Immigration Law · European Union
Get Your Citizenship Application Right the First Time
Citizenship applications demand precise documentation, proof of lawful residence, and language and integration requirements — and one gap can mean months of delay or a refusal. We match you, free of charge, with a vetted nationality lawyer who handles citizenship applications in your target European country every day.
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Who this is for
Citizenship is a legal threshold, not just a form
Applying for citizenship is one of the most consequential legal steps you will take, and it is rarely as simple as filling in a form. Most European countries ask you to prove continuous lawful residence, stable income or self-sufficiency, language ability and integration, and to demonstrate that you meet character requirements — all supported by documents that must be current, correctly certified and, where necessary, officially translated. The application is assessed against national rules that change over time and are applied with discretion, and the process can take many months or longer. A specialist helps you understand which route applies to you, gather the right evidence in the right form, and present a complete file the first time, reducing the risk of a costly refusal or a long wait.
Why applications stall
Citizenship applications fail on the details.
And the details are different in every country.
Residence history, language certificates, income evidence and character checks are all assessed against national rules — and a single gap can stall the whole file.
Proving continuous residence
Most countries require a specific period of lawful, continuous residence, often broken down into exact day counts. Gaps, absences or periods on the wrong permit can reset the clock or disqualify the application entirely.
Language and integration evidence
You may need a recognised language certificate, a civic or integration test, or both, at a level set by the country. Using the wrong certificate or the wrong level is a common and avoidable ground for delay or refusal.
Document gaps and expiry
Birth certificates, criminal record checks and marriage documents must be recent, correctly legalised or apostilled, and translated. An out-of-date or incorrectly certified document is often enough to send the whole application back.
What you get
A nationality lawyer who builds your file to the exact standard
We only match you with lawyers who handle citizenship applications regularly in your target country.
Route identification
Your lawyer confirms which pathway to citizenship actually applies to you — residence, descent, marriage, naturalisation — and which one gives you the most realistic and efficient route given your history.
Evidence checklist
Get a precise, country-specific list of every document, certificate and translation required, reviewed against your file before you submit, so you do not discover a gap only after months of waiting.
Application & form review
Every form, declaration and supporting document is checked line by line for consistency and completeness before submission, reducing the chance of an administrative rejection or a costly delay.
Progress & follow-up
Your lawyer tracks the application, answers requests for further evidence and follows up with the authority on your behalf, so the file keeps moving rather than sitting unanswered.
Coverage
Citizenship application lawyers across Europe
Citizenship rules are set nationally, so the right lawyer is one who works with your target country’s nationality authority on a regular basis. We match cases across the following countries and beyond:
Frequently asked
Citizenship applications — common questions
What are the main ways to obtain citizenship in Europe?
Common routes include citizenship by descent, by residence (naturalisation), by marriage, and, in some countries, by investment or exceptional contribution. The applicable route depends on your nationality, family history and residence status, and the rules differ from one country to the next.
How long do I need to live in a country before I can apply?
Residence requirements vary widely by country and route — commonly between five and ten years of lawful, continuous residence, with reductions in some countries for spouses of citizens, recognised refugees or other special categories. A lawyer can confirm the period that applies to your situation.
Do I have to give up my current citizenship?
Not always. Some European countries permit dual or multiple citizenship, while others require you to renounce your existing nationality, with important exceptions. This depends on both the target country and the law of your country of origin, so it should be checked early.
Do I need to pass a language or integration test?
In most countries, yes — naturalisation typically requires evidence of language ability and, often, a civic or integration test or interview. The required level and accepted certificates vary by country, and exemptions may apply for children, older applicants or those with a disability.
How much does it cost to apply for citizenship?
Application and processing fees vary by country and are set by the national authority. There may also be costs for certificates, translations and tests. A lawyer can outline the likely fees for your specific case, and being matched through our service is free.
Can a lawyer improve my chances of approval?
A lawyer cannot guarantee an outcome, but a specialist can confirm you meet the requirements, assemble a complete and correctly certified file, and address the authority’s specific criteria — all of which reduces the risk of refusal or avoidable delay.
Free case review
Apply for citizenship with a complete, correct file
Tell us your residence history and we’ll connect you with a nationality lawyer who handles citizenship applications in your target country every day — free of charge, with no obligation to hire.