49% of countries in the world allow dual citizenship, including the United States, Canada, Turkey, and many others. Its holders can choose better living conditions, receive tax benefits, and have more opportunities travel-wise. However, when planning to get dual citizenship, it is important to check whether it is allowed in your home country so as not to risk losing your first passport.
Dual nationality offers many advantages. It allows you to travel more freely between borders, avoiding visa restrictions, and gives you access to a wide range of medical and educational services. But obtaining it is not always a simple process. Conditions and procedures can vary depending on local legislation. For example, in some Caribbean countries, such as St. Kitts and Nevis or Dominica, it is possible to obtain citizenship through investment. In Spain and France, it can be acquired through naturalization.
Many states offer simplified procedures for obtaining status through marriage or with proof of descent. In this article, we will tell you how to get dual citizenship, where it is allowed, and what conditions applicants need to fulfill.
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What are dual citizenships?
This is a legal status in which a person is recognized as a citizen of two countries at the same time and can enjoy rights and fulfill obligations in each of them. Such people are referred to as bipatrides.
Dual citizenship does offer advantages but still comes with certain obligations and can create complications in some situations. The process of obtaining it can vary depending on the laws of each country. In some countries, like Spain and France, citizenship can be obtained through naturalization, which typically requires a long period of residency and the fulfillment of several conditions, such as knowledge of the language and culture.
Many regions also offer simplified procedures for obtaining citizenship through marriage or by proving ancestry. For example, in Italy and Germany, descendants of local citizens may obtain citizenship based on family ties. In Portugal and Greece, there are Golden Visa programs that provide residency through investments in real estate or the economy, eventually leading to citizenship.
Before applying, it is recommended to thoroughly research all aspects and consult with lawyers or immigration specialists. This will help avoid potential issues and ensure a successful path to obtaining citizenship.
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Advantages
Bipatrides can enjoy the rights granted by each country whose passport they hold:
- Vote.
- Receive social benefits.
- Utilize educational and health services.
- Work or engage in business.
- Travel with simplified access under state-sponsored visa agreements.
The last point attracts many foreigners. For example, with a European passport, which is one of the most common dual citizenship opportunities, one can travel freely in the Schengen zone. Caribbean nationality opens free entry to more than 140 countries.
Dual citizenship can also offer tax benefits. In some cases, individuals can choose which country to pay taxes in, which can be advantageous for preserving finances. However, it's important to remember that some countries, like the United States, require their citizens to fulfill tax obligations regardless of where they live.
Dual citizens can access healthcare and educational services in both countries, significantly expanding their opportunities and improving their quality of life. Additionally, they have access to various social and economic benefits. For example, they may be eligible to receive pensions and benefits in both countries.
Work and business opportunities also become more accessible. Dual citizens can work or run their own business in both countries without needing additional government permission.
Disadvantages
Despite the many benefits, having a second passport has its disadvantages. One of them is the complicated processing. Collecting and processing paperwork to obtain citizenship of a second country can be expensive and time-consuming. In many states, obtaining a residence permit for investment is much easier, and it allows you to reside in the territory legally.
Double taxation is another possible problem. For example, the United States requires its citizens to pay taxes to the IRS even if they live and work abroad.
Dual obligations also include possible military service. In the event of a conflict between two dual residency countries, choosing one side could result in loss of status or even legal action in the second location.
Moreover, even in a moderate scenario, the requirement to serve in the military twice can be physically and mentally exhausting.
Some countries do not recognize dual citizenship and require individuals to renounce their previous citizenship when obtaining a new one. In such cases, legal and bureaucratic challenges may arise, especially when dealing with documentation or fulfilling civic duties. There can also be issues when using different passports, complicating interactions with the authorities of both countries.
While holding two passports typically broadens travel opportunities, sometimes dual citizens may face additional scrutiny or be required to provide extra documentation when applying for visas to third countries. This can complicate the visa process and travel planning.
What countries allow dual citizenship
What countries allow multiple citizenship? To date, about half of all states allow double nationality, but here you can face a number of restrictions. For example, in Spain, foreigners who acquire citizenship are required to renounce their previous passport, except for those from Latin American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, or France.
Other countries may also have their own unique requirements and restrictions. In Japan and China, dual citizenship is not recognized, and citizens of these countries must choose one citizenship upon reaching the legally specified age. In India, individuals who acquire citizenship of another country automatically lose their Indian citizenship.
In some countries, such as Germany, dual citizenship is only possible in exceptional cases, such as being born to parents with different nationalities.
Full list of countries allowing dual citizenship
- Europe: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina (with restrictions), Vatican City, United Kingdom, Iceland, Liechtenstein (not for naturalized persons), Moldova (with minor restrictions), Norway, Russia, North Macedonia, Serbia (not for naturalized persons), Montenegro (for investment program participants), Switzerland.
- EU countries that allow dual citizenship: Belgium, Bulgaria (with restrictions), Hungary, Germany, Greece, Denmark, Ireland, Spain (with restrictions), Italy, Cyprus, Latvia (with restrictions), Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia (with significant restrictions), Slovenia (not for naturalized persons), Finland, France, Croatia (not for naturalized persons), the Czech Republic, Sweden.
- Americas: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Venezuela, Guatemala (with significant restrictions), Grenada, Dominica, Colombia, Costa Rica, Canada, Cuba, Mexico, Nicaragua (with restrictions), Panama (not for naturalized persons), Paraguay (with significant restrictions), Peru, El Salvador (only for native Salvadorans), Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, United States, Trinidad and Tobago (not for naturalized persons), Uruguay, Chile, Ecuador, Jamaica.
