Dual Citizenship: What it Is and How to Become a Dual Citizen in 2024

Being born in a country or having parents who are citizens of a foreign nation can lead to various implications regarding citizenship status, depending on the countries in question.

If the country you are born in grants citizenship automatically by jus soli (right of soil), and at the same time your parents hold foreign citizenship in a country practicing jus sanguinis (right of blood), you may be eligible for dual citizenship and two passports.

In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about becoming a dual citizen by taking a more in-depth look at birthright instances of dual citizenship, as well as the choice to obtain a second citizenship by naturalization or through investment programs.

What is dual citizenship?

Dual citizenship, often called second citizenship, refers to the citizenship of a person legally recognized as a citizen of two or more different countries. This scenario arises as some countries have differing criteria for citizenship. For example, a child born in Canada receives Canadian citizenship at birth regardless of whether they moved abroad as a baby or the other nationality they hold.

However, not all countries allow dual citizenship, and if you inform your home country’s government of your desire to apply for dual citizenship, your request may be denied, or you could lose certain benefits or citizenship rights, such as land ownership or political rights. In these scenarios, you could be forced to renounce your citizenship or give up the citizenship of the other country.

That said, most countries recognize dual citizenship, allowing their citizens to have more than one nationality. Furthermore, many don’t specify precisely how many citizenships you can have, meaning you can legally hold double or even triple citizenship status.

Advantages of Dual Citizenship

There are many benefits to holding dual citizenship, with dual citizens receiving the benefits and privileges that each country has to offer. Dual citizens can have the right to vote in two countries, and one of the most significant advantages is holding multiple passports.

Here are some of the key benefits of dual citizenship:

Dual Citizenship

Dual nationality comes with the power to hold a foreign passport. This provides rights and privileges in two countries, opening up the options for places to live, work, and study.

You can completely immerse yourself in a second culture, not as an outsider, but as an acknowledged member of that society. Dual citizenship enables you to fully engage with the traditions, languages, and customs of both countries, nurturing a profound sense of belonging and acceptance.

Travel Freedom

Gaining a second passport ranking high on the Global Passport Index increases travel freedom and flexibility. Increased visa-free access or visa-on-arrival options are available with dual nationality and two passports, allowing greater exploration and experiences in different parts of the world without restrictions or lengthy visa processes.

For example, a Caribbean passport, like a Grenadian passport, offers visa-free travel to China, whereas US citizens require a visa. EU passports provide freedom of movement throughout the European Union and extensive visa-free access to destinations worldwide.

Safety

A foreign passport could prove invaluable during political turmoil, social unrest, or unexpected crises. Should the situation in your home country deteriorate, dual citizenship offers consular protection and the option to seek refuge in a safer country without enduring the bureaucracy of immigration services and procedures.

Financial Opportunities

Two passports can expand the door to investing in lucrative international investments and global markets. Dual nationality can empower investors to establish and grow their businesses in countries providing taxpayers with advantageous tax regimes or incentives.

Countries like Cambodia and the UAE restrict foreign individuals from owning property or land. Many foreign governments also limit foreign property ownership to designated areas. Dual citizenship in these countries lifts these limitations, directly increasing investment opportunities.

Family Protection

Dual nationality provides you and your family with added protection. Multiple citizenship status can guarantee access to healthcare, education, and legal protections in another nation that only citizens have the right to, offering a safety net and peace of mind for the future.

Privacy

Dual citizenship can contribute to enhanced privacy and personal freedom. Secondary nationals with alternative passports diversify their identities, mitigating risks tied to depending solely on one passport and the potential vulnerabilities they may come with.

Dual passport holders can conduct business with greater discretion through gateways to countries with more robust privacy regulations and financial systems, ensuring the protection of personal information and financial assets.

Increased privacy and freedom empower dual citizens to navigate international matters with increased independence and guarantee the confidentiality of their personal and financial affairs.

Dual Citizenship versus Dual Nationality: What's the difference?

Dual citizenship and dual nationality are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle distinction between the two terms. 

How do you qualify for dual citizenship?

There are different rules for many countries, but generally, you can request dual citizenship if both countries accept it. In other words, provided your home country recognizes dual citizenship as well as the new country where you plan to gain citizenship, you can legally acquire dual citizen status. But in what instances can you claim or gain the right to dual nationality?

