Banu_Hashim

Hi all,

I'm just wondering, say you were a Dutch citizen and hence a European citizen with full right to live and work in the UK... is there any real benefit to becoming a British citizen?

Apart from the right to vote, what else are you not getting? Also, if Britain decides to leave the EU, would that change matters? Would all non-UK European citizens automatically be required to apply for visas?

BritandDutchie

it's not an easy process, you need to register and wait 5 years last my husband checked into it (so we'd all have the same passport)

JAJ

Discussion here:
http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Acquir...te_Citizenship

(from a British perspective, but most of the same applies in reverse).

However - unless you fall into one of the exemptions under Dutch law, if you become a British citizen then you automatically lose your Dutch citizenship.

There would probably be a process for those EU/EEA citizens already resident in the United Kingdom to gain permission to remain under domestic immigration laws. It is prudent for any EU/EEA state citizen living in the United Kingdom to ensure residence is documented with the appropriate EEA residence permits. This would likely ease any transition to domestic immigration status.

Becoming a British citizen does give more security in this scenario - however, if you lose your Dutch citizenship, and Britain is outside the EU in future years, you will not necessarily be able to return to the Netherlands. This may or may not be a problem for you.

JAJ

Normally, an EEA/Swiss state citizen automaticallyacquires Permanent Residence after 5 years working in the United Kingdom.

Once Permanent Residence is obtained, then, if the spouse of a British citizen, you can apply immediately for British

Getting an EEA permit is optional (although recommended). If you don't have one, but already have 5 years working in Britain and are the spouse of a British citizen, you can apply for naturalisation directly.

If you don't have a British spouse, you normally need at least 1 additional year after getting Permanent Residence. (6 years in total, usually).

NOTE: Normally, if a Dutch citizen becomes a British citizen, Dutch citizenship is lost automatically. However, one of the exceptions is where the person concerned is the spouse of a British citizen.
http://www.government.nl/issues/nati...ch-nationality

Contact the Dutch Embassy or a Dutch immigration lawyer for more information.

BritandDutchie

well we ticked all those boxes, but he didn't get a stamp upon arrival (which is not needed but needed for citizenship)

so he was told he could not get it

BritandDutchie

The only reason why he wanted it due to being the "odd one out" really when we travel, as he is the only non Brit. Also makes some stuff complicated being the "non brit" of the family.

JAJ

Told by whom? He was "told" the wrong information.

Did he make a formal application for naturalisation and if so, was it refused?

BritandDutchie

was the home office, so no idea, maybe they changed the rule?

JAJ

Things were a little different between 2000-06 (but not much). But assuming it's since then, perhaps he phoned and was given wrong advice?

BritandDutchie

maybe, i looked at it again, and it would be possible I think but the fee is like 900 quid so Not sure about it right now

scot47

I cannot see that it is worth the hassle, unless Cameron takes us out of the EU !