BootsnAll Travel Community

I'm in London right now earning my masters degree. I understand I have to live here for five years to apply for citizenship.

In France, I believe, if you earn a masters there (usually a one-year program) you only need to live there for two more years and you can apply for citizenship.

What other places have relatively short requirements for getting EU citizenship/passport?

The US is going to hell and I want out permanently!

I would be careful about assuming that time in country as a student counts towards naturalization residency requirements. I am fairly certain that is the case here in Switzerland. Read the fine print.

There is also the length of the application process to consider. A good mate of mine is just finishing it up in the UK now. At year five he could apply, and the naturalization hoops have consumed another year or so. I bet the more 'dysfunctional' European countries have longer processing times.

Oh, and stay away from Switzerland if you are in a hurry! 12 years...

EDIT: so, I was googling around and see that Belgium is three years. Have a look: http://www.justlanded.com/english/Belgium/Tools/Just-La...-Permits/Citizenship

The easiest/fastest way?

Digging up a European grandparent. I'm sorta going through it myself...

Through a family member or marriage. I'm doing both. Romania for my mother and Peru through my hsuabnd. I'll get both before the end of the year.

HOwever, be carful about other cit, you might have other responsibilities, like taxes, military or voting.

And yes, the new EU countries have long wait times, we start 8 years ago.