{"id":190062,"date":"2025-07-29T12:26:16","date_gmt":"2025-07-29T12:26:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/?p=190062"},"modified":"2026-01-28T18:51:08","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T18:51:08","slug":"citizenship-by-merit-meaning-process","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/it\/immigration-citizenship\/citizenship-by-merit-meaning-process\/","title":{"rendered":"La cittadinanza per merito spiegata: Significato, processo ed esempi globali"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Citizenship by merit is one of the least common, but most intriguing pathways to nationality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this guide, we\u2019ll answer the most frequently asked questions about citizenship by merit, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What is exceptional merit for citizenship?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What are examples of citizenship by merit?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What countries do offer citizenship by merit?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What is the process of acquiring citizenship by merit?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I miei recapiti sono hello@adamfayed.com e WhatsApp +44-7393-450-837 se avete domande.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Le informazioni contenute in questo articolo hanno un valore puramente indicativo. Non costituiscono consulenza finanziaria, legale o fiscale e non rappresentano una raccomandazione o una sollecitazione a investire. Alcuni fatti potrebbero essere cambiati dal momento della stesura.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/CTA_5_final_-512x288.jpg\" usemap=\"#image-map\" alt=\"Discover How We Can Address Your Financial Pain Points\">\n\n<map name=\"image-map\">\n    <area href=\"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/subscribe\/\" target=\"_blank\" alt=\"Subscribe Free\" title=\"Abbonati gratuitamente\" coords=\"72,217,198,252\" shape=\"rect\">\n    <area href=\"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/contact\/\" target=\"_blank\" alt=\"Discover Now\" title=\"Scopri ora\" coords=\"303,217,429,252\" shape=\"rect\">\n<\/map>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What are the three categories of citizenship?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Citizenship by birth or descent<\/strong><br>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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cittadinanza per naturalizzazione<\/strong><br>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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Citizenship by investment or merit<\/strong><br>This pathway includes individuals who either invest a significant amount in the national economy or offer exceptional contributions that benefit the country.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Citizenship by merit is just one of several pathways through which individuals can acquire nationality. Let&#8217;s explore further. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is Citizenship by Merit?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.savoryandpartners.com\/blog\/what-is-citizenship-by-exceptional-merit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Citizenship by merit<\/a> is a discretionary form of naturalization granted to individuals whose personal achievements are considered exceptionally valuable to a country\u2019s national interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike standard pathways that depend on ancestry, long-term residence, or financial <a href=\"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/it\/immigration-citizenship\/a-comprehensive-guide-to-citizenship-by-investment-programs-worldwide\/\">investimento<\/a>, this route is based on demonstrable merit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This form of citizenship is typically awarded to those who have brought global recognition, economic benefit, or cultural prestige to the country offering it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In most cases, it is not something you apply for in the traditional sense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead, it is granted by presidential decree, ministerial decision, or parliamentary approval, often initiated through nomination by a government body or national institution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While not a widely available or transparent category, citizenship by merit reflects a country\u2019s strategic interest in attracting and retaining world-class talent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are examples of merit?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Elite athletes who compete internationally on behalf of the country or raise its profile through championship-level performance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Renowned scientists, inventors, or academics whose research or innovations have global significance or strategic national value<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cultural figures such as artists, musicians, authors, or filmmakers whose work enhances the country\u2019s cultural identity or global influence<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High-net-worth philanthropists who make substantial charitable contributions or fund major development, health, or educational initiatives within the country<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Citizenship by merit countries<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Francia<\/strong> \u2013 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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Austria<\/strong> \u2013 Grants <a href=\"https:\/\/www.austriancitizenships.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">honorary citizenship<\/a> in rare cases for extraordinary services to the Republic, often involving cultural, scientific, or economic achievements. Approval requires consensus from federal and provincial authorities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Arabia Saudita<\/strong> \u2013 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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Brasile <\/strong>\u2013 Occasionally grants honorary citizenship to individuals who promote the country\u2019s 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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Qatar <\/strong>\u2013 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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Australia<\/strong> \u2013 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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Grecia<\/strong> \u2013 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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Montenegro<\/strong> \u2013 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is the process of obtaining citizenship?