“Citizen” or being a citizen is one of the most important concepts in the modern era and immigration, which is directly related to the identity, rights and duties of people. This term does not only mean residence in a particular country, but also includes a sense of belonging, participation in social affairs, and the use of legal and civil protections. In this article entitled “What is a citizen”, we examine the concept of being a citizen from legal, cultural and social aspects and show how this title affects people’s lives and connects them with society.
Benefits of being a citizen
Among the benefits of being a citizen of a country are:
Increase income and job opportunities
In the United States, studies of naturalized immigrants show that the income is 50-70% higher than that of permanent residents. Similarly, in citizens who chose to immigrate to Switzerland, they had an average of 3,000 francs and after ten years an average of 8,000 francs more annual income than their non-citizen counterparts.
Increasing economic investment
In the US, naturalization leads to an increase in wages of 10.1–13.5% over 12–17 years, adding $45–21 billion to the economy if half of those eligible become citizens.
Reducing discrimination and job stability
Citizenship creates a stable identity that reduces the risk of changing residency status and increases the motivation of employers to invest in immigrants.
Increasing productivity and political participation
Citizens have access to social, educational, tax and electoral rights opportunities, which promote civic participation and a sense of social belonging.
What is a citizen and why is it important? (Nationality and Citizenship)
Citizenship is a legal status that identifies a person as a full member of the country. It includes political rights (such as voting, running for office), social rights (access to public services) and diplomatic protections. Its importance is evident in several aspects:
Only citizens have the right to vote and run in elections.
- Legal protection and security:
In times of crisis, the government guarantees its citizens diplomatic protection and international law.
- Economic and social conditions:
Access to sensitive jobs, government loans, scholarships, health services, and even the power of a powerful passport (VisaFree or Visa on Arrival).
- Identity and sense of belonging:
Citizenship adds to a person’s legal and psychological commitment to society. In developed countries, citizenship is also a sign of long-term loyalty.
Types of citizens in the world
Citizenship in international systems is defined in several official types:
Jus Sanguinis
This type of citizenship is granted based on the race, descent or nationality of the parents. This law is often applied in countries such as Germany, Japan and Austria. To use this type of citizenship, it is sometimes necessary for a person to reside in the country for at least 5 to 10 years (depending on national laws) or to prove a relative relationship with the citizens of that country.
Jus Soli
Countries that have territorial citizenship grant this type of residence based on the place of birth. For example, children born in the United States or Canada will immediately become citizens of these countries. Research by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) shows that countries with this law have an average per capita income of about 80% higher than countries with the “bloody” law.
Multiple/Dual Citizenship
This situation occurs when a person is a citizen of two or more countries at the same time. This has many advantages; Including increasing the possibility of traveling without restrictions, better access to labor markets in different countries and using their social support. However, being a citizen of multiple countries creates additional tax or military service obligations that one must consider.
Citizenship by Investment
Some countries have programs to grant citizenship in exchange for economic investment, such as investing in Dominica. These programs generate income for the host countries while increasing the inflow of foreign capital. For example, Dominica’s citizenship-by-investment program accounted for about 26 percent of the country’s GDP in 2018.
Union citizenship (such as EU citizenship)
This type of citizenship, in addition to being a citizen in a member country, creates benefits and double rights in the form of a union. For EU citizens, this includes the right to free movement within member states, the right to vote in local and European elections, and diplomatic protection outside the EU.
Statelessness
Statelessness occurs when a person does not belong to any country. The United Nations has announced that about 12 million people in the world are stateless. This often deprives them of basic rights such as education, medical care or legal protection. For example, Shamima Begum, who was deprived of British citizenship, is considered one of these stateless people.
The difference between citizen and permanent residence
Being a citizen (subject) with permanent residence are two completely separate concepts.
Being a citizen means that a person belongs to the country, uses all the rights of citizenship (such as the right to vote, serve in the armed forces, diplomatic protection abroad, etc.) and this relationship is established through the citizenship law.
