Citizenship vs. Naturalization — What's the Difference?

The state of being a legally recognized member of a country.

The legal process by which a non-citizen becomes a citizen.

The privileges and obligations associated with being a national of a country.

A procedure involving residency, exams, and other criteria to gain citizenship.

A status that determines an individual's allegiance to a state.

The act of voluntarily acquiring a new nationality.

Membership that involves participation in civic duties and responsibilities.

The formal acceptance of the rights and responsibilities of a new citizenship.

A legal bond between a person and a nation, granting rights like access to government services.

A transition involving renunciation of previous citizenship, depending on the country's rules.

Citizenship is a relationship between an individual and a state to which the individual owes allegiance and in turn is entitled to its protection.(quoted)Each state determines the conditions under which it will recognize persons as its citizens, and the conditions under which that status will be withdrawn. Recognition by a state as a citizen generally carries with it recognition of civil, political, and social rights which are not afforded to non-citizens.

Naturalization (or naturalisation) is the legal act or process by which a non-citizen of a country may acquire citizenship or nationality of that country. It may be done automatically by a statute, i.e., without any effort on the part of the individual, or it may involve an application or a motion and approval by legal authorities.

The status of a citizen with its attendant duties, rights, and privileges.

To grant full citizenship to (one of foreign birth).

The status of being a citizen, in its various senses.

To adopt (something foreign, such as a custom or a word from another language) into general use.

The state of being a citizen, in its various senses.

To introduce and establish (a species) in an environment to which it is not native

The state of being a citizen; the status of a citizen.

To explain (an occurrence, for example) by natural causes in contrast to supernatural causes.

The status of a citizen with rights and duties

To become naturalized or acclimated.

Conduct as a citizen;

The action of naturalizing somebody; act of granting citizenship.

The admission or adoption of foreign words or customs into general use.

The introduction and establishment of an animal or plant into a place where it is not indigenous.

The act or process of naturalizing, esp. of investing an alien with the rights and privileges of a native or citizen; also, the state of being naturalized.

The quality of being brought into conformity with nature

The proceeding whereby a foreigner is granted citizenship

The introduction of animals or plants to places where they flourish but are not indigenous

Changing the pronunciation of a borrowed word to agree with the borrowers' phonology;

Yes, it often involves residency, language skills, background checks, and citizenship tests.

Not always; it can also be obtained by descent or through naturalization.

Yes, in rare cases like treason or fraud in obtaining citizenship.

It varies but often takes several years due to requirements and verification.

No, each country has unique procedures and requirements.

Typically yes, but certain offices or roles may still have restrictions.

Yes, citizens are often taxed on global income by their home country.

In most countries, only citizens have the right to vote.

Generally no, as most legal systems grant them the same rights.

Often, yes, to ensure the applicant can integrate into society.

Some countries require this, while others allow dual citizenship.

Only under specific circumstances, such as fraud or national security issues.

Usually, children automatically become citizens if certain criteria are met.

Yes, if no other citizenship is held, they could become stateless.

Yes, it can offer more opportunities for travel, work, and residence.