cheesebikini?

cheesebikini?

EU Citizenship

November 26th, 2002

My Irish passport arrived.

After more than a year of research, paperwork and waiting, I’m a citizen of Ireland and a citizen of the European Union. I’m still a U.S. citizen, but I can work anywhere within the U.S. or the E.U. without a visa. With so much depressing drama going on in the world, this is the perfect time for a bit of great news.

I scored the passport thanks to Ireland’s generous citizenship by descent policy, and if you can prove that one of your parents or grandparents is (or was) an Irish citizen, you can do the same. But finding and obtaining the necessary paperwork (including original birth and marriage certificates from parents and grandparents) requires much more work than you might think. But it’s definitely worth the trouble if you plan to ever work or live in the E.U.

Forgive the recent inactivity — I’ve been busy preparing grad school applications. I took the GRE exam last night. Work and a class project have kept me busy too. Expect more postings in late December, after my first round of applications.

35 Responses to “EU Citizenship”

  1. comment number 1 by: Phil McKracken

    Top oh the morning to ye. Blah blah blah

  2. comment number 2 by: Isaac

    Hi,

    I’m wondering if you might be able to lead me in the right direction. I’m a 26 yr old Canadian citizen and my father was born in Belgium. I would also like to obtain my EU citizenship but I don’t know where to start. Am I too old??? Thanks for your reply.

  3. comment number 3 by: sean@cheesebikini.com

    Isaac:

    Check the Web site for the Belgian consulate in Canada. Look under the
    citizenship area. If there’s no site for that, try the main Belgian
    government Web site. Good luck.

    -Sean

  4. comment number 4 by: Anonymous

    ha ha phil mckracken your name is the funniest ive ever seen, fill-my-crak-in, sorry for any inconvienience HA

  5. comment number 5 by: Anonymous

    ha ha Phil McKracken Phil McKracken Phil McKracken Phil McKracken Phil McKracken Phil McKracken Phil McKracken Phil McKracken Phil McKracken Phil McKracken Phil McKracken Phil McKracken Phil McKracken Phil McKracken Phil McKracken Phil McKracken Phil McKracken Phil McKracken Phil McKracken Phil McKracken Phil McKracken Phil McKracken Phil McKracken
    Phil McKracken

  6. comment number 6 by: Sean

    Ah yes, cheesebikini always sparks such thoughtful conversations…

  7. comment number 7 by: colleen

    we dont say top of the morning to yah in Ireland I dont no where you people got his Idea We dont have leprecans either by the way

  8. comment number 8 by: risto

    i am a canadian citizen…i like to work in ireland,like a musician…do you think,if i have an employer there,i can have a working visa

  9. comment number 9 by: risto

    i am a canadian citizen…i like to work in ireland,like a musician…do you think,if i have an employer there,i can have a working visa

  10. comment number 10 by: risto

    i am a canadian citizen…i like to work in ireland,like a musician…do you think,if i have an employer there,i can have a working visa

  11. comment number 11 by: risto

    i am a canadian citizen…i like to work in ireland,like a musician…do you think,if i have an employer there,i can have a working visa

  12. comment number 12 by: Jason

    I have an unususal couple of questions for you

    First of all my maternal grandparents were born in Germany, but my grandmother was actually born in present day Poland. My father was adopted, but his birthmother is Finnish.

    I am a Canadian citizen, but was wondering if I am entitled to be a citizen of Germany, Poland, or Finland, any of these granting me EU citizenship???

  13. comment number 13 by: sean

    Jason:

    Sorry, I don’t know anything about these countries’ citizenship policies. I advise you to check on the Web sites for their respective embassies/consulates in the U.S. for this information.

    Sean

  14. comment number 14 by: brent

    I too have a couple of questions. By surname I’m obviously of Irish descent (Collins)…but it is probably 4 or 5 generations back and virtually untraceable. A random guy from Dublin that I met says that if my child were to be born in Ireland, it, my wife and myself would all be citizens of Ireland. True? I am a US citizen living in Spain and trying to find a way to gain EU residency without such a pain in the neck. Any thoughts?

  15. comment number 15 by: Sean

    Sorry Brent, I have no idea what the answer to your question is. I’m certainly no expert on Irish citizenship policies; I only know what I had to do to secure my own citizenship, which was a relatively straightforward operation. You should contact the Irish government with your question.

  16. comment number 16 by: Anonymous

    i don’t think any american should be allowed to become an EU citizen. what’s the sudden rush anyway, finally woken up to the fact that you’re so isolated? can’t you all just stay on your miserable side of the world and leave us in peace on ours?

  17. comment number 17 by: Pat Magroin

    Ya, all you unedumacated Americans need to stay on your side of the Atlantick.

    -Pat

  18. comment number 18 by: Mike Hunt

    Well, I like American cheese. But is it really cheese, or just coagulated oil? Hmmm, that might say something about America.

    Oh well, I like what Pat said.

    This is funny stuff on this web site.

    -Mike

  19. comment number 19 by: Plug Meanus

    I can seem to agree with Mike Hunt. Mike Hunt is stinky and dark. I would rather see Mike Hunt that someone Phil McKrakin. I bet you would rather see Mike Hunt. I would like to shave Mike Hunt too. What a freak he is. Hairy freak.

    -Plug Meanus

  20. comment number 20 by: Nelson

    I want to leave the USA and work and live in the EU.

    I’m fed up with the US – we have really taken a turn for the worst with regards to our culture, economy, politics and especially foreign policy!

    On my vacation to New Zealand recently our US $ was near worthless. I saw anti-US graffiti, heard a tour guide slam the US amid a tour, and was besieged by pub patrons wanting explanations for US actions when they found out I was from the States! Yuck!

