If you have ever wondered, “how many citizenships can you have?”, the answers depends on the laws of your countries. The most citizenships held by one person is 10, with dual citizenship being a more common goal.
Dual citizenship is widely permitted as most countries allow the practice. There are several paths to acquiring a second passport including naturalization, descent, and citizenship by investment.
Our guide will explain how many citizenships you can have, how to acquire a second citizenship, and the benefits of holding multiple passports.
How Many Citizenships Can You Have: Key Takeaways
Can you have multiple citizenships?
Yes, it’s possible to hold multiple citizenships, but it depends on the laws of each country involved. Some countries allow dual citizenship as well as multiple citizenship, while others may have restrictions or require you to renounce your original citizenship.
According to the Global Intelligence Unit’s The Transformation of Citizenship report, holding dual or multiple citizenship has become a powerful, Plan B offering protection and flexibility in an unpredictable world. It helps individuals diversify their asses, hedge against political risk, and secure access to stable economies and healthcare systems.
How many citizenships can you have?
There’s no universal limit to how many citizenships you can have, as it depends on each country’s specific laws. Generally, you can hold multiple if the countries involved permit it, with the US, Canada, and UK allowing it, while some nations like China, Japan, and India often require renunciation. You can often have three or more (triple citizenship) if the countries’ laws align, but always check obligations like military service or taxes for each, as conflicting duties can arise.
Fast-track your route to a second passport by exploring Citizenship by Investment programs
How many citizenships should you have?
The answer depends on your personal goals. While some individuals are satisfied with just one strong passport, others strategically build a passport portfolio to maximize travel freedom, tax efficiency, and security. Dual citizenship can be particularly beneficial for investors with only a single passport that has limited visa-free access.
Start With a Clear Strategy
Before applying for a second or third citizenship, outline your priorities. Ask yourself:
- Do I need visa-free access to more countries?
- Am I looking for a tax-free country?
- Do I want a backup plan for political stability?
- Will multiple passports help with business opportunities or lifestyle choices?
For example, if you already have a U.S. passport or hold British citizenship, your travel access is strong, but you might seek an EU passport for residency rights in Europe or a Caribbean passport for tax benefits.
How Many Passports are Enough?
While there’s technically no legal maximum if all countries allow multiple citizenships, most people find that two or three passports provide more than enough flexibility. These usually cover:
- A primary passport (your birth nationality).
- A strategic passport (dual citizenship) for visa-free mobility (for example, EU or Caribbean).
- A backup passport for tax planning or emergency relocation (triple citizenship).
In rare cases, individuals hold four or more passports, but this level of diversification is only necessary for frequent travelers, global investors, or those seeking maximum political and financial security.
Diversify Your Passport Portfolio
Just like financial diversification, the goal is to choose citizenships that complement each other, rather than overlap. For example:
- A U.S. citizen might pair their passport with one from Portugal for EU access and Dominica for tax advantages.
- An Indian citizen (who must renounce previous nationality) might strategically pick a foreign country with strong travel benefits like Malta or Grenada.
If two passports (or dual citizenship) offer the same visa-free access and similar tax systems, the extra nationality won’t add any value.
Considerations Before Adding Another Citizenship
- Legal restrictions: Ensure your current country allows you to get multiple passports and citizenships. Nations like India, China, and Japan prohibit it.
- Tax obligations: Countries such as the U.S. tax citizens on global income regardless of their country of residence.
- Security and rights: Does the new passport give you better healthcare, education, and property rights?
- Lifestyle preferences: Climate, culture, and standard of living should align with your goals.
How to Acquire Multiple Citizenships
There are several legal pathways to holding multiple or dual nationality. Each route depends on your personal circumstances, family heritage, and resources. Here are the most common dual citizenship methods:
1. Birthright Citizenship (Jus Soli)
Some countries automatically grant citizenship to anyone born on their soil, regardless of parental nationality. This principle applies in countries with birthright citizenship laws in place like the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Argentina. For example, a child born in New York to foreign parents acquires U.S. citizenship at birth. If the parents later return to their home country where the child also qualifies for citizenship, the child ends up with dual citizenship by birth.
2. Citizenship by Descent (Jus Sanguinis)
Many nations allow individuals to claim citizenship through ancestry or lineage, sometimes going back several generations. Citizenship by descent is common in countries like Italy, Ireland, Poland, and Hungary. For example:
- Ireland allows those with at least one Irish-born grandparent to register for citizenship.
- Poland and Hungary also grant nationality to individuals who can prove Polish or Hungarian heritage.
3. Citizenship by Naturalization
Citizenship by naturalization is the process of acquiring a new citizenship after legally residing in a country for a certain period. Residency requirements vary:
- Portugal offers naturalization after five years of legal residence, one of the shortest timelines in Europe.
- Germany typically requires eight years, reduced to seven with integration courses.
- Canada requires three years of residence within a five-year period.
4. Citizenship by Marriage
Citizenship by marriage offers a fast-track route for foreign spouses of citizens. In many countries, the naturalization timeline is significantly reduced for married couples. For example:
- Spain allows foreign spouses to apply for citizenship after just one year of marriage and residence.
