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Countries That Allow Dual Citizenships

Dual citizenship has various names like multiple citizenships, multiple nationality or dual nationality. It is a person’s citizenship status, in which a person is regarded as a national of more than one country under the rules of those states. In simple terms, dual citizenship is when an individual is legally known as a citizen of two or more than two nations at the same time.

There is no universal rule which defines the nationality or citizenship status of a person. It is determined solely by national laws, which can vary and can conflict. Multiple citizenships occur because different countries use different, and not necessarily mutually exclusive, guidelines for citizenship. Common speech refers to people “holding” multiple citizenships but, technically, each country claims that a particular person is recognized as it’s national.

There are some countries which do not allow dual citizenship. They may require an applicant for naturalization to discard all existing citizenship, or by dissolving its citizenry from someone who willingly acquires another nationality. Some nations do not permit the renunciation of citizenship. Some states permit general dual citizenship while others allow dual citizenship but only for a selected number of countries. Most countries which permit may still not acknowledge the other citizenship of its nationals within its territory.

Malta

The Malta Individual Investor Programme (Malta IIP) is the best choice for high net-worth individuals who wish to obtain full EU residency & citizenship.

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Cyprus

The Cyprus Investment Programme provides a cost efficient 6-month processing period for this route to EU citizenship without membership in the Schengen Area.

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Austria

The Austrian passport offers very visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel, including visa-free access to the USA. It is without a doubt among the most powerful travel documents in the world.

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St Kitts & Nevis

The St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme was introduced in 1984 and is the oldest, most trusted and most successful active programme of its kind.

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What Are The Benefits Of Dual Citizenship?

There are many advantages to being a dual citizen, as dual nationals can gain the benefits and opportunities offered by each nation. They can have complete access to two social service systems, they can vote in either land and may be able to work in either country, depending on the rules. They are also entitled to work in either country without requiring a work authorization or visa and can go to school in either of the countries.

Below are a few benefits listed:

  • Security

A second passport from a stable developed country can be life-saving in the case of development of any political, economic or social crisis in one’s hometown. A crisis can occur at any point of time and for a variety of reasons. In such a situation, an individual having dual citizenship can leave the country immediately and take refuge in the other one.

  • Global Mobility

Many passports are quite limiting in their visa-free movement, urging citizens to obtain visas whenever they need to travel overseas. A dual passport can offer individuals from these countries increased global mobility. Becoming a dual citizen discards the need for long-stay visas and submitting documentation on the purpose of the individual’s trip. It also ensures the right of entry to both countries, which can be particularly useful if one has parents, children or relatives to visit, is a student or is involved in trade in either country.

  • Property Purchase

Another advantage of dual citizenship is the capability to own investments like property in either country. Few nations regulate land title to citizens only. As a lawful citizen of two states, a person would be able to acquire property in either or both countries. If the person frequently moves between the two countries, this might be particularly beneficial since estate ownership might offer a more cost-effective way to live in two places.

  • Business

New business possibilities open up to dual citizens as they can now do trade in their own country as well as travel abroad more smoothly.

  • Tax Optimization

Dual citizenship may prove beneficial for tax optimization purposes. For example, some countries only tax income earned from that country and do not subject fund gains to taxes either. It allows investors to maintain their wealth more efficiently and productively. There are actually countries in Europe where you can live without paying taxes.

 

  • Quality of Life

Second citizenships can offer a secure way to world-class health care, education and an enhanced lifestyle. As a twin citizen one can reap the advantages of being involved in the culture of two countries. Some state officials are also attached to dual citizenship and see it as a way to boost the country’s image as a top destination for tourists. This is also an ideal way to experience the joy of learning about the history, culture, languages and way of life of both countries.

Disadvantages Of Dual Citizenship

  • Dual Responsibilities

As a dual citizen, one is bound by the legislation of both countries. For example, if one is a citizen of a nation with compulsory military service, that may complicate matters if the two nations encounter hostile situations with each other. Maintaining dual residences in two different countries would be double the responsibility.

  • Double Taxation

Some countries tax their citizens for revenue earned anywhere in the world. Even if the individual is living abroad, he/she might owe taxes both to the country and to the state where the income is generated. However, there are different rules in each country. For example, a deal between the U.S. and New Zealand cancels the income tax laws of each state to avoid dual taxation.

  • Security Clearance

Depending on the individual’s occupational path, dual citizenship can be a liability. If someone is seeking a post with the government or access to private and confidential information, having dual citizenship can prevent him/her from obtaining the security clearance needed to work in these domains. Those born into dual citizenship may find fewer problems than those who actively sought it out.

  • Complicated Process

Sometimes dual citizenship happens automatically, as is the case when a child is born in a country to foreign parents. Other times, nonetheless, the method can take many years and can be very expensive.

How Do I Obtain Dual Citizenship?

There are several ways how second citizenship planning can be done. These are birth, naturalization, marriage and investment.

  • Birth

Often, countries will permit non-resident individuals to obtain citizenship if their parents were born in that country. For example, Hungary will enable persons not living in the country to obtain Hungarian citizenship given they can show in the evidence that their parents are citizens.

