EU citizenship through marriage in 2026: real timelines, risks, and alternatives

An EU passport means freedom of movement, the right to live and work in 27 EU countries, and access to European healthcare and education. That is why many consider marriage to an EU citizen a fast track to citizenship.

In reality, however, this is one of the most complex and closely scrutinized immigration routes. Marriage does not automatically grant a passport. It only marks the beginning of a long legal process.

Let’s break down how it works in 2026.

The key rule:
Marriage does not automatically grant a residence permit, permanent residence, or citizenship.
It only provides the legal basis to apply for a residence permit under family reunification rules.

The general process across EU countries looks like this:

1. Marriage registration
2. Obtaining a residence permit based on marriage
3. Residing in the country for the required period
4. Obtaining permanent residence (if required)
5. Applying for citizenship
6. Application review (1–3 years)

Citizenship Application Timelines by Country
Timeframes vary depending on the country:

• Spain — apply after 1 year of joint residence in marriage
• Germany — 3 years of residence in marriage
• Portugal — 3 years
• Netherlands — 3 years
• Sweden — 3 years
• France — 4 years
• Finland — 5 years

For comparison, standard naturalization without marriage usually takes 8–10 years in most EU countries.
Even in the fastest scenario, this means at least 1–3 years of residence in a specific country, followed by 12–36 months of processing time.

EU migration authorities actively verify the authenticity of marriages.

They check:

• Joint residence (lease agreement or property ownership)
• Shared utility bills
• Joint bank accounts
• Financial transaction history
• Photos, travel records, digital footprint
• Social media presence

In many countries, authorities conduct:

• Separate interviews with spouses
• Comparison of answers to personal and household questions
• Unannounced home visits
• Interviews with neighbors or colleagues

Significant discrepancies may lead to refusal.

A sham marriage is a criminal offense in most EU countries.

Consequences may include:

• Revocation of residence permit or citizenship
• Deportation
• Entry ban to the Schengen Area
• Criminal liability

Importantly, even years after citizenship is granted, authorities may initiate investigations and revoke status if fraud is proven.

Even in a genuine relationship, several complexities remain:

• You must reside in your spouse’s country of citizenship.
• You must continuously prove joint residence.
• Divorce before obtaining citizenship may result in loss of status.
• Financial dependency on the spouse can influence the evaluation of the case.

This makes the route legally dependent on personal circumstances.

In some cases, more stable options may include:

1. Repatriation
Available if you have documented ancestry.
Advantages:

• No mandatory residence period in some cases
• No dependency on marriage
• Citizenship transferable to children

2. Residence Permit Followed by Naturalization
Work visas, entrepreneurship, digital nomad programs, investment routes.
This path is longer but legally more stable and independent.

Average EU benchmarks:

• Residence permit processing: 2–6 months
• Citizenship application review: 12–36 months
• Government fees: €100–€1,000 depending on the country
• Additional costs: translations, apostilles, legal support

Once you obtain an EU passport, you gain:

• Freedom to live and work in 27 EU countries
• Visa-free access to 170+ countries
• EU social protections
• Access to education and healthcare systems
• Ability to pass citizenship to children

Marriage to an EU citizen can shorten the path to naturalization, but it is not a “quick passport solution.”
It is a long, carefully monitored, and legally dependent route.

Before making a decision, it is important to evaluate:

• Timelines
• Risks
• Alternative programs
• Your family and documentation history

The Visa Dan team analyzes each case individually and helps develop the optimal strategy — from residence permit to citizenship.

Visa Dan is an international company with a strong legal team and experience in assisting more than 1,000 clients. We offer:

• Individual selection of solutions and strategies for obtaining a residence permit.
• Complete transparency and support at every stage.
• A strong team in Europe: lawyers, translators, operators, notaries.
• Support until you receive your ID card, as well as assistance with renewal and integration in the country.

The Visa Dan team will help you navigate this journey from start to finish. Get personalized advice and start your new life in 2025!