Key Takeaways
• Germany lowered parental residency from eight to five years for child citizenship since June 27, 2024.
• Portugal proposes increasing residency from five to ten years for most parents, pending 2025 legislation.
• Other European countries have conditional citizenship based on parents’ residency, nationality, or child integration.
As of July 2025, the landscape of birthright citizenship in Europe is changing, with several countries updating their laws and requirements. These changes affect families, immigrants, and anyone planning to have children in Europe. Understanding what has changed, who is affected, and what steps to take next is important for anyone considering citizenship options for their children. This update explains the latest developments in birthright citizenship, focusing on Germany 🇩🇪 and Portugal 🇵🇹, while also covering broader trends across Europe.
Summary of What Changed
Several European countries offer what is known as “conditional birthright citizenship.” This means that not every child born in the country automatically becomes a citizen. Instead, certain conditions must be met, usually related to the parents’ nationality or how long they have lived in the country. Recently, Germany 🇩🇪 has made it easier for children of foreign parents to get citizenship, while Portugal 🇵🇹 is considering making it harder by increasing the residency requirement for parents. Other countries have their own unique rules, and the European Union 🇪🇺 does not have a single policy that covers all member countries.
Key Changes by Country
Germany 🇩🇪: Modernized Citizenship Law
- Effective Date: June 27, 2024
- What Changed: Germany 🇩🇪 lowered the residency requirement for foreign parents. Now, if at least one parent has lived in Germany 🇩🇪 legally for five years, their child born in Germany 🇩🇪 can become a citizen at birth.
- Previous Rule: The old rule required eight years of legal residence and permanent residency status for the parent.
- Who Is Affected: Foreign parents who have lived in Germany 🇩🇪 for at least five years, regardless of whether they have permanent residency.
- Required Actions: Parents should ensure they have proof of legal residency for at least five years. When their child is born, they can apply for citizenship for their child through the local registry office (Standesamt). For more details, visit the official German government website.
Portugal 🇵🇹: Proposed Increase in Residency Requirement
- Effective Date: Not yet in effect; proposal made in June 2025, pending a vote.
- What Might Change: The draft law would increase the residency requirement for parents from five to ten years before their child born in Portugal 🇵🇹 can get citizenship. For parents from CPLP (Community of Portuguese Language Countries), the requirement would be seven years.
- Current Rule: Right now, a child born in Portugal 🇵🇹 can get citizenship if one parent is Portuguese or has legally lived in Portugal 🇵🇹 for at least five years.
- Who Is Affected: Immigrant families planning to have children in Portugal 🇵🇹, especially those who have not yet reached the new proposed residency thresholds.
- Required Actions: Families should keep track of the legislative process. If the law passes, those who have not yet met the new residency requirement may need to wait longer before their children can qualify for citizenship. Updates can be found on the official Portuguese government portal.
Other European Countries: Conditional Birthright Citizenship Rules
While Germany 🇩🇪 and Portugal 🇵🇹 are making headlines, other European countries also offer conditional birthright citizenship. Each country sets its own rules, and these can be quite different:
- Belgium 🇧🇪: A child can get citizenship if one foreign parent was born in Belgium 🇧🇪 and lived there for five years before the child’s birth, or if both parents have legally lived in Belgium 🇧🇪 for ten years.
- Greece 🇬🇷: A child can get citizenship if at least one parent is Greek, or if both parents are legal residents and the child completes six years of school in Greece 🇬🇷.
- Ireland 🇮🇪: A child born in Ireland 🇮🇪 can be a citizen if one parent is an Irish or British citizen, or a lawful resident with three years of residence in the past four years.
- Luxembourg 🇱🇺: Citizenship is possible if one parent was born in Luxembourg 🇱🇺.
- Netherlands 🇳🇱: A child can become a citizen if one parent lives permanently in the Netherlands 🇳🇱 and was living there at the time of birth.
- Spain 🇪🇸: A child can become Spanish if one parent is Spanish or if the child would otherwise be stateless.
- France 🇫🇷: A child born in France 🇫🇷 can become a citizen at birth if one parent is French or was born in France 🇫🇷. Otherwise, the child can become a citizen at age 13 or automatically at 18 if they have lived in France 🇫🇷 long enough.
Who Is Affected by These Changes?
The changes in birthright citizenship laws mainly affect:
- Immigrant families: Parents who are not citizens but have lived in a European country for several years.
- Children born to foreign parents: Their citizenship status depends on their parents’ residency and sometimes their nationality.
- Stateless children: Children who would otherwise have no citizenship may qualify for citizenship by birth in some countries.
- Employers and schools: These changes can affect the families of foreign workers and students, impacting their long-term plans.
Effective Dates and Pending Applications
- Germany 🇩🇪: The new rule is already in effect as of June 27, 2024. Children born on or after this date can benefit from the lower residency requirement.
- Portugal 🇵🇹: The proposed change is not yet law. If passed, it will only affect applications made after the law takes effect. Families with pending applications should check the latest updates to see if they are covered by the old or new rules.
- Other Countries: Most other countries have not announced major changes recently, but it is always wise to check the latest information from official sources.
Required Actions for Families and Applicants
If you are planning to have a child in Europe or are already living there, here are the steps you should take:
- Check the Residency Requirement: Find out how long you need to have lived in the country before your child can qualify for citizenship.