On the other hand, permanent residence only provides permission to live and work in the country, and the resident is deprived of many of the rights of citizens; For example, they cannot vote in elections, run for political office, or use full consular support.
| comparison | Citizen | permanent residence |
| right to vote | has | does not have |
| The right to use diplomatic protection | has | limited |
| right to work | No restrictions | with restrictions |
| The right to enter and leave the country | free | conditionally |
| Social services | complete | limited |
| military service | Often mandatory | Optional or exempt |
| Transferring citizenship to children | has | does not have |
| Possibility of loss | Hard (only in very special situations like treason or terrorism) | Possibility of loss in case of violation of residency rules |
Legal methods of obtaining citizenship
Obtaining citizenship through legal methods is one of the most important ways that people can establish a direct and emotional connection with a new country. In addition to providing security, this connection creates many social and economic supports for the citizen.
Therefore, governments have provided legal and transparent mechanisms for granting citizenship, which allows those interested to use them. These methods include birth in the territory of the country, economic investment, marriage with a citizen of the country, asylum, family reunification and even long-term residence.
Citizen by birth
One of the most common ways to obtain citizenship is to obtain citizenship by birth, such as obtaining residence by birth in Canada. This, which is called Jus Soli in specialized terminology, means that every person who is born in the territory of a country is considered a citizen of that country. This law is implemented in countries such as the United States of America, Canada, Argentina and Brazil.
This method was formed with the premise that it creates a spatial and territorial connection with the individual and makes them easier to integrate into the host society. This helps to increase cultural diversity and the formation of multinational societies and ensures their economic progress.
Citizen through investment
Some countries have made it possible to obtain citizenship through investment in order to attract foreign capital. This method, often referred to as Citizenship by Investment or CBI, grants citizenship to individuals who invest a large amount of their wealth in the host country. This investment can be in the form of real estate purchase, stock purchase or direct economic aid.
This economic policy, while increasing the inflow of foreign capital, supports the domestic production, creates jobs and economic progress of the host country. For example, Dominica’s citizenship-by-investment program accounted for about 26 percent of the country’s GDP in 2018. This shows the economic importance of this program for developing countries.
Second citizen and its benefits
Being a citizen in two countries (dual citizen) creates many benefits and opportunities for many people. This allows citizens to enjoy the rights of citizenship in both countries, including the ability to work, study, benefit from medical and pension benefits, visa-free travel to more countries, diplomatic protection through their embassies, and even the ability to vote in both countries.
“Being a citizen in two countries is like opening two doors of security, economic and cultural development for you. This opens up new horizons for citizens and frees them from being limited to the laws of a single country.”
This sentence from one of the reputable international migration organizations describes the importance of this type of citizenship well: “Having dual citizenship provides the possibility of choosing the best future for the individual and his family.”
Citizenship in different countries
Obtaining citizenship in different countries is associated with various conditions and prerequisites. For example:
In Germany, becoming a citizen often requires a minimum of 8 years of legal residence, along with proficiency in the German language and swearing an oath of allegiance. In Canada, about 3 to 5 years of valid residence and the ability to speak the official languages (English or French) are prerequisites for becoming a citizen.
In the United Arab Emirates, being a citizen for foreigners is rare and limited, it becomes possible only in case of special service or large investments. In Türkiye, it is possible to obtain citizenship by investing about $400,000 in real estate or creating jobs for citizens.
This diversity in citizenship laws reflects the domestic policies of countries and their interest in using their human power, expertise, investment and international connections.
Citizen and the rights and obligations of citizenship
Being a citizen does not only mean having rights; This comes with obligations that citizens are required to comply with. These obligations include paying taxes, serving in the armed forces (in some countries), respecting the laws of the country, and contributing to the development of society.
The rights of citizens include the right to vote, the right to use medical and social support, the right to free education (in most countries) and the right to own property. These two dimensions (rights and obligations) are directly related and guarantee the formation of a healthy civil society and their economic, social and cultural progress.
The best countries to get a citizen
The best countries to get a citizen are:
1. Canada
Canada is one of the best options for obtaining a second citizenship. This immigrant-friendly country has paved the way for obtaining permanent residence and then citizenship with programs such as Express Entry and Investment. After three years of residence out of five years, people can apply for citizenship. The transparent system, suitable job opportunities and free social services have made Canada popular among immigrants.
2. Portugal
Portugal is one of the European countries where the path to obtaining citizenship is easier than many others. Having a Golden Visa through investment or five-year residence, one can apply for citizenship. No need to live permanently in the country, low cost of living and the possibility of visa-free travel to the Schengen area make Portugal attractive.