By birthright

Dual nationality through citizenship by birthright is one of the most common ways people become dual citizens. Individuals who gain British citizenship by naturalization but were born in the United States would be considered British citizens and US citizens, as the United States Constitution declares that any individual born on US soil is a US citizen at birth.

By descent

Many people have claimed dual nationality by descent through a family member who has a foreign nationality. This practice is known as jus sanguinis, where the right to citizenship is based on the citizenship of blood relations in the direct line. If you hold citizenship by naturalization in Australia and have a grandparent born in Poland, you can acquire Polish citizenship by descent and gain dual nationality.

By naturalization

Suppose you’re a citizen of a country, but you live in another country with permanent resident status. In that case, your permanent residency and the time you’ve lived in the country may fulfill the country’s laws for granting citizenship by naturalization. Once you’ve acquired the other citizenship, you become a dual national.

By marriage

Marriage to a foreign spouse is often a way individuals gain dual citizenship. If your spouse is a citizen of another country, you may have the right to citizenship with a reduced residency period. Spain’s naturalization process takes ten years for most foreign nationals; however, the spouse of a Spanish citizen can gain Spanish nationality after one year of residency.

By investment

Immigrant investor programs have paved the way for those without birthright claims, familial ties, or non-permanent residents without years of residency in other countries to gain dual nationality by investing in a country’s economy. Citizenship by investment is a legitimate option for those seeking multiple citizenships, with the new country’s passport granted in as little as two months. Additionally, the eligibility requirements for citizenship by investment programs don’t include speaking the national language or obtaining permanent resident status with years of residency.

Reclaiming citizenship

In years gone by, many individuals saw their citizenship revoked due to war or discriminatory immigration law based on religion, politics, and gender during that period. Several countries have amended arbitrary nationality laws, allowing a former citizen to reclaim their citizenship and acquire dual citizen status.

This applies to countries like Germany, where a recent amendment has opened the door for former German nationals who lost their German citizenship on political, racial, or religious grounds between 30 January 1933 and 8 May 1945 to apply for the restoration of their citizenship.

How to Get Dual Citizenship

The path to dual citizenship is contingent on various factors, including your nationality, place of birth, and whether your parents or grandparents hold citizenship in other countries.

• If you were born in a country that practices jus soli, you’re entitled to citizenship by birthright.
• If your parents, or in some cases grandparents, are citizens of certain foreign countries, you may have the right to become a dual citizen by descent.
• Gaining a residence permit in a new country and completing the minimum residency period for naturalization can fulfill the eligibility requirements to receive citizenship.
• An official marriage certificate can reduce the required residency period for citizenship by naturalization.

By investment

Citizenship by investment has streamlined the process toward dual citizenship. Several countries now offer investment programs allowing foreign nationals to gain multiple citizenship status and build a passport portfolio in exchange for a direct investment. A key benefit is that investors can achieve dual citizenship through investments that offer dual benefits, like real estate acquisitions or establishing businesses.

Dominica

One such country is Dominica, offering dual citizenship in exchange for a qualifying investment. Individuals who meet the Dominica citizenship by investment program’s criteria are offered a second passport in three short months, with no visit to the country required. Investments start from $100,000.

Vanuatu

Similarly, Vanuatu has a second passport program that also offers foreign investors the chance to become nationals. The required contribution for Vanuatu’s citizenship by investment program is $130,000 for a single person and $150,000 for a couple. No visit is necessary to acquire dual citizenship and a passport. To top it off, Vanuatu has no income tax, wealth tax, capital gains, or inheritance tax.

Portugal

Portugal allows dual citizenship, so you won’t have to relinquish your original nationality. Acquiring Portuguese citizenship through naturalization is a standard route for foreigners, as the required residency period is just five years, in contrast to countries like Spain and Italy, which have ten-year residency requirements.

Typically, applicants start by applying for Portugal’s Golden Visa program, which invites investors to contribute to the nation through various investment options and, in return, grants them legal residency in the country. With five years of residency, you are eligible for second citizenship and a Portuguese passport.