- Gather Proof of Residency: Keep documents such as residence permits, rental agreements, and employment records to show your legal stay.
- Monitor Policy Changes: Laws can change quickly. Stay updated by checking official government websites or speaking with immigration lawyers.
- Apply at the Right Time: If you are close to meeting the residency requirement, consider the timing of your application, especially if new laws are about to take effect.
- Consult Local Authorities: Each country has its own process for applying for citizenship. Contact the local registry office or immigration authority for guidance.
Implications for Pending Applications
- Germany 🇩🇪: If your child was born before June 27, 2024, the old rule applies. If born after, the new five-year rule applies.
- Portugal 🇵🇹: If the law changes, applications filed before the new law takes effect may still be processed under the old rule. However, this depends on how the law is written and when it is enforced.
- Other Countries: Pending applications are usually processed under the law in effect at the time of application, but this can vary.
Practical Implications for Families
Residency Requirements
- Most countries require parents to have lived in the country for a certain number of years before their child can get citizenship.
- The length of time varies: Germany 🇩🇪 now requires five years, Portugal 🇵🇹 currently requires five but may soon require ten, and other countries have their own rules.
Language and Integration
- Some countries require parents or children to show they can speak the local language or are integrated into society.
- This can mean passing a language test or showing proof of school attendance.
Statelessness
- If a child would otherwise be stateless (meaning they have no citizenship from any country), many European countries allow them to get citizenship by birth.
- This is to prevent children from growing up without any legal nationality.
Expert Analysis: What These Changes Mean
Experts say that conditional birthright citizenship helps countries balance the need for integration with the rights of children born to immigrants. By lowering the residency requirement, Germany 🇩🇪 is making it easier for immigrant families to feel included and plan for their future. On the other hand, Portugal 🇵🇹 is considering making it harder, which could delay citizenship for many children.
Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that these changes reflect a broader trend in Europe. Countries want to attract skilled workers and support family reunification, but they also want to make sure that new citizens are well integrated into society. This means that language skills, cultural knowledge, and long-term residency are becoming more important.
Future Outlook: What to Expect Next
- Germany 🇩🇪: The new law is likely to make Germany 🇩🇪 more attractive to immigrants, especially families who want their children to have a secure future.
- Portugal 🇵🇹: If the proposed law passes, Portugal 🇵🇹 may see fewer children of immigrants getting citizenship, at least until their parents have lived there longer.
- Other Countries: More countries may review their birthright citizenship laws in the coming years, especially as migration patterns change and governments respond to new challenges.
What Should You Do Now?
- Stay Informed: Laws can change quickly. Always check the latest information from official sources, such as the European Union’s immigration portal.
- Plan Ahead: If you are close to meeting a residency requirement, consider how upcoming changes might affect your family.
- Get Help if Needed: If you are unsure about your situation, talk to an immigration lawyer or contact your local immigration office.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is birthright citizenship?
Birthright citizenship means a child becomes a citizen of a country just by being born there. In Europe, this is usually conditional, meaning certain rules must be met.
2. How do I know if my child qualifies for citizenship?
Check the rules for the country where your child is born. Usually, it depends on how long you or your partner have lived there and your legal status.
3. What documents do I need to apply?
You will usually need:
– Proof of your legal residency (residence permit, visa, etc.)
– Proof of your child’s birth (birth certificate)
– Other documents as required by the country’s immigration office
4. Where can I find the application forms?
Each country has its own forms. For example, Germany 🇩🇪 provides forms at local registry offices (Standesamt), and Portugal 🇵🇹 has forms available through the official government portal. Always use the official website to get the most up-to-date forms.
5. What happens if the law changes while my application is pending?
Usually, your application is processed under the law that was in effect when you applied. However, this can vary, so check with the local immigration office or a legal expert.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Birthright citizenship in Europe is not automatic and depends on each country’s rules. Germany 🇩🇪 has made it easier for children of immigrants to become citizens, while Portugal 🇵🇹 may soon make it harder. Other countries have their own unique requirements. If you are planning to have a child in Europe or are already living there, check the latest rules, gather your documents, and apply at the right time. Stay informed by visiting official government websites and, if needed, seek professional advice.
By understanding these changes and acting early, families can make the best choices for their children’s future. For more information, always refer to the official government sources and keep an eye on updates, as laws can change quickly and affect your eligibility for birthright citizenship.
Learn Today
Birthright Citizenship → Automatic citizenship granted based on birthplace; in Europe, often requires meeting specific parental conditions.
Residency Requirement → Minimum legal living period a parent must have completed in a country for the child’s citizenship eligibility.
Statelessness → Condition of a person not recognized as a citizen by any country, risking lack of legal rights.
Conditional Birthright Citizenship → Citizenship granted at birth only if specific conditions, like parental residency or nationality, are fulfilled.
Permanent Residency → Legal status allowing a foreign national to live indefinitely in a country, often required for citizenship eligibility.
This Article in a Nutshell
Europe’s birthright citizenship laws are evolving. Germany eased rules for children of immigrants, while Portugal might tighten residency. Families must track changing requirements, gather proof, and apply timely to secure citizenship for their children amid diverse European policies.
— By VisaVerge.com