3. Türkiye
Obtaining a Turkish citizen through investment (buying a property worth at least $400,000) takes only a few months. Türkiye allows dual citizenship, and with the passport of this country, you can travel to more than 110 countries without a visa. Simple immigration laws and cultural proximity have made Turkey popular among Iranians.
4. Dominica
Dominica is one of the countries that grants citizenship by paying about $100,000 to the National Development Fund. This country does not require residency or physical presence. A Dominica citizen allows you to travel visa-free to more than 140 countries, including the Schengen area and the UK.
5. Saint Kitts and Nevis
The Citizenship by Investment program in St. Kitts is one of the fastest and can be obtained within three to six months. This country offers a valid passport without the need for residence. It is also possible to travel without a visa to more than 150 countries.
Conditions for obtaining citizenship
Obtaining citizenship in different countries depends on the specific conditions and laws of that country, but some criteria are common in most countries. The most important of these conditions are:
- Long-term stay:
Many countries, such as Germany, Canada or Australia, expect the applicant to reside in that country for several years continuously. Usually this period is between 3 and 5 years.
- Proficiency in the official language of the country:
Knowing the official language of the destination country is one of the common requirements. Applicants must be able to carry out everyday conversations and often have to take a language test.
- Citizenship test:
Some countries, such as the United States of America, conduct a citizenship test that includes information about the country’s history, constitution, politics, and government structure.
- Clean criminal record:
Having a legal personality and not having a bad history are other main requirements for obtaining citizenship.
- Commitment to the destination country:
In many cases, the applicant must swear loyalty to the new country and sometimes renounce his previous citizenship (of course, many countries accept dual citizenship).
- Financial strength and economic independence:
Some countries check the applicant’s financial ability to prevent him from depending on government aid.
The process of applying for and receiving citizenship
The process of applying for second citizenship usually includes several key steps:
Assessment of initial conditions
The applicant must first check whether he meets the basic conditions for obtaining citizenship or not. This includes length of stay, language level, financial status, and the like.
Collecting documents
Required documents include passport, residence permit, language certificate, tax and insurance records, marriage certificate (if any), certificate of no bad history and other documents.
Registration of official application
The official application is registered through the immigration office of the relevant country. Some countries have also provided the possibility of online registration.
Review of the case by the government
The files are reviewed in order and if needed, an in-person interview or language test and citizenship information will be held.
Get the final answer
If approved, citizenship is granted. In some countries, it is necessary for a person to participate in a national oath ceremony and receive official citizenship documents.
Obtaining a new passport
After receiving the citizenship, one can apply for the passport of the new country. This passport is issued like other permanent citizens of the country.
The important point is that some countries such as Turkey, Dominica or Saint Lucia have made it possible to obtain citizenship through investment (buying property or donating money) in a shorter period of time, without the need for long-term residence.
Citizenship and its impact on taxes and business
Having citizenship of a country can have important effects on tax status, economic activity and business opportunities. These effects are especially important for investors and entrepreneurs.
Tax impact
Countries are divided into two main categories in terms of taxation:
- Residence-based countries such as Canada or Germany, where income tax is charged based on residence.
- Citizenship-based countries, such as the US, charge global income tax to all citizens, even if they live abroad.
Based on this, obtaining the citizenship of a country may make a person have to pay global income tax or, on the other hand, benefit from tax exemptions and incentives.
Business opportunities
Second citizenship can be a gateway to enter international markets. Having the citizenship of a European country, a person can freely have an economic activity or register a company in the entire European Union. In some countries, citizens have access to low-interest loans, tax breaks, and business privileges.
Economic and banking freedom
Many banks in developed countries offer special banking services only for citizens. Having a second citizenship can provide access to international accounts, valid credit cards and safer investment options.
Protection of family assets and wealth
In some unstable political or economic conditions, having a second citizenship allows a person to keep his assets in a safer country and ensure the future of his children.
Conclusion about the importance of citizenship
In today’s world, having a second citizenship is not just a luxury privilege, but a powerful tool for improving the quality of life, access to global services, economic freedom and personal security. Many people with the aim of immigrating, studying, working or investing, are looking for countries where their citizenship creates real opportunities. Finally, second citizenship can be a reliable support for a more stable and flexible future in today’s changing world.
Latest Passing over countries : Spain | Dominica | United Arab Emirates
RCO NEWS
