Discover Countries that Allow Dual Citizenship in 2024

Ever since the rise of globalization and interconnectivity between nations, there has been a steady increase in the number of individuals with dual citizenship or the right to acquire citizenship in two countries. In the process of determining if obtaining dual citizenship is possible, it’s crucial to know the countries that allow dual citizenship, as an individual who may have a claim can only become a dual national if the countries in question recognize dual citizenship.

The embrace of dual citizenship is a testament to the growing global mobility and the recognition that people may have connections and ties to multiple countries, whether by birthright, the naturalization process, or through citizenship by investment programs.

While the nationality laws and eligibility for multiple citizenships vary from country to country, many countries have opened their doors to the notion of dual citizenship and granting second citizenship to foreign nationals. This enables a dual citizen to have dual or even triple citizenship status, depending on the country.

This article takes a deeper look into alternative citizenship, revealing which countries recognize dual citizenship. It will shed light on the advantages of obtaining a foreign nationality and the intricacies and experiences of those fortunate enough to hold dual citizenship status and call more than one nation their home.

From enhanced travel privileges with two passports to expanded economic opportunities through global markets, keep reading for more information on foreign citizenship and the paths to obtaining dual citizenship.

Dynamics of Dual Citizenship

Dual citizenship is a widely used term, but its implications and what dual citizenship means can differ based on the two countries granting citizenship. As of February 2024, over 100 countries allow their citizens to hold dual citizenship.

However, rules and conditions vary by country, and some countries may require you to renounce your previous citizenship. For example, Luxembourg allows multiple citizenships, and citizens who acquire a foreign citizenship voluntarily do not lose their Luxembourgian citizenship. In contrast, Japan and Singapore restrict or forbid dual citizenship.

British citizens or individuals with US or Canadian citizenship have comprehensive rights to get dual citizenship. Citizens of these countries are free to acquire a second nationality and more than one passport without the requirement to give up their existing citizenship or reporting their new legal status to the government.

On the other hand, some individuals may have to present evidence as to why they should be allowed to keep their citizenship before obtaining citizenship in other countries.  

Previously, South Africa required South African citizens to request permission from the Minister of Home Affairs to retain their South African citizenship before acquiring second citizenship. However, that was ruled unconstitutional by the country’s highest court, and citizens no longer need to file a retention of citizenship claim. 

Another instance of the limitations on dual citizenship is Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI), where alternative citizenship was exclusively granted to minors who involuntarily acquired citizenship. Modifications in the Indian Citizenship Act introduced a form of partial citizenship akin to permanent residency, as it does not include political rights such as the right to vote or run for public office.

Countries that Allow Dual Citizenship

Many countries comprehensively recognize dual citizenship, while others permit it only in particular circumstances or for specific individuals. Here is a list of the countries that allow dual citizenship.

Please note that the list is not exhaustive.

Dual citizenship in EU countries: Many European nations accept dual citizenship, and countries like the United Kingdom and France have some of the most diverse ranges of dual citizens worldwide. The few European countries that don’t permit dual citizenship include Estonia, the Netherlands, and Austria. However, these are also among the EU countries that allow dual citizenship under specific circumstances.

Dual citizenship in Africa: African nations are relatively divided in their acceptance of multiple nationality. While many don’t recognize multiple citizenship, African nations that allow dual citizenship include Angola, Benin, Burundi, Morocco, South Africa and Sierra Leone. 

Dual citizenship in South America: Besides a few countries, South American countries almost universally acknowledge dual citizenship. Of other countries in the Americas, several Caribbean countries allow dual citizenship by investment, including St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, and St. Lucia. 

Why do countries allow dual citizenship?

There are various reasons that can benefit both citizens and the nation. Here are some of the main reasons why countries allow citizenship in more than one country:

Economy

Dual citizens may contribute economically to their country’s government by investing, starting a local business, and creating jobs.

They can also maintain economic ties with their countries of dual nationality through real estate investment, which obliges the dual citizen to pay taxes such as property tax or tax on income generated through rental properties.

Although the United States allows US citizens to have multiple citizenship statuses, an American citizen is liable to pay taxes on worldwide income in specific circumstances.

This economic tie wouldn’t be possible if they lost their US citizenship automatically after they gained citizenship in another country. 

Family

Dual nationality facilitates family reunification, enabling dual citizens with family members with only one citizenship to obtain alternative citizenship from different countries. This allows families to stay connected, live together, and access social and political rights.

Culture

A country that permits dual citizenship establishes its recognition and celebration of its diverse cultural heritage. Through multiple nationalities, it promotes inclusivity and creates a sense of belonging for individuals with ties to other countries.

Workforce

A challenge many countries have grappled with during the past few decades of increasing globalization is the phenomenon of brain drain. Brain drain refers to the movement of skilled and talented people, like doctors, engineers, or scientists, from their country of citizenship to a foreign state. It occurs when these skilled individuals choose to leave their home country and work or live in another place, often fuelled by a lack of opportunities.

Allowing dual nationality can prevent brain drain by encouraging skilled citizens living abroad to maintain their home country’s citizenship. This helps retain talent and expertise, contributing to national development as many skilled individuals return to their home countries.

