GERMAN CITIZENSHIP BY DESCENT - FAQ

 

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Do you provide a FREE Citizenship Eligibility Assessment?

Yes, our German Immigration and Citizenship Lawyers can provide a brief FREE Citizenship eligibility assessment by email.

What are the German Lawyers advice and assistance services?

Our German Immigration and Citizenship Lawyers can assist and advise with the following services:

• Initial Consultation
• Announcement of representation
• Advice regarding supporting documents
• Checking and reviewing your supporting documents
• Power of Attorney, so that the German Lawyers can provide complete assistance, on your behalf
• Asssiatance in applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct from your Country of residence
• Assistance in completing Application Forms, plus documentary evidence
• Translation of documents into German, if required
• Inspection of records at the Municipal Office in charge
• Legal Writ for the application
• Accompaniment of the APplicant to the Appoiuntment at the German Government office
• Legal remedy, if required

What documents do I need to provide to Register my Child's birth?

You must apply for your Child's birth to be registered in the register of births at the competent German registry office before your child’s first birthday. This deadline is also deemed to have been met if the application is received by the competent German mission abroad within the one-year period. The following documents should be provided:

• A fully completed and signed application form
• Your child’s foreign birth certificate
• The parents’ birth certificates
• The parents’ marriage certificate (if applicable)
• The parents’ passports/ID cards
• Proof of a valid acknowledgement of paternity, if the parents of the child are not married to one another.
• Contact VisaConnect's Advisers and our German Citizenship Lawyersfor advice and assistance with your
• German Citizenship by Descent application now!
  
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LITHUANIAN CITIZENSHIP BY DESCENT - FAQ

 

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Do you provide a FREE Citizenship Eligibility Assessment?

Yes, Free Citizenship eligibility Assessment by email or phone call.

Do Lawyers handle my case and submit my application?

Yes, your application and all legal assistance is done by our experienced team of Lithuanian qualified Lawyers, with the support of an Admin team and Case Managers.

Do you assist with Notarising my documents?

Yes, we arrange for a Lithuanian Notary Public to certify your original documents and for the documents to be Apostilled by the relevant Government office.

What type of Evidence do I need of my Lithuanian Ancestors for Reinstatement of Citizenship?

Evidence of your relationship to your ancestor family members - grandparents or great grandparents, such as birth, death and marriage certificates and Passports. In addition, evidence of the City of Birth, in Lithuania, of your descendant Family members is very useful information.

Do my documents need to be translated into Lithuanian?

Yes, all documents must be translated into the Lithuanian language. Our Legal team usually arrange for the translation of your documents, by local Lithuanian authorised translators.

What assistance do the Lithuanian Lawyers offer?

• Consultations about Citizenship eligibility and documents needed

• Preparation of the application forms

• Sourcing the missing documents from Lithuanian archives

• Sourcing the missing documents from German archives

• Translating all the documents into the Lithuanian language

• Meeting with Migration Department officials to ensure that the application is written according to all the legal rules and requirements

• Paying the Government application fee

• Applying on the client's behalf to the Migration Department of Lithuania

• Contact VisaConnect's Lithuanian Consultants for a free Citizenship Eligibility Assessment and assistance and advice with your Lithuanian Citizenship by Descent application!  

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POLISH CITIZENSHIP BY DESCENT - FAQ

 

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Can you do a FREE Citizenship Assessment?

Yes, our specialist and experienced Polish Consultants and Lawyers provide a FREE Assessment. 

Do Lawyers handle my case and submit my application?

Yes, your application and all legal assistance is done by our experienced team of Polish qualified Lawyers, with the support of an Admin team and Case Managers.

Do you assist with Finding Documents and Reserach into our Polish Ancestry?

Yes, we assist with research and finding or seraching for documents of origin from Polish Government authorities and  archives.

Do my documents need to be translated into Polish?

Yes, all documents must be translated into the Polish language. The translation of documents is an additional fee, and done by a local Polish authorised translator.

What exactly are the services provided by the Polish Lawyers?

The services provided by the Polish Law Firm include:

1. 1. Preliminary case analysis
2. 2. Archival searches
3. 3. Document translations
4. 4. Transcription of foreign civil status acts
5. 5. Legal assistance and handling all formalities when applying for Polish citizenship

What is the Processing Time of the Citizenship application?

As at 2024, the current processing time for the Polish Government to review a Citizenship by Descent application is approximately 4 to 6 months, until a decision is made.

Contact VisaConnect's Consultants and our Polish Immigration and Citizenship Lawyers for advice and assistance with your Polish Citizenship by Descent application now!

