How to Obtain an EU Passport As an Australian Citizen

The European Union is a top destination for Australian expats.

According to Australian expatriate organization Advance, there are at least one million Aussies living outside Australia, many of them living, working and traveling in Europe. Although short-term visas are OK for visitors, Australian citizens who hope to stay in Europe permanently can obtain EU passports.

Things You'll Need

• Birth certificate
• Father's birth certificate
• Mother's birth certificate
• Marriage certificate
• At least two passport photos
• Other documentation confirming identity (driver's license, bank statements, etc.)

Instructions

Obtain EU citizenship

1. 

   The European Union stretches from Spain to Poland.

   Choose which European country you'd like a passport from. A growing number of countries in Europe--including the United Kingdom, France, Ireland and Sweden--issue EU passports. Member states are added regularly, so refer to the EU portal for a list (see Resources).

2. 

   Family ties strengthen your chances of gaining EU citizenship.

   Determine any biological ties you may have with an EU country. For example, if your mother or father was born in a European member state, your chances of securing an EU passport are much greater. Some countries require that at least one of an applicant's parents be a resident, but there is some flexibility. If you were born between February 7, 1961 and December 31, 1982 to a mother who was a British citizen, for example, you may be able to claim citizenship.

3. 

   Fifty-four countries belong to the Commonwealth of Nations.

   Identify any connections between Australia and the EU country in question. For example, Australia is a member of the Commonwealth. This provides additional routes to passport eligibility. You must have been a Commonwealth citizen with one parent who is a UK/Commonwealth citizen born in the UK. Alternatively, you could be a woman married to a British man prior to January 1, 1983.

4. 

   A five-year residency is required before being considered for naturalization.

   Without family or political ties to the country you'd like to gain citizenship from, residency is a necessity. In France, for example, Australians applying for naturalization must prove they have lived there for five years prior to the request. To be considered, you must be able to demonstrate that you have a fixed address, stability and permanence. Any children you may have sharing your home will also become full French citizens if your request is approved.

5. 

   Marriage does not automatically qualify you for an EU passport.

   Marriage is a commonly believed to be a route to gaining an EU citizenship and passport. However, citizenship is not automatically granted. Most countries require a length of residency and/or a probationary period before qualifying you. In Germany, you have to meet specific conditions--including three years of residency--before earning the right to naturalization after two years of marriage.

6. 

   Immigration lawyers can help with the appeals process.

   Obtain good legal advice on citizenship from a reputable immigration lawyer working within the EU member state. He should be aware of current and upcoming legislation affecting your case. While this won't expedite your case, it could prevent any unnecessary delays occurring.

7. 

   There are many EU embassies in Canberra.

   If you are in the EU, contact the office responsible for granting citizenship. In the UK, for example, this is the UK Border Agency. Australians outside of the EU should contact the relevant consulate or embassy. Many embassies, including the Bulgarian, Finnish and French, are based in Canberra.

8. 

   Anyone hoping for a Bulgarian passport must pass a language proficiency test.

   Be prepared for any necessary citizenship tests and/or language proficiency exams. The UK requires citizenship candidates to have a good working knowledge of UK history, heritage and culture. Countries such as Finland and France require language proficiency before granting naturalization.

Apply for a passport

1. 

   Application forms for some EU countries are available for download.

   Once your citizenship request has been approved, contact your new country's passport issuing office, embassy or consulate for full instructions.

2. 

   A UK adult's passport lasts ten years.

   Requirements vary between EU countries, but normally this requires a fee, two passport photographs, documentation verifying your claim to citizenship, witnessed or notarized signatures, and documents verifying your identity.

3. 

   Australia has permitted dual nationality since 2003.

   Prior to travelling with your new passport, be aware of any regulations governing travel with dual citizenship.

References

• Advance: One Million More
• Australian Times: About Us
• Europa: Member States
• UK Border Agency: British Citizenship
• Finnish Embassy: Finnish Citizenship

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Advance
• Europa EU Portal
• French Embassy
• British High Commission
• Finnish Embassy