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"341\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/HOW-TO-OBTAIN-CITIZENSHIP-BY-MERIT-341x512.jpg\" alt=\"Citizenship by merit guide\" class=\"wp-image-190066\" style=\"width:320px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/HOW-TO-OBTAIN-CITIZENSHIP-BY-MERIT-341x512.jpg 341w, https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/HOW-TO-OBTAIN-CITIZENSHIP-BY-MERIT-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/HOW-TO-OBTAIN-CITIZENSHIP-BY-MERIT-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/HOW-TO-OBTAIN-CITIZENSHIP-BY-MERIT-scaled.jpg 550w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 341px) 100vw, 341px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><sub><sup>Photo by Ekaterina Belinskaya on Pexels<\/sup><\/sub><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For citizenship by merit, the process is typically non-standardized and highly discretionary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Nomination or referral by a government agency, national institution, or public official<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Submission of documentation proving the individual\u2019s exceptional contributions, such as awards, publications, endorsements, or records of public service<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Evaluation by high-level authorities, such as the ministry of interior, head of state, or a special committee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Approval through executive decision, often bypassing regular immigration protocols<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is often no formal form to fill out or timeline to follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Success typically depends on a combination of political discretion, national interest, and the strength of the applicant\u2019s global or domestic impact.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Citizenship by merit processing time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In some countries, approvals may be granted within a few months, particularly when high-level officials are directly involved or when the applicant\u2019s merit is widely recognized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In other cases, the process may take several years, especially if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Parliamentary votes or presidential decrees are required<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Multiple government agencies must <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/it\/category\/review-articles\/\" title=\"recensione\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"2385\">recensione<\/a> the nomination<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Additional documentation or clarifications are requested<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Political climates shift, delaying discretionary approvals<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because merit-based citizenship lacks a formal application route, it\u2019s not uncommon for applicants to face prolonged periods of uncertainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even those with strong qualifications may encounter bureaucratic slowdowns or indefinite waits due to changing national priorities or administrative bottlenecks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Pros and Cons of Citizenship by Merit<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pros of citizenship by merit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>No financial investment required<\/strong> \u2013 Unlike golden visa or citizenship-by-investment programs, merit-based citizenship is typically awarded without the need for donations or asset purchases.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Recognition of personal achievement<\/strong> \u2013 This pathway rewards outstanding individuals for their impact in fields like sports, science, arts, or humanitarian work.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Symbolic prestige<\/strong> \u2013 Being granted citizenship based on merit often carries a level of honor and national appreciation that goes beyond legal status.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Path to full rights<\/strong> \u2013 In many cases, it includes all the privileges of full citizenship, including voting rights and passport access.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cons of citizenship by  merit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Highly selective and rare<\/strong> \u2013 Very few applicants are chosen. Governments award it only in exceptional cases.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lack of transparency<\/strong> \u2013 There are usually no formal application procedures or clear eligibility criteria, making the process difficult to navigate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Subject to political discretion<\/strong> \u2013 Decisions may rely on executive powers or special legislation, leaving room for inconsistency or delays.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>No guaranteed timeline<\/strong> \u2013 Unlike structured investment programs, the merit-based route doesn\u2019t follow a fixed processing schedule.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Conclusione<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Citizenship by merit offers a rare but impactful path to nationality for individuals whose achievements serve a broader public good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While not widely publicized or predictable in timeline, it remains a powerful option for influential individuals who align with a country\u2019s strategic interests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For those who qualify, citizenship by merit represents more than legal status; it\u2019s national recognition of global impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Siete afflitti dall'indecisione finanziaria? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"512\" height=\"288\" src=\"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Adam-Fayed-Contact_CTA3-512x288.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-117505\" style=\"width:683px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Adam-Fayed-Contact_CTA3-512x288.jpg 512w, https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Adam-Fayed-Contact_CTA3-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Adam-Fayed-Contact_CTA3-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Adam-Fayed-Contact_CTA3-scaled.jpg 825w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/it\/become-adams-client\/\">Diventa mio cliente<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/it\/good-match-quiz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fare il quiz sull'idoneit\u00e0 del cliente<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/it\/contact\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Contatto<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Adam \u00e8 un autore riconosciuto a livello internazionale in materia finanziaria con oltre 830 milioni di visualizzazioni di risposte su Quora, un libro molto venduto su Amazon e un contributo su Forbes.<\/strong><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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\u2019ll answer the most frequently [&hellip;]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":60,"featured_media":190070,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rop_custom_images_group":[],"rop_custom_messages_group":[],"rop_publish_now":"no","rop_publish_now_accounts":{"facebook_10166176115445471_100883565069113":""},"rop_publish_now_history":[{"account":"facebook_10166176115445471_100883565069113","service":"facebook","timestamp":1753792108,"status":"error"}],"rop_publish_now_status":"done","footnotes":""},"categories":[11832],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-190062","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-immigration-citizenship"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/190062","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/60"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=190062"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/190062\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":232070,"href":"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/190062\/revisions\/232070"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/190070"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=190062"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=190062"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adamfayed.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=190062"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}