Moroccans Second in Gaining Citizenship Across EU in 2023

Key Takeaways

• In 2023, 106,000 Moroccans gained EU citizenship, making them the second-largest group of naturalized citizens across member states.
• France and Spain each granted 54,027 citizenships to Moroccans, leading among the top five EU countries for Moroccan naturalization.
• EU naturalization criteria include 5–10 years of residency, language proficiency, social integration, clean records, and financial independence.

In 2023, Moroccans continued to hold the position of the second-largest group of naturalized citizens across EU countries 🇪🇺. This trend highlights the deep-rooted connections between Morocco 🇲🇦 and Europe and underscores a significant migration pattern that has persisted for decades. This article delves into the numbers, processes, and factors behind Moroccan naturalization in the European Union, while also examining the implications and challenges tied to this growing phenomenon.

Moroccan Naturalization in Numbers

Based on the most recent statistics released by Eurostat on March 1, 2025, 1.1 million people gained citizenship across EU member states in 2023. Among this group, Moroccans accounted for 106,000 naturalizations, securing their position as the second-largest nationality obtaining EU citizenship. This number is slightly higher than the previous year, reflecting sustained naturalization efforts among Moroccan migrants.

The top five countries granting citizenship to Moroccans in 2023 were:

• France 🇫🇷: 54,027 naturalizations
• Spain 🇪🇸: 54,027 naturalizations
• Italy 🇮🇹: 28,716 naturalizations
• Belgium 🇧🇪: 15,230 naturalizations
• Netherlands 🇳🇱: 9,800 naturalizations

A significant portion of Moroccan immigrants is concentrated in Western European countries, particularly in nations with historical ties to Morocco. These connections have played a pivotal role in shaping immigration policies, aiding the integration of Moroccans, and facilitating their naturalization.

Key Factors Behind High Naturalization Rates

The strong presence of Moroccan immigrants in Europe and their growing rates of citizenship acquisition stem from various factors:

1. Duration of Residency: Length of residence is a major criterion for citizenship eligibility. Many Moroccans residing in Europe fulfill the required residency period due to long-term migration patterns spanning decades. For instance, 69.5% of Moroccan residents in Italy 🇮🇹 held long-term residence permits as of January 1, 2023, showcasing the stability of this community.

2. Family Reunification: Family reunification policies continue to serve as a cornerstone of Moroccan migration. In Italy alone, 64.8% of short-term residence permits issued to Moroccans were for family reasons. Such reunifications often lay the foundation for eventual citizenship eligibility.

3. Economic Opportunities: Despite economic challenges, Moroccan migrants have established themselves in sectors such as industry, transportation, and trade. These employment opportunities provide the financial stability often required for naturalization applications.

4. Historical Connections: The deep ties between Morocco and countries like France 🇫🇷 and Spain 🇪🇸, rooted in history and past colonial relations, play a significant role in streamlining the integration and citizenship processes for Moroccan immigrants.

These factors collectively create pathways for Moroccan migrants to transition from long-term residents to citizens within EU countries.

How the Naturalization Process Works

Though naturalization rules vary across member states, most EU countries follow similar criteria for granting citizenship:

1. Residency Length: Applicants generally need to prove they have lived in the country legally for at least 5–10 years. For example, France requires five years of uninterrupted residency for naturalization.

2. Language Skills: Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in their host country’s official language through standardized tests.

3. Social Integration: Citizenship applicants often need to show that they have fully integrated into society. This might involve attending cultural classes or participating in community life.

4. Clean Criminal Record: Those applying for citizenship are typically required to provide proof they have no history of serious criminal offenses.

5. Financial Independence: In most cases, applicants must demonstrate they are financially self-supporting and can manage without relying on social welfare.

For instance, in France 🇫🇷, 54,027 Moroccans were granted citizenship in 2023. A notable number achieved this through naturalization by decree or other formal legal pathways—options available for individuals who meet specific integration and residency requirements.

Impacts of High Moroccan Naturalization Rates

The growing trend of Moroccan naturalization carries important implications, both for Moroccan communities living abroad and for their host countries in Europe.

1. Political Participation

Becoming a citizen grants Moroccan immigrants significant new rights, including the ability to vote in local and national elections. This can amplify their political voice, allowing them to influence policies shaping local communities.

2. Economic Contributions

Naturalized citizens not only have wider access to job markets but also begin to fully participate in their host country’s social and economic systems. Moroccan citizens contribute to local economies through entrepreneurship, taxes, and various industries.

