Key Takeaways
A criminal record can significantly affect your chances of acquiring EU citizenship in countries like Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Denmark. In Sweden, individuals with a criminal history may face lengthy waiting periods before becoming eligible for citizenship. Germany, in particular, enforces strict regulations, especially for those convicted of crimes related to terrorism or antisemitism.
Frequent reports and studies have consistently highlighted the growing need for foreign labor in European countries. To address this demand, many EU nations have gradually eased their work permit and citizenship regulations.
For instance, Germany, which was once firmly opposed to the concept of “dual citizenship,” required individuals to renounce their previous citizenship to acquire German nationality. However, as of 2023, the country has shifted its stance, now allowing dual citizenship as part of a broader effort to modernize its immigration system, as reported by Schengen.News.
Despite these reforms, one requirement that remains firmly in place—and is expected to become even more stringent—is the need for applicants to demonstrate “good character.” Many European countries, including Germany, Austria, and others, do not grant citizenship to individuals with a criminal record, particularly for offenses related to terrorism or antisemitism.
Austria
In Austria, several conditions must be met to be eligible for citizenship, including ten years of continuous residence, sufficient income, language proficiency, and a “positive attitude towards Austria.” A key requirement is the absence of a criminal record, reinforcing Austria’s strict stance on applicants with a criminal history.
Candidates must submit a criminal record certificate (Strafregisterbescheinigung) to verify their eligibility, further underscoring Austria’s zero-tolerance approach to applicants with past convictions.
Germany
Germany also has strict rules regarding criminal records when it comes to granting citizenship. Applicants for German citizenship must not have a criminal record or be involved in ongoing criminal investigations or proceedings. If an applicant is under investigation, they must wait until a legal resolution is reached before proceeding with their application.
However, those who have committed minor offenses may still be eligible for citizenship. Examples of such offenses include:
- Convictions under the Youth Courts Act (Jugendgerichtsgesetz).
- Fines of up to 90 daily rates.
- Suspended prison sentences of up to three months, provided the individual has successfully completed their sentence.
That said, not all minor offenses are overlooked. For example, individuals convicted of crimes related to racism or antisemitism will not be granted citizenship, regardless of the severity of the offense. Germany maintains a zero-tolerance policy for such acts, ensuring that those with a history of these crimes are excluded from the citizenship process.
Denmark
Criminal offenses can significantly impact an individual’s chances of obtaining Danish citizenship. If a person is facing criminal charges, they cannot apply for citizenship until the charges are dropped or resolved.
Certain offenses that can prevent someone from obtaining citizenship in Denmark include:
- An unconditional or suspended prison sentence.
- Detention or outpatient treatments related to criminal behavior.
- Offenses against the state, including acts of terrorism.
- Permanent expulsion from Denmark.
Additionally, individuals convicted of serious crimes such as gang-related activities, violence against children, or sexual offenses will be ineligible for Danish citizenship. Denmark maintains a strict policy, ensuring that those with a history of such offenses are excluded from the naturalization process.
Sweden
Sweden’s approach to granting citizenship to individuals with a criminal record is slightly different from other countries. According to the Swedish Migration Ministry, information about applicants is gathered from three primary sources, depending on the type of crime they have committed:
- The Swedish Enforcement Authority provides information on unpaid debts.
- The Swedish Police has data regarding any criminal activities or suspicions.
- The Swedish Security Services handles security-related screenings.
In Sweden, those who have committed crimes can still become citizens, but they must wait a designated period before applying. The waiting periods are determined by the severity of the crime:
- Applicants who have been fined between 30 and 100 times their daily income must wait between one and three years before they can apply for citizenship.
- Those who have served custodial sentences ranging from one month to eight months must wait between four and six years, depending on the length of their sentence.
- Individuals who have received sentences of one to six years must wait between seven and ten years before applying for citizenship.
For individuals with repeated offenses, the waiting period may be extended further. Applicants who have been given suspended sentences must wait three years from the date the sentence was imposed. If they receive further custodial sentences or day fines, the qualifying period can be lengthened. Similarly, those who have been on probation must wait four years after their probation begins to submit their citizenship application.
Sweden’s policy ensures that applicants with criminal records demonstrate a period of rehabilitation and good conduct before being considered for citizenship.
Netherlands
In the Netherlands, individuals can apply for Dutch nationality as long as they have not committed any crimes in the five years prior to their application. This rule applies to all types of penalties, including prison sentences, fines, and other criminal convictions issued by the criminal court, public prosecutor, or public office.
Essentially, applicants who have served prison sentences, paid fines, or committed any offenses must wait a full five years before they can apply for Dutch citizenship.
Earlier this year, four political parties in the Netherlands proposed plans to further tighten citizenship rules, suggesting an increase in the minimum residency requirement for naturalisation from five years to ten. This change is aimed at strengthening the integration process and ensuring that applicants meet higher standards before becoming Dutch citizens.
