How to Obtain an EU Passport
While a European Union passport used by all EU members may sound like a valuable document to obtain, it does not exist as such. Passports are still issued as a national function of each separate country, although passports of member states have the same benefits that an EU passport would have: free travel throughout the European Union. Therefore, unless you are already a citizen of an EU member state, it is necessary to obtain citizenship to receive a passport that allows you to travel freely in Europe. For non-citizens of EU countries, obtaining citizenship is a long process that can be aided by legal loopholes such as marriage or proof of genetic heritage.
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Things You'll Need
- Visa to EU country
- Passport application form
- Passport photos
- Valid passport
- Proof of income or support (bank statements or a letter of invitation or sponsorship)
- Consular fees
Instructions
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Select the EU country from which you wish to eventually obtain a passport. Base your choice on your research of the naturalization process in different European countries, which can take 6 months to 10 years. Your choice could also be based on employment, social connections or genetic heritage.
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Visit the nearest embassy or consulate of the EU country you wish to get your passport from. Obtain from them all the qualifications for claiming citizenship, as well as any forms you may need.
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Research your genealogy. In the case that you have European heritage that can be genealogically proven, you may have found a major shortcut on your path to citizenship. Depending on various national rulings, tracing your paternal or maternal lines may make you eligible for fast naturalization by means of "reclaiming" citizenship.
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Obtain a visa and travel to your chosen country. If you plan to work in the EU country you have chosen, be sure to review its specific regulations as many EU states do not allow work permits without a letter of invitation or sponsorship from within the country itself.
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Continue to renew or extend your residency within your chosen country, allowing you to stay long enough to apply for citizenship and obtain a passport. Keep strictly to your country's immigration regulations. In most cases without claims of heritage or legal ties such as marriage, your stay will need to be anywhere between 5 and 10 years before you are eligible for citizenship.
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Apply for citizenship in your EU country. Once granted, you have become eligible to receive a passport from that nation, allowing you free access throughout all EU states.
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