Republished with full copyright permissions from The Boston News Tribune.

New research has uncovered a fascinating contrast in the ease of becoming a citizen across different European countries. The latest study by Canadian immigration agency CanadaCIS delved into the Eurostat immigration data from 2009 to 2021 to reveal the varying levels of accessibility to citizenship for non-EU residents. This comprehensive overview has highlighted the challenges and opportunities presented by different European nations when it comes to acquiring citizenship.

The findings present a diverse panorama, with some countries standing out as beacons of accessibility, while others pose significant hurdles for those seeking naturalization. Sweden emerges as the most welcoming destination, with nearly one in ten non-EU residents acquiring citizenship, significantly surpassing the EU average. What sets Sweden apart is its equitable acceptance rates for both men and women, indicating a progressive approach to naturalization policies.

The survey also sheds light on a cluster of Northern and Western European countries, including Norway, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Iceland, which rank among the top 10 easiest nations for non-EU residents to acquire citizenship. These countries boast acquisition rates surpassing one in 25, offering favorable pathways to nationality.

Conversely, the study points to the challenges faced by those residing in Central Europe, painting a picture of limited accessibility to citizenship in countries such as Estonia, Latvia, and Czechia. Estonia is identified as the most formidable country for non-EU residents to become citizens, with acquisition rates hovering around a mere 0.6%. This striking contrast amplifies the disparity between regions in terms of naturalization opportunities.

Furthermore, gender disparities in citizenship acquisition present an intriguing facet of the research. The data reveals that, on average, more women receive citizenship compared to men across Europe. This trend is particularly pronounced in Central Europe, with countries like Slovenia, Lithuania, and Czechia exhibiting a significant preference for granting nationality to women.

Despite the hurdles encountered in some regions, the research underscores the significance of citizenship acquisition in the context of high quality of life indicators and expansive career prospects. It also prompts important reflections on gender dynamics and their influence on naturalization outcomes.