Citizenship by Merit Explained: Meaning, Process, and Global Examples

Citizenship by merit is a special route for high-performing athletes, influential academics, or investors whose work impacts entire industries. Some countries offer citizenship to individuals whose presence is considered a national asset.

Citizenship by merit is one of the least common, but most intriguing pathways to nationality.

In this guide, we’ll answer the most frequently asked questions about citizenship by merit, including:

• What is exceptional merit for citizenship?
• What are examples of citizenship by merit?
• What countries do offer citizenship by merit?
• What is the process of acquiring citizenship by merit?

My contact details are hello@adamfayed.com and WhatsApp +44-7393-450-837 if you have any questions.

The information in this article is for general guidance only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice, and is not a recommendation or solicitation to invest. Some facts may have changed since the time of writing.

What are the three categories of citizenship?

1. Citizenship by birth or descent
   Also known as jus soli (right of the soil) or jus sanguinis (right of blood), this category includes individuals who acquire citizenship by being born in a country or through a parent who is already a citizen. It is the most automatic and widely recognized form of citizenship.
2. Citizenship by naturalization
   This route is based on time spent living in the country legally, along with fulfilling requirements such as language proficiency, clean criminal record, and cultural integration. It typically applies to long-term residents, spouses of citizens, or refugees.
3. Citizenship by investment or merit
   This pathway includes individuals who either invest a significant amount in the national economy or offer exceptional contributions that benefit the country.

Citizenship by merit is just one of several pathways through which individuals can acquire nationality. Let’s explore further.

What is Citizenship by Merit?

Citizenship by merit is a discretionary form of naturalization granted to individuals whose personal achievements are considered exceptionally valuable to a country’s national interest.

Unlike standard pathways that depend on ancestry, long-term residence, or financial investment, this route is based on demonstrable merit.

This form of citizenship is typically awarded to those who have brought global recognition, economic benefit, or cultural prestige to the country offering it.

In most cases, it is not something you apply for in the traditional sense.

Instead, it is granted by presidential decree, ministerial decision, or parliamentary approval, often initiated through nomination by a government body or national institution.

While not a widely available or transparent category, citizenship by merit reflects a country’s strategic interest in attracting and retaining world-class talent.

It recognizes that certain individuals, through their skills or influence, can contribute more than just economic value; they can shape global perceptions and support long-term national goals.

What are examples of merit?

• Elite athletes who compete internationally on behalf of the country or raise its profile through championship-level performance
• Renowned scientists, inventors, or academics whose research or innovations have global significance or strategic national value
• Cultural figures such as artists, musicians, authors, or filmmakers whose work enhances the country’s cultural identity or global influence
• High-net-worth philanthropists who make substantial charitable contributions or fund major development, health, or educational initiatives within the country

Citizenship by merit countries

• France – Offers discretionary naturalization to individuals who contribute significantly to French culture, science, or global prestige. This includes artists, intellectuals, and athletes who serve the national interest.
• Austria – Grants honorary citizenship in rare cases for extraordinary services to the Republic, often involving cultural, scientific, or economic achievements. Approval requires consensus from federal and provincial authorities.
• Saudi Arabia – Has expanded its citizenship policy to include highly skilled professionals in areas such as science, technology, culture, medicine, and sharia, as part of its national development strategy.
• Brazil – Occasionally grants honorary citizenship to individuals who promote the country’s national image, particularly in sports and culture. A notable example is the honorary citizenship granted to British racing driver Lewis Hamilton ahead of the 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix.
• Qatar – Has naturalized select foreign athletes to represent the country in major international competitions, particularly in football. During the 2022 FIFA World Cup, several players on the Qatari team were naturalized citizens originally recruited from foreign clubs.
• Australia – Offers an accelerated pathway to permanent residency, and ultimately citizenship, through the Distinguished Talent Stream under its Global Talent program. It is open to internationally recognized individuals in fields such as the arts, sports, and academia. However, the process is selective and capped at around 200 places per year, requiring a nomination from an eligible Australian individual or organization.
• Greece – Grants honorary citizenship to individuals and their families in recognition of significant contributions to the country. In 2020, Greece conferred honorary nationality on Tom Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, for their efforts supporting wildfire relief initiatives.
• Montenegro – Has awarded citizenship to exceptional individuals whose work aligns with national interests. For example, Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin was granted citizenship for his role in promoting Montenegro and contributing to its crypto sector development.

What is the process of obtaining citizenship?

Citizenship by merit processing time

In some countries, approvals may be granted within a few months, particularly when high-level officials are directly involved or when the applicant’s merit is widely recognized.

In other cases, the process may take several years, especially if:

• Parliamentary votes or presidential decrees are required
• Multiple government agencies must review the nomination
• Additional documentation or clarifications are requested
• Political climates shift, delaying discretionary approvals

Because merit-based citizenship lacks a formal application route, it’s not uncommon for applicants to face prolonged periods of uncertainty.

Even those with strong qualifications may encounter bureaucratic slowdowns or indefinite waits due to changing national priorities or administrative bottlenecks.

For this reason, many successful cases involve legal advisors or state-level sponsors who can help navigate the informal channels and push the process forward.

Pros and Cons of Citizenship by Merit

Pros of citizenship by merit

• No financial investment required – Unlike golden visa or citizenship-by-investment programs, merit-based citizenship is typically awarded without the need for donations or asset purchases.
• Recognition of personal achievement – This pathway rewards outstanding individuals for their impact in fields like sports, science, arts, or humanitarian work.
• Symbolic prestige – Being granted citizenship based on merit often carries a level of honor and national appreciation that goes beyond legal status.
• Path to full rights – In many cases, it includes all the privileges of full citizenship, including voting rights and passport access.

Cons of citizenship by merit

• Highly selective and rare – Very few applicants are chosen. Governments award it only in exceptional cases.
• Lack of transparency – There are usually no formal application procedures or clear eligibility criteria, making the process difficult to navigate.
• Subject to political discretion – Decisions may rely on executive powers or special legislation, leaving room for inconsistency or delays.
• No guaranteed timeline – Unlike structured investment programs, the merit-based route doesn’t follow a fixed processing schedule.

Conclusion

Citizenship by merit offers a rare but impactful path to nationality for individuals whose achievements serve a broader public good.

While not widely publicized or predictable in timeline, it remains a powerful option for influential individuals who align with a country’s strategic interests.

For those who qualify, citizenship by merit represents more than legal status; it’s national recognition of global impact.

Pained by financial indecision?

Adam is an internationally recognised author on financial matters with over 830million answer views on Quora, a widely sold book on Amazon, and a contributor on Forbes.