3. Enriching EU Cultures

Moroccan communities infuse European countries with diverse cultural practices, cuisines, music, and traditions. This cultural exchange enhances mutual understanding and fosters multiculturalism, essential in today’s interconnected world.

4. Addressing Population Decline

In countries facing aging populations and shrinking birth rates, such as Spain 🇪🇸, the contributions of Moroccan immigrants help offset demographic challenges. This reinforces the workforce and strengthens social security systems.

Challenges Faced by Moroccan Communities

While the rising naturalization rates signal success, several challenges persist for Moroccan immigrants:

1. Employment Barriers: In 2022, the Moroccan community in Italy 🇮🇹 faced lower employment rates (48%) compared to the overall non-EU population (59.2%). Unemployment and underemployment remain obstacles for some.

2. Education Gaps: Boosting educational attainment remains key. Many EU countries are implementing programs to improve educational access for Moroccan immigrants and their children.

3. Social Integration: Despite the positive contributions of Moroccan communities, social tensions sometimes arise. Programs addressing such cultural differences are essential for ensuring smooth integration.

Developments and Future Outlook

As of 2025, multiple developments are influencing Moroccan naturalization within the EU:

• Digital Reforms: Many EU countries have modernized their application processes by digitizing forms and procedures, reducing wait times and simplifying citizenship pathways.

• Attracting Skilled Talent: Efforts such as tailored visa programs aim to attract skilled Moroccan workers. These policies could fast-track applications for qualified individuals.

• Promoting Dual Citizenship: Morocco is exploring agreements with EU countries to allow dual citizenship. This would reduce barriers for Moroccans seeking EU citizenship while retaining ties to their home country.

• Climate Change Preparedness: Climate change-related migration from North Africa is already a topic of discussion. Future policies may address migration patterns affected by environmental factors, with potential impacts on naturalization policies.

• EU Integration Funds: The EU has earmarked more funding for initiatives supporting the inclusion of migrants, including Moroccan nationals, under its 2024–2030 budget framework.

These developments show that both the EU and Morocco are taking proactive steps to bolster naturalization rates while ensuring long-term integration.

Conclusion

In 2023, Moroccans maintained their place as the second-largest group of naturalized citizens in EU countries, reflecting their strong migratory connections to Europe 🇪🇺. With historical links, family-centered migration, and long-term residency forming the backbone of their success, Moroccan communities have become integral to European societies. Their economic, demographic, and cultural contributions enrich the European Union, even as challenges persist in employment and integration.

As EU countries continue to refine their naturalization processes and implement progressive migration policies, it is expected that Moroccan naturalization trends will remain strong in the years to come. For those interested in exploring citizenship policies further, tools such as the European Commission’s Migration and Home Affairs website offer detailed guides and resources.

Efforts to support Moroccans in their naturalization journeys not only benefit individual migrants but also strengthen the bonds between Morocco and Europe, creating a shared future built on mutual respect and opportunity. As highlighted by VisaVerge.com, Moroccan migrants and their descendants are shaping the EU’s cultural and demographic fabric while navigating paths to citizenship. Their journey exemplifies the enduring ties between North Africa and Europe.

Learn Today

Naturalization → The legal process through which a non-citizen acquires citizenship of a country, meeting specific criteria like residency and integration.
Family Reunification → Immigration policy allowing family members of a migrant to join them in the host country, fostering social stability.
Residency Permit → Legal authorization for non-citizens to reside in a country for a specified period under certain conditions.
Dual Citizenship → Legal status that allows an individual to hold citizenship in two countries simultaneously, granting rights in both nations.
Social Integration → The process of immigrants becoming fully participating members of their host country’s society through language, culture, and economic involvement.

This Article in a Nutshell

Moroccans ranked as the second-largest group awarded EU citizenship in 2023, with 106,000 naturalizations. Rooted in historical ties, long-term residency, and family reunifications, this trend reflects decades of migration. Their contributions enrich European societies culturally and economically. Despite challenges like employment barriers, Moroccan communities continue shaping Europe’s future with resilience and determination.
— By VisaVerge.com

Read more:

• Schengen Visa Delays Frustrate Moroccans in Tangier
• Moroccans Lost €11 Million in Schengen Visa Rejections in 2023
• Qatar Nationals: Apply for Bulgaria Schengen Visa via VFS Global
• Labour Considers Scottish Visa to Address Skilled Worker Shortages
• How to Apply for a Lithuania Tourist Visa