Countries that Allow Dual Citizenship

Some countries fully acknowledge dual citizenship, while others allow it only in specific situations or for particular individuals. Here is a list of countries that allow dual nationality.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of countries that allow dual citizenship. Take a look at our, Countries that Allow Dual Citizenship for more information.

US Dual Citizenship

The short answer is yes, US citizens can legally hold dual citizenship. Although the United States Constitution doesn’t officially recognize dual citizenship or Americans as dual nationals, it does not prohibit US nationals from seeking a foreign nationality.

This means a US citizen may gain foreign citizenship through naturalization or other means while maintaining their US citizenship, effectively becoming dual nationals. US immigration law does not mention dual nationality or impose restrictions on dual citizenship.

As a US dual citizen, you can enjoy the perks and exercise rights that come with holding citizenship in the two countries. US dual nationals gain consular protection and the right to vote in federal elections in the US and the country of their foreign nationality.

Citizenship Rules

If you decide to pursue dual citizenship and are already an overseas citizen (a citizen of the United States living abroad), you won’t lose your American citizenship. Your overseas residency, including citizenship applications submitted to other countries, does not impact your United States citizenship.

That said, it’s essential to recognize that the USA follows a ‘master nationality’ rule, meaning the US government’s position on dual citizenship is that the US nationality of a person must take priority, regardless of whether that person holds citizenship in another country. Note that if your parents have citizenship from another country, you may be able to secure citizenship and a foreign passport. However, this will depend on their country’s nationality act and immigration laws.

Passport Requirements for US Citizens

A federal regulation for US dual nationals with two valid passports is that they must use their US passports to enter and leave the United States. This requirement may extend to the foreign country’s rules, as dual citizens are often required to use their foreign passport to enter and leave their second country of citizenship.

According to the Supreme Court of the United States, dual nationality is a well-established legal status that permits a person to possess and exercise the rights of their two nationalities while also bearing the responsibilities of both. This includes tax obligations.

While American dual nationals must present their US passport upon re-entry, the rule does not form part of the potentially expatriating acts as determined by the US Department of State. Therefore, using a foreign passport does not threaten US citizenship.

Tax Obligations

One of the downsides of holding dual citizenship is US citizens living outside the USA may face double taxation due to the US citizenship-based taxation system. US citizens must pay federal taxes whether they’re permanent residents or citizens of a foreign country. Should the foreign country impose its own income taxes, citizens and residents can be double-taxed.

The United States Supreme Court has stated that dual nationality is “a status long recognized in the law” and that “a person may have and exercise rights of nationality in two countries and be subject to the responsibilities of both.

As a US national, you are liable to pay US income tax, even though you may have residency in another country. Nevertheless, US citizens living abroad can reduce their tax obligations through tax credits on US-earned income and exemptions on income generated in a foreign country. While US dual nationals may be unable to avoid double taxation altogether, these tax concessions reduce or eliminate income taxes in some situations.

Revoking Dual Citizenship

Cases where being a citizen of two countries is not permitted means either your home country or the protentional host country only allows you to have one nationality. If you plan to acquire a second nationality, your country of original citizenship may demand you renounce your foreign citizenship or risk losing your current citizenship.

Should you have already gained citizenship in a second country, your original citizenship could be revoked. Similarly, suppose a prospective second country of citizenship does not permit dual citizenship. In that case, you will likely have to renounce your current citizenship before being granted the new one.

Certain countries have unique provisions that do not entirely forbid dual nationality. However, individuals who acquire a second nationality may receive a distinct status limiting their citizenship privileges, such as eligibility for public benefits or job roles that require security clearance.

Indian citizens who acquire a second citizenship are issued what is referred to as an Overseas Citizen of India card (OCI). This should not be mistaken for dual citizenship as it is more closely associated with permanent residency rather than citizenship. Indians who are assigned an OCI card essentially lose the rights of Indian citizenship, including consular protection, voting rights, and high-security clearance employment opportunities.

Changing Dual Nationality Laws

While not all countries permit dual citizenship, an increasing number are becoming receptive to the idea of allowing their citizens to hold multiple citizenships. Previously, South Africans were required to gain prior permission to become secondary nationals by applying to retain South African citizenship. This was until a High Court decision deemed the rule unconstitutional in June 2023, as South African citizens automatically lost their birth citizenship when acquiring citizenship in another country.