- France offers citizenship after three years of marriage, even without living in the country.
5. Citizenship by Investment (CBI)
Citizenship by Investment programs provide one of the fastest ways to obtain additional passports. By making a qualifying investment, usually in real estate, a government fund, or business development, applicants can acquire citizenship in as little as three to six months. Examples include:
- St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment: From $250,000 donation to the Sustainable Island State Contribution.
- Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment: Citizenship available from a $130,000 donation to the National Development Fund.
Each pathway has unique eligibility requirements and legal implications. Many individuals combine these routes, such as ancestry plus investment, to build a diversified citizenship portfolio, increasing global mobility, political security, and lifestyle flexibility.
Benefits of Multiple Citizenship
Holding more than one citizenship provides significant advantages for individuals seeking global mobility, security, and access to new opportunities. Below are the most notable benefits explained:
1. Travel Freedom
One of the greatest advantages of multiple citizenships is the ability to travel more freely. Having several passports means visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more destinations. For instance, a person holding both a US passport and an EU passport can travel to almost all of Europe, North America, and parts of Asia without lengthy visa processes. This benefit is particularly valuable for business professionals, digital nomads, and frequent travelers.
2. Economic Benefits
Multiple citizenships can significantly broaden your investment opportunities and access to financial systems. You can purchase real estate, start businesses, and take advantage of favorable tax systems in different countries. For example, an entrepreneur with citizenship in both Canada and Portugal can benefit from EU business incentives while maintaining North American connections. Additionally, some countries offer access to better healthcare, education, and job markets.
3. Family Ties
Many people pursue additional citizenships to maintain family and cultural connections. Citizenship by descent allows individuals to reclaim their ancestral roots, ensuring they can live, work, or retire in their parents’ or grandparents’ homeland. This is especially common for those of Irish, Italian, or Polish descent seeking an EU passport for themselves and future generations.
4. Political Stability
A second or third citizenship acts as a Plan B in times of political or economic instability. According to the Global Intelligence Unit’s Transformation of Citizenship report, multiple citizenship has become a strategic mobility tool in an unpredictable world. For example, individuals from politically unstable regions often secure a second passport in a safe country as a form of insurance for the future.
5. Lifestyle Choices
Multiple citizenships offer freedom to live in different countries and experience diverse lifestyles. Whether it’s retiring in Spain, running a business in Singapore, or raising a family in Canada, having more than one nationality gives you the flexibility to choose where you want to live, work, and thrive.
Challenges of Having Multiple Citizenships
While the benefits are appealing, multiple citizenships also come with potential legal and administrative challenges. It’s important to understand these before pursuing additional nationalities:
Taxation
Some countries tax their citizens on worldwide income, regardless of where they live. The United States is a prime example. The U.S. Government’s Internal Revenue Service requires citizens to file annual tax returns even if they reside abroad. Multiple citizenships can therefore lead to double taxation. However, most countries have tax treaties with the US and with other nations.
Military Service
Countries such as South Korea and Israel impose mandatory military service on citizens, regardless of other nationalities. If you hold citizenship in any other countries with similar obligations, this could result in conflicting military duties.
Passport Validity and Bureaucracy
Managing multiple passports can be logistically challenging. Different entry and exit rules apply and some countries require their citizens to enter and exit using their national passport. This can add a layer of planning when travelling internationally.
Government Employment Concerns
Certain positions in government, military, or law enforcement may require you to renounce other citizenships before employment.
Managing Multiple Passports
While beneficial for travel flexibility, juggling several passports requires planning:
- Entry and exit rules: Some countries mandate that citizens enter and exit using their national passport.
- Visa considerations: Knowing which passport offers better visa-free access can streamline travel.
- Renewal and validity: Tracking expiration dates and renewal requirements across multiple passports can be cumbersome.
Countries That Allow Multiple Citizenship
Many countries allow dual citizenship or multiple citizenship with few or no restrictions. Below summarizes some of the most well-known examples:
| Country | Citizenship Policy |
|---|---|
| United States | Allows multiple citizenships without requiring renunciation. |
| Canada | Fully permits dual and multiple nationalities. |
| United Kingdom | Allows multiple citizenships without restrictions. |
| Australia | No limits on dual or multiple citizenships. |
| Portugal | Permits multiple citizenships, is known for its residency and investment paths. |
| France | Recognizes and accepts multiple citizenships. |
| Ireland | Allows dual citizenship, especially through descent. |
| Italy | Permits multiple citizenships and is generous with ancestral claims. |
| Belgium | No renunciation required for naturalized citizens. |
| Sweden | Allows multiple citizenships since 2001. |
Countries That Do Not Allow Multiple Citizenship
| Country | Citizenship Policy |
|---|---|
| Austria | Generally no, narrow exceptions apply or permission needed |
| Liechtenstein | Permission-based or limited |
| Monaco | Restrictive |
| Ukraine | Law does not recognize dual citizenship but practice varies |
| India | Restrictive |
| China | Restrictive |
| Japan | Restrictive |
| Singapore | Restrictive |
| Saudi Arabia | Restrictive |
| Iran | Restrictive |
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.
