BECOME A CITIZEN OF MACEDONIA
Every adult Macedonian in our Diaspora should consider becoming a citizen of the Republic. The benefits are significant and rewarding and the process can be straightforward. As a Macedonian citizen, you will gain insight into the daily life of contemporary Macedonia. As a resident of our Diaspora and a citizen of Macedonia, you will contribute to the collective voice of our people in the international arena.
Below is an overview of acquiring Macedonian citizenship; reasons for doing so; initial steps to take and other useful information. Having Macedonian citizenship and maintaining citizenship in your native country is commonly known as Dual Citizenship.
WHAT EXACTLY IS DUAL CITIZENSHIP?
Dual citizenship is the legal recognition of a person who is a citizen of two countries at the same time.
WILL MY NATIVE COUNTRY ALLOW THIS?
Very likely. Many countries in the world allow dual citizenship. Some even allow citizenship in three countries. However, a few countries strictly prohibit dual citizenship. Macedonia, Australia, Canada, the United States and most countries of Europe allow dual citizenship.
WHY SHOULD I BECOME A CITIZEN OF ANOTHER COUNTRY?
- Having a second citizenship is a step towards more freedom. Dual citizenship can give you more control, more independence and the freedom to choose the lifestyle that you wish.
- By internationalizing your life, no one country can control your freedom or your wealth.
- Open up new opportunities to live, work, invest and retire in another country.
HOW WILL MACEDONIA AND THE DIASPORA BENEFIT?
- The roster of Macedonian citizenry will increase worldwide and will offset the voting power of special interest groups in the Republic.
- Be part of the decision making process on issues important to Macedonia. Let your opinion be heard through your vote.
- Support from Macedonians in our Diaspora will embolden critical issues that arise in the Republic.
- Create potential bonds of friendship and cooperation between native Macedonians and Macedonians in our Diaspora.
- Become more involved in the future of the land of our ancestors.
- Ensure that our legacy, our culture, our language will continue into the generations that follow.
- Assert your Macedonian birthright and declare your ancestral heritage by becoming a citizen of Macedonia.
WHAT STEPS DO I NEED TO TAKE TO START THIS PROCESS?
- There are several pathways you can follow to become a Macedonian citizen - depending on your particular circumstance. One way is based on the grounds of naturalization; another on the grounds of naturalization by marriage and another on the grounds of origin. Each pathway has unique criteria that must be met.
- Check with your native country on its policy for dual citizenship.
- Contact the Embassy of the Republic of Macedonia (or the Macedonian Consulate) in your native country for information specific to your situation.
OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Be persistent in your quest for Macedonian citizenship.
- Ask questions on any part of the process that may be confusing. Do not be dissuaded by anything you don’t understand.
- Contact the United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD) or Birthright Macedonia if you have any concerns or problems. Our international network may be able to assist you.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The United Macedonian Diaspora and the Birthright Macedonia teams extend its heartfelt gratitude to the following for assistance graciously offered in creating this document:
Elena Nakova: Attorney at law, Skopje, specialty in immigration law. http://advokatnakova.com
This document is not to be construed as legal advice that is offered by the United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD), Birthright Macedonia, Generation M or their affiliates or agents.
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