MobileCIT Question 4
“Should it be easier for mobile EU citizens to get citizenship of their country of residence in the EU?”
Background
In the majority of EU countries, dual citizenship is allowed. Nevertheless, in several Member States, acquiring national citizenship automatically leads to the loss of the citizenship of the country of origin.(1) This is an obstacle to naturalisation (for a foreigner to acquire citizenship) and frequently causes numerous administrative hurdles, especially for families with several nationalities.
Currently, the procedures for acquiring citizenship differ depending on where you come from, ethno-cultural connections, the type of ties you have with the country (e.g. family links)and the length of time you have been a resident.(2) There are also differences in costs and citizenship tests.
Pro
The citizenship of the country of residence could give mobile citizens more rights in some Member States, such as the right to vote and run for office in national elections and could decrease bureaucratic hurdles (“red tape”).
Against
In the case of dual citizenship, you become bound by the laws of two nations. This may lead to conflicting situations in cases where legal and tax requirements in both nations differ, and individuals must comply with these double requirements (e.g. double taxation).(3)
The article is posted in collaboration with MobileCIT.
Sources
(1) Acquisition and loss of citizenship in EU Member States
(2) https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2018/625116/EPRS_BRI(2018)625116_EN.pdf
(3) https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/031315/advantages-disadvantages-dual-citizenship.asp