Naturalized citizens of Germany had to renounce their original citizenship and those held from any other country before they could acquire German citizenship. However, in August 2023, the German federal government endorsed a proposed law granting new German citizens the ability to retain their original citizenship and obtain dual nationality, subject to final review.

Is dual citizenship by investment worth it?

Second passport programs offer an extensive range of benefits for investors. Dual citizens possess business and finance-related advantages such as tax optimization. Additionally, it acts as a plan B for family security.

Whether for financial or personal reasons, investing in dual citizenship opens up the door to new beginnings. It allows for the rapid expansion of both business and personal connections, with applications to countries like Dominica and Vanuatu being processed within a few months.

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

What is the process of second citizenship?

There are a few ways to get dual citizenship, including:

• Being born in another country that grants citizenship by birthright
• Applying for second citizenship by descent through a dual citizen family member
• Being married to a foreign national and obtaining dual citizenship by marriage
• Living in a foreign country for a specified period to qualify for dual citizenship by naturalization
• Investing in a country to become a dual national by investment

Bear in mind that both countries must allow dual citizenship for you to obtain dual citizen status.

Is dual citizenship recognized in the US?

The United States does not formally recognize dual citizenship, but it does not prohibit US citizens from obtaining citizenship in two countries. This means US nationals can obtain dual or triple citizenship without losing their US citizenship.

Any downsides to dual citizenship?

There are more pros than cons of dual citizenship. However, the drawbacks of holding dual citizen status will depend on which two countries’ citizenship is held.

For example, the United States imposes citizenship-based taxation, meaning US citizens owe taxes to the US government, regardless of their second citizenship or whether they’re permanent residents of another country.

Obtaining dual citizenship in certain countries may also come with the risk of mandatory military service.

Does dual citizenship affect social security benefits?

Social security benefits largely depend on the countries in which you have citizenship. For example, assuming you retain US citizenship, you can keep your social security benefits or options in both the United States and the other country, as long as the other country permits it. Dual citizenship rules may differ from country to country, so keep this in mind.

Does dual citizenship last forever?

Adult passports typically have a ten-year validity; however, when discussing dual citizenship, citizenship is generally a permanent status and, in many countries, can be passed down to future generations.

While there are often revisions to citizenship laws, increasing globalization has prompted many countries to relax their stringent rules prohibiting dual citizenship.

What is the easiest country to get dual citizenship?

The easiest countries to get second citizenship as a foreign national are Caribbean nations that offer citizenship by investment. These include:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Dominica
• Grenada
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Lucia

While other countries also have attractive routes, these are considered to have some of the fastest and most straightforward paths to citizenship. To get citizenship in any country, you should first consult the citizenship and immigration services in that country.

What is an example of multiple citizenship?

An example of multiple citizenship is a person born in the United States who acquired US citizenship by birthright, obtained Canadian citizenship after becoming a permanent resident, and claimed Italian citizenship through descent from an Italian grandparent.

Do I need to fulfill military service in both countries?

If military service is mandatory in the countries where you hold multiple citizenships, you are required to follow the rules in place in both countries. Certain countries with compulsory military service offer exemptions for dual citizens with permanent residence status in a foreign country.

Can I give my American-born child dual citizenship?

Yes, you can potentially give your American-born child dual citizenship if you yourself have dual citizenship, depending on the laws of the countries involved. The United States allows dual citizenship, so being born in the U.S. typically grants the child U.S. citizenship automatically, based on the principle of “jus soli” (right of the soil). For the other part of their dual citizenship, it would depend on the other country’s laws that you, the parent, are a citizen of.

Can a U.S. citizen have dual citizenship?

While the United States Constitution doesn’t officially recognize dual citizenship, it does not prohibit US nationals from seeking a foreign nationality. So, yes, US citizens can legally hold dual citizenship.

Is dual citizenship good or bad?

Dual citizenship has several advantages. These include increased travel and residency options, access to social benefits and services, and economic opportunities. Ultimately, whether dual citizenship is considered good or bad depends on individual circumstances and priorities. For some people, the benefits of dual citizenship outweigh the drawbacks, while others may prefer to maintain allegiance to a single country.