Citizenship by military service is a very different way to get a second passport it does not involve spending a single dollar. There are a few countries out there that actually offer Citizenship by Military Serivce.
I hope you’re good at marching
Introduction: Citizenship by Military Service
Anybody who is interested in the global citizen, digital nomad, Yonderpreneur world has probably heard of the term Citizenship by Investment before. This is where you pay some money either in the form of a donation or as an investment and you are granted citizenship of a particular country.
Citizenship by military service is something that has not been talked about at all.
Citizenship through military service is where an individual can acquire citizenship of a country that is not their own by actively serving in the armed forces of that country for a set period of time.
What Countries Have Citizenship by Military Service
These listed countries are the only countries that let complete foreigners join and not people with a previous temporary residency or permanent residency permit.
1. Belgium 🇧🇪
You can get Belgium citizenship by joining its army however you have to be a citizen of one of the European Union countries or from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. After serving in the military for 5 years you are permitted to apply for Belgian citizenship.
the Belgium passport is very powerful and would be an asset to many. However, most EU passports are already strong so it’s not overly useful to anyone already from the EU.
2. Cyprus 🇨🇾
Cypress accepts all foreign nationals into its National Guard with the caveat of having to be of Cypriot descent. If your family is from Cyprus but you were born in the USA for example you would be permitted to join the Cypriot National Guard.
This is fairly useless however to anyone just looking to become a citizen of Cyprus and just wants the passport as anyone of Cypriot descent can just apply for it. Without having to serve in the military.
If you are from a non-EU country and would like access to the European Union getting Cypriot citizenship could be a good way to gain easy access to the EU and more visa-free travel around the world. Cyprus is also a country that can be very tax advantageous.
3. France 🇫🇷
Number three is France. France has a corps of the French army called the French Foreign Legion. This is a famous branch of the French military that accepts foreigners from all over the globe. Regardless of their country of citizenship.
The French Foreign Legion is actually really interesting and is full of crazy history and battles. Furthermore, If you would like to take a deeper read into the French Foreign Legion Britannica has a great article regarding its history https://www.britannica.com/topic/French-Foreign-Legion
If you would like to serve in the French Foreign Legion all you have to do is show up to a training facility in a few locations throughout France and sign up. However, the selection process is rigorous and many are not selected. if you are lucky enough to be selected. You will be required to serve 5 years in the French Foreign Legion. Once completed you are allowed to apply for French citizenship.
4. Isreal 🇮🇱
Israel also accepts foreign fighters into their military. Although their process of acceptance is similar to earlier discussed Belgium. Any person wishing to join Israel’s military must be either Jewish or have a Jewish parent.
If you are just looking to acquire an Israeli passport then there are easier ways to get it. Any non-Israeli Jew or anyone with Jewish parents can apply to have Israeli citizenship by the Law of Return. Similar to the allowance of joining the military. The law of return states anyone with Jewish parents or grandparents, can apply for Israeli citizenship.
5. Russia 🇷🇺
Russia accepts foreign volunteers into its military regardless of what your previous citizenship is. You are required to sign up for a 5-year contract. Once a person has served for 3- years they may apply for Russian citizenship. The only requirements a person must have to join the Russian military are to be between 18 and 30 in age and have a good understanding of the Russian language.
Acquiring a Russian passport is not a simple process and the only other way to get it is through marriage or naturalization. Naturalization takes 5 years of permanent residence so you do become a citizen faster of you serve.
6. Ukraine 🇺🇦
In 2015 Ukraine changed its laws that allow anyone who can prove Ukrainian heritage to become a citizen through military service. Anyone wanting to serve in the Ukrainian armed forces has to be between 15-45.
Ukraine is a perfect example of why citizenship through military service is a risky way to earn a second citizenship. Not only is military service obviously difficult. Additionally, you may find yourself on the battlefield at some point. In the Yonderpreneur’s opinion, a second passport is not worth risking your life.
Citizenship by Military Service: Conclusion
In the industry of global citizens and Yonderpreneurs, everyone talks about citizenship by investment, golden visas, and digital nomads nobody really talks about citizenship by military service. Serving in the military is not something people really want to do if they have a choice. But for people without a choice or someone with nothing to lose this could be a way to really have a new life.
Citizenship by military serivce is not exactly a popular option so not many countries actually offer the program knowing it probably would not receive many applicants. It is however one of the only ways to acquire a second passport without spending a dollar.
Though Yonderpreneur can not help you make the decision of going to serve in the military we can help you make your own global plan and help you solve your problems in life by leading an international lifestyle. Schedule a call with us and hopefully, we can make a plan for you that does not involve marching.