It is a good thing to get citizenship because you are entitled to the protection of the state. But, it is not as easy as you may think. Here are some important things to know before you go out to apply for your own passport.
New Zealand
New Zealand citizens enjoy several benefits. They are allowed to travel freely on their New Zealand passports and can hold elected office in the country. There are no taxes on income, capital gains, inheritance, or land.
Citizenship in New Zealand also saves time, which is a plus. However, the process can be bureaucratic. It’s a good idea to know what you’re getting into before applying.
To apply for citizenship in New Zealand, you must be at least 16 years old. If you’re a child under 13, you don’t have to meet the character requirement.
Applicants can complete the application online, or offline. Choosing the option to apply online will make the process faster. In most cases, the application takes less than two weeks to be processed. You can also choose to submit your application in person at DIA offices.
The process may seem lengthy, but it’s much faster than most other countries. 90% of applications are processed within six to eight weeks. And most applicants don’t even have to go through an interview.
When you’re ready to get started, you’ll need to know what documents you need to bring along. For example, you’ll need to have a passport sized photo and an endorsement from a witness.
Your application will be reviewed by the Minister of Internal Affairs, who may grant you citizenship. You’ll need to attend a ceremony to be endorsed as a New Zealand citizen. This ceremony can be arranged by your local council.
During the ceremony, you’ll also take an oath. As with a certificate of citizenship, the oath will include the details of the ceremony. Some ceremonies may also involve a performance of the national anthem.
Switzerland
Swiss citizenship is a right that gives you the privilege to live and work in Switzerland. The benefits are numerous and include the ability to obtain a passport, health insurance, and a Swiss bank account. It also provides access to visa-free travel to countries in the Schengen area.
There are two main ways to become a citizen of Switzerland. You can apply for naturalization or you can marry a Swiss citizen. Both of these methods require you to live in Switzerland for at least five years.
If you are married to a Swiss citizen, you can apply for a simplified naturalization procedure. This allows you to have the citizenship process completed in half the time as the normal procedure.
To qualify for this procedure, you must be a resident of Switzerland for at least five years and have good character. You can prove this by providing evidence of your social integration in the community. In addition, you may be asked to provide proof of your finances, such as your bank statements or a criminal record check.
Aside from these qualifications, you must also pass a language test. Your choice of language will depend on the canton in which you reside. Applicants can also prove their proficiency in a foreign language by submitting a certificate from an officially recognized language school.
Swiss citizens are often regarded for their high quality of life, healthcare infrastructure, and digital technology. They also enjoy a free public education system. For this reason, it is important to maintain good relationships with your neighbours and participate in local activities.
Getting citizenship in Switzerland is a long, multi-leveled process that can take several years. Whether you are applying for citizenship as a foreigner or a citizen of the United States, it is recommended that you research the process thoroughly before you begin.
United Arab Emirates
Citizenship in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is available for qualified foreigners. It is granted to special talents, entrepreneurs and investors, and allows them to live, work and study in the UAE.
In February 2021, the UAE government made some significant changes to the citizenship laws, including the addition of new qualifications. These changes are aimed at attracting more foreign nationals to the country.
The UAE government has also introduced a five-year and 10-year residency visa for certain skill sets. This “golden” visa program will be expanded in late 2020. Those who qualify will be granted a free Esaad Privilege Card, which offers discounts up to 70 percent in the UAE.
For those who are not UAE citizens, the Emirates Identity Authority has an online website that provides information on the card registration process. Foreigners who are already in the UAE and wish to retain their citizenship should contact a law firm in Dubai for advice on the matter.
Among the most attractive benefits offered by the UAE is its tax-free income and subsidized education. The country has invested billions of dollars in public schools, universities and healthcare.
To apply for the UAE’s citizenship, you must be an Emirati, Qatari, Omani or Arab national. You must also have lived in the UAE for at least three years. However, you may only obtain the right to stay in the country for three years if you are married to a UAE citizen.
Children born in the UAE after January 1, 1972, may also be eligible for citizenship. A child who is born out of wedlock can acquire the title once his or her father legally recognizes the child.
Saudi Arabia
If you plan to live in Saudi Arabia, you must be aware of the laws regarding citizenship. While the country provides a number of visas for tourists, investors, students, and businessmen, you must also be aware of the requirements for obtaining citizenship.
First, you must possess a valid passport from your home country. In addition, you must be above the age of maturity. Depending on your nationality, you may be required to pay a fee for a temporary residency permit.
If you wish to acquire citizenship in Saudi Arabia, you will need to submit your application to the Civil Affairs office. Once your application is approved, you will receive a residence permit. The initial term of the permit is usually a period of a few years.
After five years of residency, you can apply for a permanent permit. This will allow you to live in the country and enjoy the rights that come with it.
In order to obtain your permanent residence permit, you will need to pass a test in either English or Arabic. You will also have to prove that you have a legitimate purpose for living in the kingdom. Applicants who fail to meet the criteria can be denied.
Foreigners who marry a Saudi national can retain their Saudi nationality. However, they will have to give up their current nationality. Also, they must have a spouse and three children. Those who do not have these requirements can only get a premium residency permit, which will not allow them to become citizens.
Aside from the citizenship program, the government of Saudi Arabia has made a number of reforms to reduce the dependency on oil. It has also opened a number of opportunities for people with high qualifications, allowing them to enter the country and work.
Japan
When you want to become a naturalized citizen of Japan, you must comply with the Japanese government’s guidelines. You may also be required to pass a language test. The government expects you to prove your financial stability, as well as your moral character.
Japan has a conservative interpretation of its own nationality law. In fact, the country is the only developed nation that does not grant automatic citizenship. But there are ways to get Japanese citizenship without relinquishing another.
For example, you can apply for citizenship in Japan if your child was born in Japan. If your child is born abroad, you will have to acquire a Certificate of Eligibility.
You can also get a Certificate of Eligibility if your child was adopted by a Japanese national. Alternatively, you can acquire a Spouse of Japanese National or Child of Japanese National status. However, these two types of status are only available to those who have resided in Japan for more than a year.
If you have a skilled worker permit, you must have lived in the country for at least three years. Children of student visa holders are eligible for dependent status. To prove that you are eligible, you will need to attach all of the necessary documents to your application.
To become a naturalized citizen, you will need to submit an application to the Legal Affairs Bureau. This bureau will then pass the application on to the Minister of Justice. After that, you will be awarded a naturalization certificate.
Getting citizenship in Japan is easier than getting permanent residency. Unlike in the US, it isn’t a long process. Typically, it takes about a year for the government to review your application.
