EU passport: applying for a second passport from Ireland, Spain, France and more
Want to keep an EU passport post-Brexit? Here's how to apply for a passport from Ireland, Spain, France and other EU countries.
Since we voted for Brexit, the number of people applying for an EU passport has shot up.
According to a recent survey by the Guardian, thousands of UK citizens are considering applying for a dual passport as a result of the country’s decision to leave the European Union.
But how would you go about that? If you have no ties to a country, through ancestry or marriage – in line with that country’s requirements – there’s very little you can do.
If you do, however, we’ve got all the information you need to secure your second passport.
Ireland
You can apply for an Irish passport at your nearest Irish Embassy or consulate, by post via Passport Express or in person at a passport office. The fees you’ll pay differ depending on which option you choose.
If you apply at an embassy or consulate or by post a standard passport is €80 (£68.30) although a fee of €9.50 per application applies for the postal option. The price of the passport goes up to €95 (£81.10) if you apply at a passport office.
Passport Express is only available to those living in Ireland although you could post your application to your nearest embassy or consulate if you live outside of the country (application forms, however, cannot be downloaded or submitted online).
Along with four passport photos you’ll need a certified copy of photo ID (this could be your UK passport), proof of use of name (such as a wage slip) and proof of address.
Spain
If you’re able to apply for a Spanish passport you can do so at your nearest Spanish consulate (or, if you live in Spain currently at your nearest register office). There are two consulates in the UK - 20 Draycott Place in London, SW3 2RZ and 63 North Castle Street in Edinburgh, EH2 3LJ.
There are also honorary consulates in Manchester and Birmingham.
The documents you’ll need will differ depending on your circumstances but as a standard requirement you’ll need to bring your current passport, your birth certificate, your kids’ birth certificates (if they’re under 18) and proof that you have ‘sufficient resources’ to support yourself and your family in Spain.
Applications are assessed on an individual basis so there is no definitive guidance on what resources you need to have to be deemed sufficient but the point is to prove you won’t be a financial drain on the country. You may have to provide proof of employment.
Depending on your circumstances you may also need to provide your marriage certificate or spouse’s birth and death certificate.
The Spanish Consulate says passports are issued 20 days after application but there could be delays during busier periods. You’ll need three photos (standard passport rules apply) and you’ll pay €26 (£22.20).
France
To apply for a French passport while living in the UK you’ll need to visit the French consulate (6a Cromwell Place, London, SW7 2EW). You must make an appointment which you can do online. The consulate says it’ll take between five and seven days for your passport to be issued.
French passports cost €96 (£81.96) which you’ll pay at your appointment.
You’ll need to bring with you your birth certificate or national identity card, proof of address and photo ID.
The consulate dictates you must have French nationality to apply for a passport and you must meet certain criteria in order to acquire it. Full details of the conditions that must be met can be found on the consulate's website.
Germany
You can apply for a German passport at the German Embassy in London (1-6 Chesham Place, Belgrave Mews West London SW1X 8PZ), the Consulate General in Edinburgh or one of the Honorary Consul Offices. These are situated in Aberdeen, Cardiff, Liverpool, Plymouth, Southampton and Newcastle.
You’ll need to book an appointment online.
At your appointment you must provide a completed application form or request one by post by sending a SAE to the embassy, your current passport or ID card, your full birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), recent proof of address and two photos. You’ll also have your fingerprints taken.
Prices for adult passports differ depending on age. If you’re under 24 you’ll pay £50.40. Over 24s will pay £68.90.
It’ll take four to six weeks to process once the application is filed (unless you pay an additional fee of £27.60 for the express service which takes three days) but you could wait up to three months for an appointment.
Italy
You’ll need to visit the Italian consulate in London or one of its honorary consulates across the UK to apply or an Italian passport. There are 17 of these, based in Ashford, Bedford, Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Cheshunt, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Greenock, Guernsey, Hull, Liverpool, Manchester, Nottingham, Peterborough, Watford and Woking.
You must book an appointment; only in emergencies will they see you without and there are stipulations as to what constitutes an emergency.
An Italian passport will cost you €116 (£99.03) and will take between one and six weeks to process.
You’ll need an application form from which you can get from your nearest consulate office and you’ll have to bring your birth certificate, photo ID, two photos and proof of citizenship.
Sweden
To apply for a Swedish passport in the UK you’ll need to visit the Embassy of Sweden in London (11 Montagu Place London W1H 2AL) and to do so you’ll have to make an appointment which you must do online. You’ll need to complete an application form too.
A Swedish passport will set you back £114. Your passport should be ready for collection around two weeks after application.
While you have to apply for the passport at the Embassy you can collect it from your nearest Swedish Consulate (there are consulates in Belfast, Brighton, Cardiff, Dover, Glasgow Immingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Southampton and Stornoway) for an extra £19 (£7 postage and a £12 fee payable to the consulate when you collect).
You’ll need to bring photo ID, your birth certificate (stating the names of both parents) and your previous passport or photo ID.
More travel essentials:
How to claim compensation for delayed and cancelled flights
Tourist Tax in Europe: what you will pay in Spain, Italy and other hotspots
Selling unused foreign currency: are 'buy back rates' worth paying for?
Comments
Be the first to comment
Do you want to comment on this article? You need to be signed in for this feature