Citizenship by Military Service 2025: Serve and Earn
What is Citizenship by Military Service?
Citizenship by Military Service offers foreigners a chance to gain citizenship by serving in a country’s armed forces. This pathway often bypasses lengthy residency or language requirements, rewarding service with a fast track to naturalization. It’s ideal for those seeking a high-value passport—like from the US or France—without the financial burden of investment programs, though it demands physical and mental dedication.
Benefits of Citizenship by Military Service
- Accelerated Citizenship: Gain citizenship faster than traditional naturalization routes.
- Powerful Passports: Access visa-free travel to 180+ countries (e.g., US, France).
- Low Cost: No hefty investment required—just your service commitment.
- Benefits Packages: Education, healthcare, and veteran perks in some nations.
- Camaraderie: Build lifelong bonds through military service.
Countries Offering Citizenship by Military Service in 2025
United States
Service Duration: 1 year (peacetime) or any time during hostilities
Eligibility: Lawful permanent residents, 17-42 years old, good moral character.
Benefits: US citizenship, visa-free travel to 186+ countries, veteran benefits (education, healthcare).
Process: Serve honorably for 1 year (INA 328) or during hostilities (INA 329), file Form N-400 with N-426, no fees.
Learn More: Our Guide
Official Website: Visit Official Site
France
Service Duration: 3 years minimum in French Foreign Legion
Eligibility: Foreign nationals 17.5-39.5 years old, physically fit, no residency required.
Benefits: French/EU citizenship, visa-free travel to 190+ countries, healthcare, social services.
Process: Join French Foreign Legion, serve 3 years, apply for citizenship with proof of service.
Learn More: Our Guide
Official Website: Visit Official Site
Russia
Service Duration: 1 year minimum
Eligibility: Foreign nationals 18-30 years old, legally in Russia, willing to serve.
Benefits: Russian citizenship, visa-free travel to 120+ countries, simplified procedure.
Process: Sign 1-year contract with Russian Armed Forces, serve 6 months, apply via simplified process (no residency permit needed).
Learn More: Our Guide
Official Website: Visit Official Site
Ukraine
Service Duration: 3-5 years
Eligibility: Foreign nationals 18-60 years old (exceptions apply), Ukrainian descent optional.
Benefits: Ukrainian citizenship, potential EU alignment perks, visa-free travel to 130+ countries.
Process: Contract with Ukrainian Army for 3-5 years, apply for citizenship post-service.
Learn More: Our Guide
Official Website: Visit Official Site
Spain
Service Duration: Variable, typically 2-3 years
Eligibility: Nationals of select Latin American countries, 18-29 years old, residency optional.
Benefits: Spanish/EU citizenship, visa-free travel to 190+ countries, residency rights.
Process: Join Spanish Legion, serve agreed term, apply for citizenship (faster with residency).
Learn More: Our Guide
Official Website: Visit Official Site
Australia
Service Duration: 4 years minimum
Eligibility: Permanent residents or select foreigners (NZ, US, UK, Canada) 17-50 years old, 1-year residency.
Benefits: Australian citizenship, visa-free travel to 183+ countries, veteran benefits.
Process: Join Australian Defence Force, serve 4 years, apply for citizenship post-service.
Learn More: Our Guide
Official Website: Visit Official Site
Canada
Service Duration: 3 years minimum
Eligibility: Permanent residents 19-34 years old, skilled applicants from allied nations.
Benefits: Canadian citizenship, visa-free travel to 185+ countries, healthcare.
Process: Enlist in Canadian Armed Forces, serve 3 years, apply via expedited naturalization.
Learn More: Our Guide
Official Website: Visit Official Site
New Zealand
Service Duration: Variable, typically 3-5 years
Eligibility: Foreign nationals from UK, US, Canada, Australia, 18-45 years old, 5-year residency option.
Benefits: NZ citizenship, visa-free travel to 185+ countries, high quality of life.
Process: Join NZ Defence Force, serve agreed term, apply for citizenship.
Learn More: Our Guide
Official Website: Visit Official Site