MALTA RESIDENCY PROGRAM (MPRP)

 

Background and Guide - Malta Permanent Residence

The Republic of Malta, a full EU member since 2004, is strategically located to provide services to the international community. Malta an English-speaking country, has built upon the commercial laws of England and now the EU, to position itself as a premier family wealth, corporate and financial services jurisdiction.

With robust, competitive taxation rules, Malta has achieved sustained economic growth. Such growth is not solely the result of Malta's tax and fiscal policies, but there are other important factors such as a multilingual workforce, lower labour costs, a strategic location and a sound telecommunications infrastructure. As a result, there has been an influx of interest from investors, high net worth individuals and corporations, who desire a stable, reputable environment in which to structure their personal and corporate affairs - as well as to reside.

Now in 2024, it is possible to apply for High Net Worth Immigration to Malta (Malta Residency by Investment) to acquire Malta Permanent Residency (Malta Golden Visa), which allows the applicant and his family to live, work, and study on the incredible island of Malta through Purchase or Rental of Property (Real Estate in Malta) and a financial contribution! Contact our Malta Immigration Consultants and Lawyers by telephone or visit us in our offices in Brisbane, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, London, UK and Lisbon, Portugal.

To be eligible for the Malta Permanent Residency Programme (MPRP), the Applicant must meet the following criteria:

1. Licensed Agent - Submit an MPRP application via a Licensed Agent, who is listed on Residency Malta Agency's website 'List of Agents'. Note that VisaConnect co-operates with Malta Lawyers, who are Licensed Agents.

2. Administrative Fee - Main Applicant must pay a non-refundable administrative fee of €40,000.

3. Government Contribution - Main applicants must pay a Government Contribution of €28,000 if purchasing a property or €58,000 if leasing a property. In addition, there will be a contribution payable by each additional adult dependent of €7,500 and €5,000 Euros for each child, over 18 years of age.

4. Philanthropic Donation - Make a donation to a local Malta philanthropic, cultural, scientific, artistic, sport or animal welfare NGO registered with the Commissioner of Voluntary Organisations for €2,000 Euros (main applicant only).

5. Property Investment - The rates under the MPRP program have increased to €350,000 Euros for a purchase in the northern and central parts of Malta, and €300,000 in the South of Malta or Gozo. Alternatively, rent a property for a minimum of €10,000 in the South of Malta/Gozo or €12,000 in the rest of Malta, as previously.  

See our web page:

Malta Permanent Residency Program (MPRP) - VisaConnect

GREECE GOLDEN VISA

Background and Guide - Greece Permanent Residence Permit Programme

Greece is a country full of culture, myth and legend and a nation who is proud of its rich heritage and traditions. Famed for the beauty of its landscape, Greece is unique, for it seems the Greek gods themselves have scattered little pieces of paradise into the sea which we so lovingly know as the Greek Islands.

Whatever your interests or the lifestyle you choose to adopt, you can be sure of a warm welcome from the people of Greece. A healthy climate, good food and wine, a new Greek home, a new and exciting lifestyle, a dream finally realized.

Acquire your holiday home in peaceful Paros, cosmopolitan Santorini or glorious Crete and combine holidays with tailor-made Investment.

Now in 2024, it is possible to apply for High Net Worth Immigration to Greece, and obtain a Greece Permanent Residence Permit (Greece Golden Visa), which allows the applicant and his family to live, work, and study anywhere in the beautiful islands of Greece through a simple and fast property investment! Contact our Greece Immigration Consultants and Greek Lawyers by telephone or visit us in our offices in Brisbane, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, London, UK and Lisbon, Portugal.

Real Estate Investment Eligibility - Greece Residence Permit

To be eligible for the Greece Permanent Residence Permit (Greece Golden Visa Programme), the applicant must:

• Purchase a Property in Greece valued at a minimum of €250,000 EUR or a minimum of €500,000 Euros, depending on the location.
• Residence available to non-EU citizens and their family members (spouse, children up to the age of 21 years, and the ascendants of the spouse).
• The purchase of the property must be by an individual or legal entity.

See our web page:

Greece Golden Residence Permit Advice | Buy Greek Property (visaconnect.com)

PORTUGAL GOLDEN VISA

 In 2024, contact VisaConnect's specialist Consultants, together with our partner Portugal Fund Manager's and Portugal Lawyers, by telephone or complete the online Form or visit us in our offices in Brisbane, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, London, UK and Lisbon, Portugal for advice and assistance with your Portugal Golden Visa through a Fund Investment to obtain a Portugal Residency Permit!

Benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa

Outlined below are the benefits of obtaining the Portugal Residence Permit (Portugal Golden Visa):

• Permanent Free Entry to Portugal and the Schengen Area - Residence visa waiver for entering Portugal. Free Movement in the 26 Schengen Area European countries
• Freedom to Live, Work and Study in Portugal
• Flexible Residence Requirements - The minimum stay requirements are 7 days in the first year and 14 days during each of the two subsequent 2-year periods, whether or not consecutive, which is 35 days in 5 years.
• Become a "Non-Habitual Resident" of Portugal for Tax Purposes - Anyone residing in Portugal for 183 days or more during a single calendar year must pay taxes in Portugal on worldwide and local income. Non-residents - those who reside in Portugal fewer than 183 days per year are not required to pay tax on worldwide income.
• Eligible for Permanent Residence - After 5 years of having made the initial investment, the applicant can apply for Portugal Permanent Residence
• Acquire Portuguese Citizenship - Option to acquire Portuguese Citizenship and Portugal Passport, by naturalization, as per the Nationality Act, and obtain all rights of an EU National, after 5 years of having made the initial investment.
• Dual Citizenship - You do not need to renounce your previous nationality to become a Portuguese citizen.
• Portugal Passport is Ranked 6th in the World - The 2023 Q1 Henley Passport Index ranks the Portugal Passport as 6th most powerful passport in the world, and it allows visa free access to 187 countries worldwide.
• Family Residency - The Applicant's family members are eligible for Residence, including: the spouse or partner, under-aged or financially dependent children and Parents of Main Applicant or Parents in Law, who are financially dependent.
• Fast Processing Time - 3 to 6 months until the Golden Visa application is approved, and the Residence Card is issued for an initial period of 1 year, and renewed for periods of 2 years

See our web page:

Portugal Golden Residence Permit | Funds Investment Advice (visaconnect.com)

SPAIN GOLDEN VISA

 

Why Invest in Spain Business or Property?

• Spanish Passport - 3rd Ranked Passport in 2023 - The Henley Global Passport Ranking Index in 2023 Q1 ranked Spain as the 3rd highest ranked passport in the world, with access to 190 Visa-free countries.
• 2nd Largest Country in Western Europe - Spain's unique geographical location, on the Iberian Peninsula, with the Mediterranean Sea to the east and Atlantic Ocean to the South, makes Spain very attractive to foreign investors
• EU Member Country - Spain has been an EU Member Country since 1 January 1986, which allows for free movement of people, goods, services, and capital within the internal market. In addition, Spain is a Schengen Area member, since 1995, and has maintained the Euro currency since 1 January 1999
• Mediterrranean Climate - The Mediterranean climate is very attractive, with mild winters and hot and dry summers which encourage visitors and potential business customers
• Gross Domestic Product - In the second quarter of 2022, Gross Domestic Product of Spain grew 1.1% compared to the previous quarter. This rate is 9-tenths of one percent higher than the figure of 0.2% published in the first quarter of 2022. The year-on-year change in GDP was 6.3%, and there is no change since last quarter.
• Growing Economy - Since joining the Eurozone in 2002, Spanish economic growth has been much higher than the EU average. Spain is the eighth largest industrialised economy in the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development)
• 2nd Most Visited Country in World - The government of Spain has revealed that a total of 30.2 million international travellers were registered entering the country in the first six months of 2022, recovering about 80 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.
• Stable Political Situation - Spain is a member of NATO and the EU, which provides a stable political situation and diplomatic relations guarantee development opportunities for organisations doing business in Spain
• Low Cost of Living - In 2022, cost of living in Spain is one of the lowest in Western Europe, even in the cities. Leaving aside rent or mortgage payments—and depending on your lifestyle—a couple could easily live on $20,000 to $22,000 USD a year and still eat out regularly. Once you know where to go, a meal for two with wine or beer can cost as little as $30 USD.
• Healthcare in Spain - Spain has a high quality healthcare system, guaranteeing universal coverage for all residents. Over 90% of Spaniards use the public healthcare system. According to the Bloomberg Healthiest Country Index, Spain is ranked as the healthiest country in the world
• Public Universities - There are many internationally recognized public Spanish universities, which offer low tuition fees, such as the Autonomous University of Madrid, the Autonomous University of Barcelona, the University of Salamanca, and the University of Alcal de Henares
• Rising Property Prices in Q1 2022 - The Spanish Property Price Index (the Tinsa IMIE) for the first quarter of 2022 finds that house prices rose by 6.6% compared to the same period in 2021. In quarterly terms, the increase is 2.3%. Madrid stands at the top of the leader board for price hikes when it comes to autonomous regions in Spain. Real estate values in the region went up by 11.3% between January and March. The Balearics and Andalusia didn’t quite make double-figure increases, but both still ranked near the top. The property went up by 8.4% on the islands of Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza, and by 7.7% in Andalusia, home to the Costa del Sol.
• Excellent Infrastructure - New Projects in 2022 - the five largest construction projects initiated in Spain during Q1 2022, according to GlobalData’s construction projects database are as follows: a. Madrid Metro Expansion – $2,790m; b. Las Lomas del Higueron Residential Complex – $696m; c.Xerta-Senia Canal Development – $448m; d. C43 Biofuel Production Plant – $223m; and e. Monforte de Lemos to Lugo Railway Line Renovation – $132m.
• Foreign Companies in Spain - There are no restrictions applied to foreign citizens planning to set up businesses in Spain. Also, there are low employment costs and compared to the EU average, the employment costs are 16% lower
• Spanish Culture - Spain has a rich culture, including food specialties, such as tapas, festivals and fiestas, Flamenco dance, 3rd most UNESCO World Heritage sites in the world, and famous Artists from Francisco de Goya to Pablo Picasso