- Africa: Algeria (with restrictions), Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Gambia (not for naturalized persons), Gabon, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Djibouti, Zambia, Cape Verde, Kenya, Comoros, Lesotho, Liberia (with significant restrictions), Libya (very rare), Mauritius, Mauritania (with permission from authorities), Madagascar (for naturalized persons), Malawi (for citizens by birth and descent), Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia (not for naturalized persons), Nigeria and Niger (for citizens by birth), Republic of Congo, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Seychelles, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tunisia, Uganda, Chad, Eswatini (for citizens by birth), South Africa, South Sudan.
- Asia: Armenia, Bangladesh, East Timor, Vietnam (not for naturalized persons), Cambodia, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, Pakistan, Tajikistan (with restrictions), Taiwan (for native Taiwanese and certain highly skilled foreign professionals), Thailand, Turkey, Philippines (not for naturalized persons), Sri Lanka.
- Oceania: Australia, Vanuatu, Kiribati (only for native citizens), Nauru (with restrictions), New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea (with restrictions), Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Fiji.
- Middle East: Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Sudan, the UAE.
Marina Livanova, Citizenship-By.Investment expert:
"It is important to take into account the peculiarities of each particular state. For example, Spain allows you to have a second passport only for certain countries. But Canada does not impose any restrictions."
List of countries that do not allow dual citizenship
Some countries require their citizens to hold only one passport. For example, acquiring Austrian citizenship will result in the loss of any previous citizenship. The list of such countries includes:
- Europe: Austria, Andorra, Georgia, Lithuania, Monaco, Netherlands, San Marino, Slovakia, Ukraine, Estonia.
- Americas: Bahamas, Guyana, Suriname.
- Africa: Botswana, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Somalia, Tanzania, Togo, CAR, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia.
- Asia: Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Georgia (apart from exceptional cases), Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, China, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, North Korea, Singapore, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Japan.
- Oceania: Marshall Islands, Micronesia.
- Middle East: Bahrain, Iran, Yemen, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia.
Countries that allow dual citizenship only by descent
Some countries permit multiple citizenship only for those born as citizens. These include:
- Croatia
- Liechtenstein
- Taiwan
- Slovenia
- Philippines
Slovenia allows multiple nationalities for citizens by birth, but naturalized foreigners must renounce their original citizenship. In Croatia, individuals who obtain citizenship by descent from at least one parent can hold multi citizenship, whereas naturalized persons must renounce other citizenships when acquiring Croatian nationality. This allows those with Croatian roots to maintain a connection to their homeland, while simultaneously limiting opportunities for those who wish to acquire Croatian citizenship through naturalization.
Liechtenstein also adheres to strict rules regarding dual citizenship. Citizens by birth can hold multiple passports, but naturalized individuals must renounce their original citizenship. This policy is aimed at preserving Liechtenstein's cultural and national identity.
Taiwan and the Philippines have similar approaches. In Taiwan, citizens by birth can be dual nationals, but naturalized citizens must renounce their original citizenship. In the Philippines, native citizens are allowed multiple passports, but naturalized individuals must renounce their original citizenship when obtaining Philippine citizenship.
Easiest way to obtain dual citizenship
The quickest route is through having parents with dual citizenship or being born in a country that grants citizenship by descent. Another option is to acquire citizenship through investment in countries where this is allowed.
Economic citizenship programs offer a fast and relatively simple way to obtain a second passport. They typically require significant expenditures, such as purchasing real estate, investing in business or government bonds, or making a substantial charitable donation. Countries that offer such programs include St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Malta, and others.
Some countries provide streamlined procedures for individuals with notable contributions to the country, such as distinguished entrepreneurs, scientists, artists, and athletes.
Several countries offer the option of obtaining citizenship through marriage to a citizen. In such cases, the process may take a considerable amount of time, but it is often less expensive and more accessible than investment programs.
Countries where you can have dual citizenship by investment
Countries that offer dual citizenship for investment include St. Kitts and Nevis. Double nationality can be obtained by making a non-refundable contribution to the economy of the state from $250,000 or investing in real estate from 400,000, and the property can be sold after 7 years. This program is one of the oldest and most respected in the world.
Citizenship in Turkey can be obtained according to several programs:
- Investment from $500,000 in bank deposits or shares in local companies.
- Citizenship for investment in real estate: to invest a minimum of $400,000 in the purchase of an apartment or house.
In the second case, an important condition is to keep the housing in the property for more than 3 years. After this period, the housing can be sold, retaining the obtained status.
Citizenship for buying real estate is also available in Dominica. To obtain citizenship, it is sufficient to purchase real estate worth at least $200,000, pay government fees starting from $75,000, and maintain ownership of the property for 3 years. Dominica offers its citizens visa-free or easy and fast access to over 150 countries, including the Schengen Area and the UK. The program is known for its simplicity, making it attractive to many investors.
Other countries also offer investment-based citizenship programs. In Antigua and Barbuda, one can make a non-refundable contribution of $230,000 to the National Development Fund or invest in real estate starting from $325,000. In Grenada, citizenship can be obtained by contributing at least $235,000 to the National Transformation Fund or purchasing real estate starting from $270,000.
Malta requires more significant investments. Here, one must make a donation to the National Development and Social Fund, purchase or rent property, and make a charitable contribution, totaling from €726,000 per person. Cyprus's corresponding program is currently suspended but previously required real estate investments starting from €2 million.
These are just a few of the possible options. To learn more about dual citizenship countries and get a detailed advice on how to easily obtain the status, you can contact Citizenship-By.Investment specialists. They will help you choose the most appropriate program, prepare the necessary documents and guide you through the entire citizenship process.