannot ask for the registration under this rule after that person is dead. Thus, if one generation is skipped, the next generation cannot register under this rule. Registration can be made either in Portugal or by means of a Portuguese Consulate abroad. If the registration is applied to by means of a Consulate, the Consulate processes the request and sends the necessary papers to the central registry office of the Portuguese Civil Registry in Lisbon. Given that the registration produces legal effects retroactive to the moment of birth, the person, once registered as a Portuguese citizen, is recognised by law as a natural born citizen. (Sons and daughters of that person, even if born before the moment of that person's registration, and even if born outside Portugal are therefore themselves able to apply for registration as Portuguese citizens, because their parent is a Portuguese citizen since birth. Accordingly, this form of transmission of nationality, combining descent and registration, allows for the transmission of Portuguese nationality by parentage from generation to generation indefinitely and as a matter of right, even if the members of the successive generations are born outside Portugal and never reside in Portugal, provided that registration is not skipped by one generation). Many descendants of Portuguese immigrants, especially in Brazil and other Lusophone countries, hold dual nationality, being recognised as natural born Portuguese citizens upon registration under that rule. Nationality retroactive to the moment of birth is recognized by law upon registration to a grandson or granddaughter of a Portuguese citizen who, having demonstrated that he or she has an effective connection to the Portuguese national community, declares to the Portuguese Civil Registry his or her will to become a Portuguese citizen, provided that, at the time of such declaration, the person has had no criminal conviction for a crime punishable under Portuguese law with a prison term of 3 years or more. The effective connection to the Portuguese national community is assumed by the law itself in certain cases (legal residence in Portugal for three years with registration as a taxpayer and as a user of the national health service, plus knowledge of the Portuguese language, or legal residence in Portugal for five years), and in other cases (ownership of real estate in Portugal, or constant travel to Portugal, or membership of Portuguese cultural associations abroad, or legal residence in Portugal for less than three years, etc.) it needs to be evaluated by the Government by means of an administrative procedure submitted by the Registrar to the Justice Minister. Once connection to the national community is ascertained (either by the Registrar recognising that the law itself assumes such connection or by the decision of the Justice Minister) the interested person is then invited to register his or her birth at the Portuguese Civil Registry, and the attribution of nationality becomes a matter of right. The process becomes moot if the interested party does not follow through with the birth registration within six months of being notified to do so. Once the birth is registered, the interested person is thereafter recognized as a natural-born citizen. This form of attribution of nationality for grandchildren of Portuguese citizens, created in 2017, combining descent and registration of birth but requiring evidence of effective connection to the Portuguese community, is available for descendants of Portuguese nationals who otherwise would not be able to become natural-born citizens because the registration of one generation was missed. Because the nationality is retroactive to the moment of birth, sons and daughters of that new citizen, even if born before registration and outside Portugal, then become themselves able to be recognized as natural-born citizens as a matter of right, by having their births registered under the rule of registration for sons and daughters of Portuguese citizens.	A person married to a Portuguese national for at least 3 years can apply to be registered as a Portuguese national as a matter of right, provided that the registration is applied for during the marriage (and not after its dissolution by death or divorce). Nationality takes effect upon registration and is not retroactive, and is not lost by the dissolution of the marriage.	Naturalisation conditions Naturalisation can be granted at the State's discretion to People who are of age and who reside in Portugal for at 5 years on a valid permit, provided that they demonstrate knowledge of the Portuguese language on A2 level and have never been convicted of a crime punishable under Portuguese law with a prison term of 3 years or more. Naturalisation can be granted to People who do not reside in Portugal, or who do not satisfy the condition of residing in Portugal for at least five years on a valid permit, provided that the person applying is a second degree relative (grandson or granddaughter, or a sibling) of a Portuguese citizen. the Portuguese Government can also grant naturalisation to foreigners who are of age and who meet neither the five-year legal residency requirement nor the knowledge of the Portuguese language requirement, provided that the person was a Portuguese national in the past, or that the applicant is held to be a descendant of Portuguese citizens, or a member of Portuguese communities abroad, or provided that the applicant is found to have rendered, or is expected to render in the future relevant services to the Portuguese State or to the national community. Minors born in Portugal to foreign parents can by be granted Portuguese Nationality by the Government, if, at the time of the request made on their behalf by their legal representatives, they have completed the first cycle of the basic education in Portugal, and if one of the parents legally resides in Portugal for at least five years. The requirements of being of age at the time of the request and of legally residing in Portugal for at least six years are waived with respect to a minor meeting those conditions, but the minor must still demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the Portuguese language, and must not have been convicted to crimes that carry under Portuguese law a prison penalty of three years or more. the Portuguese Government can also grant naturalisation to foreigners who prove that they descend from Portuguese Sephardic Jews and who demonstrate that they belong to a traditional Jewish Sephardic community of Portuguese origin; Nationality is granted as a matter of right (and not by naturalisation in the strict sense), but without retroactive effect, to a person who is a son or a daughter of someone who acquires Portuguese Nationality by naturalisation, provided that the person was a minor at the time of the parent's naturalisation, and provided that the person in question, either represented by his parents or by another legal guardian (during minority or incapacity), or by himself (once of age) applies to be registered as a Portuguese national.	Yes
Romania		People born in Romania who: are foundlings have Romanian parents	Romanian nationality is acquired by descent under one of the following conditions: Conditions People with a Romanian ancestor up to 3 generations back may be eligible for citizenship: People with at least one parent, grandparent or great-grandparent, born anytime before 1940 in a location that was in the Kingdom of Romania between 1918 and 1940 (including Bessarabia and Northern Bukovina) and can demonstrate competence in the Romanian language, are eligible for restoration of citizenship. People with a parent or grandparent still registered as a Romanian citizen, may apply for clarification of their own citizenship. Romanian citizenship is NOT automatically lost by naturalisation to a foreign country.	5 years' residence in Romania	8 years' residence 4 years' residence (EU citizens), but requires permanent residency which is typically issued after 5 years	Yes
Slovakia		People born in Slovakia: who are foundlings whose parents are both stateless, and at least one of whom is a Slovak permanent resident	Slovak nationality is acquired by descent under the following condition: at least one of parents, grandparents or great-grandparents was a Czechoslovak citizen born in the territory of the Slovak Republic.	After 5 years' residence in Slovakia, and living in Slovakia without any immigration restrictions at the time of application	8 years' residence (5 years until a permanent residence is acquired plus 3 years of permanent residence)	Dual citizenship is only permitted to Slovak citizens who acquire a second citizenship by birth or through marriage and to foreign nationals who apply for Slovak citizenship and meet the requirements of the Citizenship Act.
Slovenia		A child born in Slovenia is a Slovenian citizen if either parent is a Slovenian citizen. Where the child is born outside Slovenia the child will be automatically Slovenian if: both parents are Slovenian citizens; or one parent is Slovenian and the other parent is unknown, is of unknown citizenship or is stateless. A person born outside Slovenia with one Slovenian parent who is not Slovenian automatically may acquire Slovenian citizenship through: an application for registration as a Slovenian citizen made at any time before age 36; or taking up permanent residence in Slovenia before age 18. Children adopted by Slovenian citizens may be granted Slovenian citizenship.	Slovenian nationality is acquired by descent under one of the following conditions: A person of "Slovenian origin" up to the fourth generation in direct descent or a former Slovenian citizen may be naturalised without any residence requirements.	A person who is married to a Slovenian citizen for at least two years may be naturalised after one year's residence in Slovenia	A total of 10 years' residence in Slovenia, including 5 years' continuous residence before the application	Dual citizenship is generally permitted in Slovenia; however, applicants for Slovenian citizenship by naturalisation must normally renounce any foreign citizenship (the requirement to renounce foreign citizenship may be waived upon special application).
Spain		People born in Spain who: are stateless are foundlings	Children of Spanish citizens	1 year of marriage to a Spanish citizen and residence in Spain	10 years' residence 5 years' residence (refugees) 2 years' residence (for nationals of Iberoamerica, Andorra, Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, or if the individual is a Sephardi Jew) 1 year's residence (People born in Spain)	Yes (if a Spanish citizen by descent/origin); if naturalising in an Iberoamerican country, Spanish—and EU citizenship—is "dormant" until the return to Spain; see Multiple citizenship. No (if a naturalised Spanish citizen, unless from Iberoamerica, Andorra, Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal or France)
Sweden		People born in Sweden who: are stateless, or are foundlings (cancelled if parents found)	Swedish nationality is acquired by descent under one of the following conditions: Conditions Person: whose mother is a Swedish citizen, or born in Sweden whose father is a Swedish citizen whose father is a Swedish citizen and married to the mother (also later marriage)	3 years' marriage in case residing in Sweden, 10 years in case living abroad with a Swedish spouse and has 'strong ties' to Sweden, by family visits and such	5 years' normal residence permit (not the time limited residence/work permit/Study Permit) and must hold Swedish permanent residence permit at the time of applying or person with a visa intended for settlement in Sweden with 5 years' residence in Sweden. 2 years if citizen of a Nordic country (i.e. Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Norway)	Yes