    I want to get my UK passport and look into moving to the EU! I’d move to Australia or NZ if that were possible.

    If the New Constitution passes I think passports might become harder to get under the present rules. So, I guess its now or never. I wish I had some skills in demand or knew a foreign language.

    Any ideas for work? I’m interested in Ireland. Can a US guy with UK passport make it there?

  21. comment number 21 by: Vendredie

    Hello i’m 16 years old and a U.S Citizen ,but am trying to get my E.U. citizenship my father is from Spain and still lives there is there anyway i may go about getting my citizenship wihout going through him??? and how do i go about it.

    Thanx 4 ur help!

    Vendredie

  22. comment number 22 by: Vendredie

    Hello i’m 16 years old and a U.S Citizen ,but am trying to get my E.U. citizenship my father is from Spain and still lives there is there anyway i may go about getting my citizenship wihout going through him??? and how do i go about it.

    Thanx 4 ur help!

    Vendredie

  23. comment number 23 by: Vendredie

    Hello i’m 16 years old and a U.S Citizen ,but am trying to get my E.U. citizenship my father is from Spain and still lives there is there anyway i may go about getting my citizenship wihout going through him??? and how do i go about it.

    Thanx 4 ur help!

    Vendredie

  24. comment number 24 by: Vendredie

    Hello i’m 16 years old and a U.S Citizen ,but am trying to get my E.U. citizenship my father is from Spain and still lives there is there anyway i may go about getting my citizenship wihout going through him??? and how do i go about it.

    Thanx 4 ur help!

    Vendredie

  25. comment number 25 by: Vendredie

    Hello i’m 16 years old and a U.S Citizen ,but am trying to get my E.U. citizenship my father is from Spain and still lives there is there anyway i may go about getting my citizenship wihout going through him??? and how do i go about it.

    Thanx 4 ur help!

    Vendredie

  26. comment number 26 by: Jay

    Hey there, I am an American-born New Yorker 21yrs old. My father lives in the Netherlands and is Dutch. Never really had words for the guy but, I capitalized and took advantage of a good opprortunity. Got my EU citizenship & passport within one year and without his help! Economics & politics are tightening up everyone’s border. If anyone else out there thinks they are eligible for EU & US, I say go for it. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I mean worse case scenario you have to learn a new language…that’s nothing compared to a possibility of a new drafting policy. Jay

  27. comment number 27 by: samantha griffiths

    hi i am currently seeking my documents to apply for irish citizenship ihaveall documents except my grandfathers birth paper…..i am finding it verydifficult to locate this could you suggest someone that could help

  28. comment number 28 by: Mark

    The Ireland Embassy can provide a contact address in Ireland to locate Birth and Marriage Certificates. It helps if your parents were Irish Citizens when you were born.

  29. comment number 29 by: balderbeware

    I am a US citizen over the age of 18 and have numerous direct family members residing in Belgium. I am in a relationship with a Belgian woman and she recently gave birth to our son in Belgium. I came over about 2 months ago to recognize him legally as my son and would now seriously would like to stay in Europe and live and work. I do not want to get married at this stage in my life and was wondering if there is a way for me to become naturalized and get EU status through my son because he is Belgian by birth. I have heard of the FAMILY REUNIFICATION ACT and would also like some feedback as to any other “backdoor” or very open front ones that may be available. Thank you……………….P.S. I am an American and not one of those flag waving “muricans”. To mean that I have pride for my birht country but not so blinded and ignorant to believe that “we are the best” and that the rest of the world is just jealous. Though I do know that being American in the present world climate is not the most popular thing and though I do not agree with A LOT of things that the US government stands for and promotes I would never EVER bash my home country in the presence of Non-americans or an internet post such as this one like “someone” did earlier. Its like the fairweather fan that supports his hometeam only when they are winning and flips sides when they are losing. Show some pride, if not in your country then at least in yourself and not insult your family in front of the “neighbors”.

  30. comment number 30 by: shine

    I AM AN EX-AMERICAN THAT RECENTLY BURNT MY PASSPORT AND RENOUNCED MY CITITZENSHIP. FUCK AMERICA AND ALL ITS HYPOCRISY AND FAUX-DEMOCRACY!!!

  31. comment number 31 by: Fatti

    I thought this might be helpful, it summarises EU citizenship laws :

    http://eucitizenship.blogspot.com

  32. comment number 32 by: Shelly

    I am Canadian living in England. I married a Czech and was wondering if you could tell me how I would get infomation to start working on my EU residency card?? Or what I would need to do as my current working visa for the UK expires in August.. thank you

  33. comment number 33 by: Sherif

    Dears:
    Haven’t you guys heard about the lawyers / consultants all over the net offering you EU citizenhisps [mainly Czech, Estonia, Spain and Holland] for a reasonable amount and in a couple of months? I would love to beleive them, but I am afraid I may be taken for ride.

    Any idea anyone?
    Thanks

  34. comment number 34 by: Rory

    Under the 1949 Ireland Act, Irish citizens can live and work in the UK (including the commonwealth). There was legislation passed two years ago, closing the loop hole of a child being born on the island of Ireland. If you want guaranteed citizenship, live and work in Ireland for five years, become naturalised, then you can become a citizen. It is actually one of the best countries’ to become a citizen of, Irish people (north and south of the border) are universally loved!

  35. comment number 35 by: john

    i am a candian citizen i am 20 years old. i met this girl on the computer and i have met her once in real life. i have known her for 6 years. How to i get a european citizenship. or is there any ways i can get one at all