Citizenship by Marriage
Discover the fastest pathways to citizenship for spouses. Compare residency requirements and legal processes worldwide.
Fast-Track Naturalization
Citizenship by marriage (often called jure matrimonii) is a fast-track naturalization process for foreign nationals married to a citizen. While few countries grant "automatic" citizenship upon marriage anymore, many offer significantly reduced residency requirements—sometimes as little as 1-3 years compared to the standard 5-10 years.
Common Requirements
- Legally valid marriage certificate
- Cohabitation (living together) for a specific period
- Clean criminal record
- Basic knowledge of the national language (in some countries)
- Proof of genuine relationship (to prevent sham marriages)
- Residency in the country (though some like Portugal allow living abroad)
Marriage Citizenship Timelines
Mexico
Mexico grants citizenship after 2 years of residence following marriage to a Mexican citizen.
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United States
The United States offers naturalization after 3 years of permanent residency (Green Card) while married to a U.S. citizen.
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Canada
Canada does not offer direct citizenship by marriage; the spouse must meet standard naturalization requirements.
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Argentina
Argentina grants immediate eligibility for citizenship after marriage and 2 years of residence.
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Brazil
Brazil offers citizenship after 1 year of marriage and residence in the country.
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Chile
Chile grants citizenship after 2 years of residence following marriage to a Chilean citizen.
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Paraguay
Paraguay provides citizenship after 2 years of marriage and residence in the country.
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Uruguay
Uruguay grants citizenship after 3 years of marriage and residence (2 years if you have children).
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Portugal
Portugal offers citizenship after 3 years of marriage, even without living in the country.
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Spain
Spain grants citizenship after 1 year of residence following marriage to a Spanish citizen.
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Italy
Italy offers citizenship after 2 years of marriage (1 year if living in Italy).
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France
France grants citizenship after 4 years of marriage (3 years if living together in France).
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Germany
Germany requires 3 years of marriage and 2 years of residence for naturalization.
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Greece
Greece grants citizenship after 3 years of residence following marriage to a Greek citizen.
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Switzerland
Switzerland offers fast-track citizenship in 3-5 years after marriage.
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Japan
Japan grants citizenship after 3 years of marriage and residence in Japan.
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India
India does not offer automatic citizenship by marriage; the spouse must meet standard naturalization requirements.
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Indonesia
Indonesia grants citizenship after 2 years of marriage.
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Turkey
Turkey offers citizenship after 3 years of marriage.
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Egypt
Egypt grants citizenship after 2 years of marriage to an Egyptian man.
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Morocco
Morocco offers citizenship after 5 years of marriage and residence.
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Tunisia
Tunisia provides citizenship after 2 years of marriage and residency.
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Australia
Australia does not offer automatic citizenship by marriage; the spouse must meet standard residency requirements.
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New Zealand
New Zealand does not offer direct citizenship by marriage; the spouse must meet standard naturalization requirements.
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