See our web page:

Spain Golden Visa | Spanish Residency Permit Assistance (visaconnect.com)

FRENCH CITIZENSHIP BY DESCENT

 

Contact VisaConnect's specialist Consultants, and our partner French Immigration Lawyers, in 2024, by phone or complete an online Form or visit us in our offices in Brisbane, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, London, UK and Lisbon, Portugal for advice and assistance with your French Citizenship by Descent application, and supporting documents of French Ancestry!

Benefits of French Nationality

The advantages and benefits of acquiring French Citizenship and a French Passport are:

• Unlimited Travel in and out of France (Multiple Entry), with a Valid French Passport
• Freedom of Movement across the EU/EFTA area (Visa-Free travel in the EU)
• Visa-free access to 190 countries around the world, as per the Henley Passport Index, in 2023. The French Passport is currently ranked as the 2nd strongest Passport in the world.
• France recognises Dual Nationality
• Entitled to Live, Work and Vote in France on a Permanent basis, and can Live and Work in other EU Countries
• Access to all Government offered State Social Support including: Pensions, Subsidies, Free or Preferential Health care
• Cheaper Education Costs - as Non-EU Students must pay high Tuition fees
• Allows you to work as a Public Servant and stand in Parliamentary, Senatorial or Presidential elections
• Serve in the French Armed Forces

See our web page:

French Citizenship by Descent | French Nationality Advice (visaconnect.com)

GERMAN CITIZENSHIP BY DESCENT

 

Contact VisaConnect's specialist Consultants, and our partner German Immigration Lawyers, in 2024, by phone or complete an online Form or visit us in our offices in Brisbane, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, London, UK and Lisbon, Portugal for advice and assistance with your German Citizenship by Descent application, and supporting documents of German Nationality!

Benefits of German Nationality

The advantages and benefits of acquiring German Citizenship and a German Passport are:

• Unlimited Travel in and out of Germany (Multiple Entry), with a Valid German Passport
• Freedom of Movement across the EU/EFTA area (Visa-Free travel in the EU)
• Visa-free access to 190 countries around the world, as per the Henley Passport Index, in 2023. The German Passport is currently ranked as the equal 2nd strongest Passport in the world.
• Germany recognises Dual Nationality
• Entitled to Live, Work and Vote in Germany on a Permanent basis, and can Live and Work in other EU Countries
• Open and operate a business in Germany and anywhere in the EU
• Access to all Government Social Security benefits and the German Healthcare scheme
• Cheaper Education Costs - as Non-EU Students must pay high Tuition fees
• Allows you to work as a Public Servant and stand in Government elections
• Serve in the German Armed Forces
• Raise your children in Germany and pass on German citizenship to them
• Germany is recognised as being one of the best and safest countries to live in the world

See our web page:

German Citizenship by Descent | German Nationality Advice (visaconnect.com)

AUSTRIAN CITIZENSHIP BY DESCENT

 

Contact VisaConnect's specialist Consultants, and our partner Austrian Immigration Lawyers, in 2024, by phone or complete an online Form or visit us in our offices in Brisbane, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, London, UK and Lisbon, Portugal for advice and assistance with your Austrian Citizenship by Descent application, and supporting documents for Acquisition of Austrian Nationality!