Birthright

Many countries grant citizenship either through the right of soil (jus soli) or the right of blood (jus sanguinis). If a child is born in a country that practices jus soli, they may obtain citizenship automatically, even if their parents are citizens of another country. On the other hand, jus sanguinis grants a child born in one country the right to obtain citizenship from their parents if their parents’ country adheres to this rule.

Historical

Some countries allow dual citizenship to recognize historical ties or unique relationships with particular communities or diaspora groups living abroad. This is particularly common with former territories. Although Argentina doesn’t universally allow dual citizenship, individuals with Italian or Spanish nationality can obtain and secure dual citizenship in Argentina.

Humanitarian

Countries that accept dual citizenship may provide a safe haven for stateless individuals or refugees, offering them a legal identity and access to rights and protections. While not considered dual nationality traditionally, the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness mandates that countries uphold their human rights obligations by offering legal status to stateless individuals.

Reciprocity

As a reciprocal measure, some countries may choose to allow dual citizenship, aiming to reciprocate fair treatment for their citizens living abroad.

Dual Citizenship Advantages

Dual citizens can access benefits offered by the two countries in which they hold citizenship. Benefits include voting rights, access to social privileges, and additional work opportunities. 

Travel freedom: Only citizens of a country can obtain a passport, and dual nationality means the right to acquire two passports from separate countries, facilitating additional visa-free travel. Holding two also eliminates restrictions many countries impose on temporary and permanent residents, such as a maximum stay period outside the country or an obligation to obtain a re-entry permit.

Advanced healthcare: Holding dual nationality allows individuals to access the best health offered by their respective countries of citizenship. Furthermore, each country may have specific areas in which they excel regarding healthcare.

Business opportunities: Dual-citizen entrepreneurs can easily open new sales channels and access new business and investment opportunities. Dual citizens can develop professionally and expand their investment portfolios without needing a work or self-employment visa permitting them to conduct business in another country.

Future benefits for family: Holding dual nationality means you can sponsor your family members to obtain citizenship by descent. In many countries, children born to dual-citizen parents automatically obtain citizenship from their parents. Moreover, the inheritance of ancestral citizenship can span across multiple generations. For example, individuals can be eligible to obtain Polish citizenship through their great-grandparents.

Dual Citizenship Disadvantages

While dual nationality offers numerous advantages, it is essential to acknowledge that it may also entail certain drawbacks.

The complex process of obtaining citizenship: Acquiring a second citizenship may involve significant expenses and considerable time investment in collecting and processing the required documentation, particularly for ancestral citizenship.

Double taxation: Unless the two countries of citizenship have a double tax agreement, multiple nationality may come with an increased tax burden. For example, the United States obliges US citizens with double nationality to pay taxes, even if they have permanent resident status in another country.

Dual obligations: Citizenship has varying responsibilities from one country to the other, with a significant one being mandatory national service. Individuals with Brazilian, Singaporean, or Chinese citizenship must adhere to their country’s enlistment laws once they reach a specified maturity age.

Inheritance complications: The complexity of inheritance laws in different countries can significantly affect dual citizens. When a dual citizen possesses assets or property in two countries, it can lead to estate planning and succession complications. Each country may have its own rules and regulations regarding inheritance, including tax implications, distribution of assets, and procedures for probate.

How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?

Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments. 

We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Dual Citizenship

Are there countries that allow dual citizenship?

Yes, more than 100 countries allow dual citizenship, but the rules and conditions vary by country. Some countries may require you to renounce your original citizenship.

Can a US citizen have multiple citizenships?

US citizens can legally hold citizenship for more than one country. The United States recognizes dual citizenship, meaning an individual can be both a US citizen and a citizen of another country while holding two or more passports. 

Does dual citizenship affect US citizenship?

Dual citizenship does not impact US citizenship status, as the United States permits dual citizenship. It is also possible to have permanent residency without applying for a second citizenship. 

How do I acquire dual citizenship?

Whether or not you can acquire citizenship in a different country through ancestry depends on the dual citizenship laws of the host country and your ancestral history. Italian citizenship by descent has no generational limits, meaning individuals with Italian ancestry are eligible for dual citizenship, provided their ancestral line remains unbroken.

Which countries disallow dual citizenship?

There are a few countries that do not allow dual citizenship. Here is a list of countries that do not grant dual citizenship:

• Bahrain
• Malaysia
• Qatar
• Singapore

The UK allows dual citizenship?

The UK is one of several dual-citizenship countries with no restrictions on the number of nationalities British citizens can hold next to their British citizenship.

Which Asian countries allow dual citizenship?

Compared to global standards, Asian countries are pretty restrictive in their stance on dual citizenship. However, Asian nations that allow dual citizenship include Thailand, Cambodia, and South Korea. Muslim countries that approve of dual citizenship include Turkey and Lebanon.

Japan doesn't allow dual citizenship?

Japan is not among the countries that permit dual citizenship, as the Japanese government has previously expressed no national interest in allowing dual or multiple citizenships. Japan continues to prioritize a strong sense of national identity and citizen loyalty. The Japanese government aims to promote a cohesive and unified society by enforcing a single citizenship rule.