  • Naturalization

Naturalization is the method by which a resident of a country can obtain citizenship, usually by living in that country for a specific number of years as a permanent resident. For example, Canadian residents must reside in Canada for four out of six years to be qualified to apply for citizenship. Persons with provisional status, such as students and foreign workers, must first obtain permanent resident status to start calculating their years as residents toward the citizenship requirement. It is essential to check the conditions of the country of residence if the individual hopes to obtain second citizenship through naturalization.

  • Marriage

Some countries allow fast-track permanent resident status to individuals who have wedded a citizen of that country, thereby hurrying up the time to citizenship. Several nations recognize spousal sponsorship, which results in an automatic permanent resident state for the foreign spouse.

  • Investment

More and more countries are granting citizenship by investment programs or residency by investment programs to wealthy investors.

Citizenship by investment is the process of procuring second citizenship by investing in the economy of the host country. Residency by investment programs offers permanent residency after the investment, which again speeds up the time to citizenship. If you want to invest safely, better and cheaper it is also a good opportunity to invest in one of the hybrid companies.

Identification Of Dual Citizenship In The U.S.

The United States of America does not formally approve dual citizenship. Nonetheless, it also has not taken any stand towards it, either judicially or politically. Under normal circumstances, no American will sacrifice his or her citizenship by undertaking the responsibilities of citizenship in another country even if the duties include touring with a foreign passport, voting in another country’s election, or running for and serving in the government office of another country. Usually, it is trivial to U.S. authorities whether another country also declares an individual as a citizen.

U.S. Dual Citizenship Countries List

Below is the list of countries, in Europe, the Carribean, and all over the world, that allow dual citizenship with the U.S. It is though subject to national laws and restrictions on eligibility.

  1. Australia
  2. Barbados
  3. Belgium
  4. Bangladesh
  5. Canada
  6. Cyprus
  7. Denmark
  8. United States
  9. United Kingdom
  10. Switzerland
  11. South Korea
  12. South Africa
  13. Egypt
  14. Greece
  15. France
  16. Finland
  17. Germany
  18. Iraq
  19. Italy
  20. Israel
  21. Ireland
  22. Poland
  23. Hungary
  24. Iceland
  25. Kenya
  26. Sweden
  27. Slovenia
  28. Syria
  29. Serbia
  30. Armenia
  31. Thailand
  32. Lebanon
  33. Malta
  34. Spain
  35. Tonga
  36. Philippines
  37. Sierra Leone
  38. Sri Lanka
  39. Pakistan
  40. Portugal
  41. Turkey

Can You Be A Citizen Of Multiple Countries?

Some countries do recognize their nationals to hold multiple citizenships. To understand the rules of the country, one has to check with the respective government office.

Which Countries Allow Or Recognize Dual Citizenship?

Many countries allow dual citizenship unconditionally, while others allow it only in exceptional cases. The following is a comprehensive guide of countries that allow dual citizenship.