Benefits of Austrian Citizenship

The advantages and benefits of acquiring Austrian Citizenship and an Austrian Passport are:

• Unlimited Travel in and out of Austria (Multiple Entry), with a Valid Austrian Passport
• Freedom of Movement across the EU/EFTA area (Visa-Free travel in the EU)
• Visa-free access to 189 countries around the world, as per the Henley Passport Index, in 2023. The Austrian Passport is currently ranked as the equal 3rd strongest Passport in the world.
• Austria recognises Dual Nationality
• Entitled to Live, Work and Vote in Austria on a Permanent basis, and can Live and Work in other EU Countries
• Austrians have access to the world's best healthcare and education systems.
• Austria's country's economy is strong and developed. The state is home to many large global corporations. The government also encourages international investment and provides various incentives for locating companies in the state.

See our web page:

Austrian Citizenship by Descent | Austrian Nationality (visaconnect.com)

LITHUANIAN CITIZENSHIP BY DESCENT

 

Contact VisaConnect's specialist Consultants, and our partner Lithuanian Immigration and Citizenship Lawyers, in 2024, by phone or complete an online Form on our website or visit us in our offices in Brisbane, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, London, UK and Lisbon, Portugal for advice and assistance with your Lithuanian Citizenship by Descent application, and supporting documents, as evidence of Nationality of Lithuania!

Benefits of Lithuanian Nationality

The advantages and benefits of acquiring Lithuanian Citizenship and a Lithuanian Passport are:

• Live, work and study in Lithuania and travel in and out of Lithuania, Visa-free
• Freedom of Movement across the EU/EFTA area (Visa-Free travel in the EU)
• EU member country since 2004, Euro area member since 2015 and Schengen area member since 2007
• Visa-free access to 185 countries around the world, as per the Henley Passport Index, in 2023. The Lithuanian Passport is currently ranked as the 9th strongest Passport in the world.
• Lithuania allows Dual Citizenship
• Low Cost of Living - Vilnius is ranked as the 123rd most expensive city in the world, out of 227 cities, according to the Mercer cost of Living ranking
• Free University Education or substantially subsidised fees for EU Nationals
• Pass on Lithuanian EU Citizenship to your children
• The Public Healthcare system in Lithuania ensures free healthcare for almost all its citizens
• Access to Social security - Family benefits, including Child care, Maternity and Paternity benefits, Sick pay, Long term care, Old-Age Pensions and Unemployment benefit

See our web page:

Lithuanian Citizenship by Descent | Lithuanian Nationality (visaconnect.com)

POLISH CITIZENSHIP BY DESCENT

Contact VisaConnect's specialist Consultants, and our partner Polish Immigration and Citizenship Lawyers, in 2024, by phone or complete an online Form on our website or visit us in our offices in Brisbane, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, London, UK and Lisbon, Portugal for advice and assistance with your Polish Citizenship by Descent application, and supporting documents, as evidence of Nationality of Poland!

Benefits of Polish Nationality

The advantages and benefits of acquiring Polish Citizenship and a Polish Passport are:

• Live, work and study in Poland and travel in and out of Poland, Visa-free
• Freedom of Movement across the EU/EFTA area (Visa-Free travel in the EU)
• Poland has been a member of the European Union since 1 May 2004
• Visa-free access to 187 countries around the world, as per the Henley Passport Index, in 2023. The Poliush Passport is currently ranked as the 7th strongest Passport in the world.
• Poland allows Dual Citizenship
• Publicly funded health care system called the Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia, which is free for all the citizens of Poland. Also, Private health care is affordable
• Poland is among the most affordable places to live in the European Union. The average cost of living in Poland is reasonable at around 3,500 to 6,000 EUR per year. This cost varies from city to city.
• Public Education is free at all levels in Poland, and the public system is supplemented by private and community schools and Universities
• Transfer Polish EU Citizenship to your children
• Social security in Poland consists of: Old-age pension; Invalidity pension; Sickness and maternity insurance; Insurance against accidents at work and occupational diseases; Health insurance, Family benefits, Social assistance benefits and Unemployment benefits, which covers practically all people in active employment
• As at 11 November 2019, Poland became eligible for the US Visitor Visa Waiver status, making the United States more accessible for Polish citizens
• Poland has one of the lowest violent crime rates in Europe, with particularly low levels of vandalism and arson
• Vote in local Polish Municipal council elections and European Parliament elections

See our web page:

Polish Citizenship by Descent | Polish Nationality Advice (visaconnect.com)