Naturalization of spouse--Need your advice

[lynn bennett]

Hi, I hope you can help us. My husband is going to be naturalized in the UK by descent: His father was born in the UK and he has sent for the birth certificate, and spoke to the Consulate in NY and they say everything should be o.k.

Now the plan is to get EU citizenship for both of us. With my husband, that seems like no problem, but don't know how to get citizenship for me as his wife. I have US and Israeli citizenship now.

We intend to retire in Europe, not necessarily in the UK.
Thank You,
Lynn

[avjones]

Hi Lynn,

once he is a UK national, you can live anywhere in the EU on a free permit, provided your husband's exercising "Treaty Rights" - being a self-sufficent retired person can count. There are a few criteria you have to meet, but they aren't onerous.

If you want to live in the UK, you will have to get a 2 year spouse visa. AFter that, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain, and later for UK nationality yourself.

[lynn bennett]

That was quick. Thank you, Amanda.

What is a free permit? How does my husband assert his treaty rights?

Actually, we are considering living in Germany.

We have a adequate income, around $48,000 together. (i hope that's adequate) but we are concerned mainly about both of us being eligible for EU health coverage.

Regards from NY,
Lynn

[JAJ]

Hi, I hope you can help us. My husband is going to be naturalized in the UK by descent: His father was born in the UK and he has sent for the birth certificate, and spoke to the Consulate in NY and they say everything should be o.k.

Based on what you say, he's not going to be "naturalised" in the UK. It sounds like he is already a British citizen by descent and is just applying for a British passport as evidence of this.

Now the plan is to get EU citizenship for both of us. With my husband, that seems like no problem, but don't know how to get citizenship for me as his wife. I have US and Israeli citizenship now.

Best way is to move to the UK with a spouse visa. After 2 years you can get permanent residence, and 1 year later become a naturalised British citizen. Then you can live elsewhere in Europe easily.

If you go directly to another EU state you may be able to get a residence permit based on your husband, but it may be difficult/impossible to get local citizenship.

[Docterror]

lynn bennet, how long have you been with your husband?