Loss of EU citizenship due to member state withdrawal

See also: Withdrawal from the European Union

If a person loses the nationality of a country in the European Union (EU), they also lose their EU citizenship. However, it is not clear whether people automatically lose their EU citizenship if their country leaves the EU.

Some legal experts believe that once a country joins the EU, its people become EU citizens and cannot be stripped of this status just because their country leaves. Others think that only a court decision can settle this question.

When the United Kingdom left the EU (known as Brexit), British citizens lost their EU citizenship. This was challenged in court, but the European Court of Justice decided that British citizens indeed lost their EU rights after Brexit. British citizens living in other EU countries could stay if they applied for special permission, except for Irish citizens, who kept their rights because of an existing agreement between the UK and Ireland.

Danish opt-out

Further information: Opt-outs in the European Union

Denmark chose to keep four special rules, or opt-outs, after the 1992 referendum rejected the Maastricht Treaty. These opt-outs are explained in the Edinburgh Agreement. They cover important areas like money, safety, laws, and European Union citizenship. The rule about citizenship says that being a European Union citizen does not take away a person’s Danish citizenship. This rule became less important when the Amsterdam Treaty made the same choice for all members. Recently, Danish leaders have planned votes to remove these special rules, including the one about citizenship, even though it doesn’t change much anymore.