Country Dual Citizenship Conditions
Afghanistan No A past national of Afghanistan, who left the country due to political uncertainty or war and has obtained new citizenship, may still be regarded as unofficial Afghan citizenship.
Albania Yes
Algeria Yes
American Samoa Yes American Samoa obeys U.S. guidelines for twin citizenship.
Andorra No Spain acknowledges twin nationality with Andorra.
Angola Yes
Antigua & Barbuda Yes
Argentina Yes
Armenia Yes
Australia Yes
Austria No Dual citizenship is permitted for people who get two nationalities at birth. Twin citizenship is also granted if it is in the interest of Austria.
Azerbaijan No
Bahamas No Twin citizenship allowed until 18 years of age.
Bahrain No
Bangladesh No Bangladeshi citizens and their descendants who have foreign citizenship must appeal for a Dual Nationality Certificate.
Barbados Yes
Belarus No
Belgium Yes
Belize Yes
Benin Yes
Bhutan No
Bolivia Yes
Bosnia & Herzegovina Yes A mutual agreement for Dual Citizenship must exist between the two states.
Botswana No Dual citizenship is permitted until twenty-one years of age.
Brazil Yes
Brunei Darussalam No Dual citizenship is permitted until 18 years of age.
Bulgaria Yes
Burkina Faso Yes
Burundi Yes
Cambodia Yes
Cameroon No Dual citizenship is permitted until twenty-one years of age.
Canada Yes
Cape Verde Yes
Central African Republic Yes
Chad N/A
Chile Yes
China No
Colombia Yes
Comoros Yes
Democratic Republic of the Congo (Kinshasa) No Dual citizenship is permitted until twenty-one  years of age.
Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) Yes
Costa Rica Yes
Ivory Coast Yes
Croatia Yes
Cuba No
Cyprus Yes
Czech Republic Yes
Denmark Yes
Djibouti Yes
Dominica Yes
Dominican Republic Yes
East Timor Yes
Ecuador Yes
Egypt Yes
El Salvador Yes
Equatorial Guinea Yes
Eritrea No
Estonia No
Ethiopia No
Fiji Yes
Finland Yes
France Yes
Gabon N/A
The Gambia Yes
Georgia No Permitted only when the national is granted to an outsider by the President of Georgia.
Germany Yes Must submit for a holding permit to remain German citizen before asking for second citizenship.
Ghana Yes
Greece Yes
Grenada Yes
Guatemala Yes Twin citizenship is permitted as long as the other country is ok with it.
Guinea N/A
Guinea-Bissau Yes Twin citizenship is permitted if emigration is done for economic reasons.
Guyana No
Haiti Yes
Honduras Yes Dual citizenship is permitted if a treaty exists with that nation.
Hong Kong No
Hungary Yes
Iceland Yes Dual citizenship is permitted if the other nation also allows it.
India No
Indonesia No
Iran No
Iraq Yes
Ireland Yes
Israel Yes
Italy Yes
Jamaica Yes
Japan No Dual citizenship is permitted until 22 years of age.
Jordan Yes
Kazakhstan No
Kenya Yes
Kiribati No
North Korea No
South Korea Yes
Kosovo Yes
Kuwait No
Kyrgyzstan Yes
Laos No
Latvia Yes
Lebanon Yes
Lesotho No Dual citizenship is permitted until 21 years of age.
Liberia No Dual citizenship is permitted until age of maturity.
Libya No
Liechtenstein No
Lithuania Yes Dual citizenship is permitted only in special circumstances.
Luxembourg Yes
Macau Yes
Macedonia Yes
Madagascar No
Malawi No Dual citizenship is permitted until 22 years of age.
Malaysia No
Maldives No
Mali Yes
Malta Yes
Marshall Islands No
Mauritania No
Mauritius Yes
Mexico Yes
Micronesia No Dual citizenship is permitted until 18 years of age.
Moldova Yes
Monaco No
Mongolia No
Montenegro No Dual citizenship is permitted only if a mutual treaty exists with the other nation.
Morocco Yes
Mozambique No
Myanmar, Burma No
Namibia Yes Dual citizenship is permitted only for Namibian citizens by birth.
Nauru Yes
Nepal No
Netherlands No Dual citizenship is permitted if one is born in another nation and thus obtained nationality, or resided there as a minor, or if one automatically got its spouse’s nationality.
New Zealand Yes
Nicaragua Yes
Niger Yes
Nigeria Yes Twin citizenship is permitted for citizens of Nigeria by birth.
Norway No Dual citizenship is permitted if original nationality cannot be renounced.
Oman No
Pakistan Yes Only with the 18 countries with which it has an agreement.
Palau No Dual citizenship is permitted until 21 years of age.
Palestinian Territories N/A
Panama Yes
Papua New Guinea Yes
Paraguay Yes Multiple citizenship is granted for nationals by birth or descent where international treaties exist.
Peru Yes
Philippines No
Poland Yes
Portugal Yes
Qatar No
Romania Yes
Russian Federation Yes
Rwanda No
Saint Kitts & Nevis Yes
Saint Lucia Yes
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Yes
Samoa Yes
San Marino No
Sao Tome and Principe No
Saudi Arabia No
Scotland Yes
Senegal N/A
Serbia Yes
Seychelles Yes
Sierra Leone Yes
Singapore No
Slovakia No
Slovenia Yes Dual citizenship is permitted for citizens by birth or descent.
Solomon Islands No Dual citizenship is permitted until 18 years of age.
Somalia Yes
South Africa Yes Dual citizenship is permitted only if permission is granted to keep South African citizenship before.
South Sudan Yes
Spain Yes Dual citizenship is permitted if desire to keep Spanish nationality is declared within 3 years of obtaining the foreign nationality.
Sri Lanka Yes Must give an application for holding to be allowed twin citizenship.
Sudan Yes
Suriname No
Swaziland No
Sweden Yes
Switzerland Yes Dual citizenship is permitted provided the other country does not require loss of original nationality.
Syria Yes
Taiwan Yes
Tajikistan Yes Dual citizens will be only citizens of Tajikistan.
Tanzania No Dual citizenship is permitted until 18 years of age.
Thailand Yes
Tibet Yes
Togo No
Tonga Yes
Trinidad & Tobago Yes Dual citizenship is permitted only for citizens of Trinidad & Tobago by birth or descent.
Tunisia Yes
Turkey Yes
Turkmenistan No
Tuvalu N/A
Uganda Yes
Ukraine No
United Arab Emirates No
United Kingdom Yes
United States Yes
Uruguay Yes
Uzbekistan No
Vanuatu No
Vatican City Yes
Venezuela Yes
Vietnam Yes
British Virgin Islands Yes
Yemen Yes Dual citizenship permitted only if prior permission granted.
Zambia Yes
Zimbabwe Yes Dual citizenship permitted only for citizens by birth

Dual citizenship has been extensively discussed over the years. Restrictions on holding dual nationality are generally non-existent in countries such as Australia, the U.S., and Switzerland, whereas other countries such as Singapore, Austria, India, Saudi Arabia, do not approve of dual citizenships, leading to an automatic dissolution of citizenship upon obtaining another. Furthermore, some nations such as Austria, and Spain may still allow dual nationalities upon specific conditions or under unusual cases like for celebrities.

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