Outcomes
Naturalization pathways
Naturalization is the route from residence to passport: a qualifying residence period plus language/integration and character conditions, with the exact rule version determined by your cohort.
When a country amends its nationality law, transition rules differ. Filing date, application status, nationality, residence history and the enacted text can all matter. That is why draft records keep versions separate rather than publishing one universal number.
Portugal Naturalization by Residence (post-May 2026 law)
Portuguese citizenship by residence: seven years for nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries or EU member states and ten years for other nationals under the law effective 19 May 2026.
Research cutoff 2026-09-21 · 2 source references · review pending
Greece Naturalization by Residence
Greek citizenship after 7 years of continuous legal residence, with Greek language proficiency and other conditions.
Research cutoff 2026-09-19 · 2 source references · review pending
Spain Citizenship by Ordinary Residence
Spanish citizenship by residence: ten years generally, five for refugees, two for nationals of the listed countries and Sephardim, and one for specified Article 22 categories.
Research cutoff 2026-09-21 · 3 source references · review pending
Argentine Citizenship by Naturalization
Application for Argentine citizenship after two years of continuous, legal residence immediately before filing under the post-May 2025 rules.
Research cutoff 2026-09-21 · 2 source references · review pending
Brazilian Ordinary Naturalization
Brazilian citizenship application after four years of qualifying residence generally, reduced to one year for specified applicants including a parent of a Brazilian child or spouse of a Brazilian.
Research cutoff 2026-09-21 · 2 source references · review pending
Mexican Naturalization by Residence
Mexican naturalization after five years of qualifying residence generally, or two years for specified applicants including those with Mexican-born children and Latin American or Iberian nationals.
Research cutoff 2026-09-21 · 2 source references · review pending
Canadian Citizenship by Naturalization
Canadian citizenship application for an eligible permanent resident with at least 1,095 days of physical presence during the five-year eligibility period and the other current requirements.
Research cutoff 2026-09-21 · 2 source references · review pending
Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation on the Basis of Merit
Discretionary Maltese naturalisation for a person whose exceptional service, contribution or interest is judged to benefit Malta or humanity.
Research cutoff 2026-09-21 · 2 source references · review pending
Cohorts: the hidden variable
Portugal is a useful example: for applications after 19 May 2026, the official summary states seven years for nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries or EU member states and ten for others; applications already pending continue under the previous wording. A generic calculator cannot determine which law governs an individual case.
Questions, answered
Frequently asked questions
What is naturalisation?
Naturalisation is the legal process by which a non-citizen applies for citizenship after meeting residence and other statutory conditions.
How many years of residence are required?
There is no global number. The period depends on country, nationality, family ties, permit category, filing date and transitional rules.
Does every lawful stay count?
No. Visitor time, study, temporary protection or residence before registration may count differently or not at all. Use the statute for the applicant's exact status.
Can travel break continuous residence?
Yes. Some laws use an annual absence cap, some a continuous-residence concept and some a physical-presence total. Review the complete travel history before calculating eligibility.
Are language or integration tests required?
Many countries require language, civics or integration evidence, while others use interviews or exemptions. Requirements can differ by age, disability or nationality.
Do I need permanent residence before applying?
Some countries require PR or settled status; others allow naturalisation from qualifying temporary residence. The route must be checked country by country.
Can a criminal record prevent naturalisation?
It can. Authorities assess convictions, pending matters, disclosure, rehabilitation and broader good-character standards under local law.
Must I give up my current citizenship?
That depends on both countries' nationality laws and any exceptions. Confirm dual-citizenship consequences before applying, not after approval.
What are cohort or transition rules?
When the law changes, pending applications, existing residents and future applicants can follow different versions. Filing date and procedural stage may decide which rule applies.
Does eligibility mean citizenship will be granted?
No. Meeting minimum conditions permits an application; accuracy, security, character, language and discretionary decision-making can still affect the result.
Research cutoff 2026-09-21; verify before acting.