What is Dual Citizenship and How to Get a Dual Passport

Dual citizenship, also called dual nationality, means you are legally recognized as a citizen of two countries at the same time.

This dual citizenship status allows you to hold a second passport, access social benefits in both nations, and enjoy greater freedom of movement. But what does dual citizenship really mean, and how do you qualify?

In this guide, you’ll learn how to get dual citizenship, understand the pros and cons, including why some people think dual citizenship is bad, and explore the requirements and dual citizenship processes in the US:

• What is dual citizenship?
• How to Get Dual Citizenship: Requirements and Process
• Benefits of Dual Citizenship and Why People Get a Dual Passport
• Potential Risks and Disadvantages of Dual Citizenship
• Countries That Allow Dual Citizenship
• Dual Citizenship vs Second Citizenship vs Second Passport
• US Dual Citizenship: How it Works for Americans
• Frequently Asked Questions

What does dual citizenship mean?

Dual citizenship, also known as dual nationality or second citizenship, is the legal status of being a citizen of two countries at the same time. This means you hold the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of both nations, including the ability to own property, work without visas, and hold a second passport.

Some examples include:

• A child born in the United States automatically acquires U.S. citizenship, even if their parents are foreign nationals.
• If both parents are U.S. citizens and their child is born abroad, the child typically gains U.S. citizenship by descent.

According to the Global Intelligence Unit’s report “The Transformation of Citizenship“, over 76% of nations now recognize dual citizenship (compared to only 33% in 1960). This reflects a significant shift in flexible citizenship models.

However, some countries still do not allow or acknowledge dual citizenship. If you inform your home country’s government of your desire to apply for dual citizenship in a foreign country, you might be rejected or have to renounce your current citizenship.

How to Get Dual Citizenship: Requirements and Process

To qualify for dual citizenship, your current country and the new foreign country must both legally permit holding multiple citizenships. If they do, you can become a dual citizen through several recognized pathways, each with specific requirements:

By birthright

You can get legal dual citizenship through countries with birthright citizenship. It is one of the most common ways people become dual nationals. This is a legal practice whereby citizenship is automatically granted to an individual upon their birth.

By ancestry

It is also known as citizenship by descent. This is the process whereby your family ties can determine your citizenship. For example, 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 citizenship in both Australia and Poland.

By naturalization

The citizenship by naturalization process of becoming a citizen by meeting certain legal requirements, such as staying in a country for a minimum period of time or taking a citizenship test.

By marriage

Citizenship by marriage is another way individuals can gain dual citizenship. If your spouse is a citizen of another country, you may have the right to citizenship with a reduced residency period.

For example, Spain’s naturalization process takes ten years for most of those with foreign nationality. However, the spouse of a Spanish citizen can gain Spanish nationality after only one year of residency.

By investment

Citizenship by Investment programs, also known as immigrant investor programs, have paved the way for those that do not have birthright claims, familial ties, or potential spouse from another country.

It allows individuals to gain citizenship without years of residency by investing in a country’s economy.

Citizenship by investment is a legitimate option for those seeking dual citizenship, with the potential to obtain a second passport within as little as two months (depending on the country).

Additionally, the eligibility requirements for citizenship by investment programs don’t always include speaking the national language or minimum residency in the country.

For example, countries like Dominica, Vanuatu, and Portugal are popular options for citizenship by investment, offering dual citizenship without requiring a visit to the country. Dominica provides citizenship within three months with a minimum investment of $200,000.

The Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment program requires a $130,000 contribution for a single applicant or $150,000 for a couple and comes with tax advantages such as no income or inheritance tax. Portugal’s Golden Visa program allows investors to gain residency and, after five years, apply for citizenship without renouncing their original nationality.

Benefits of Dual Citizenship and Why People Get a Dual Passport

There are many pros and cons of dual citizenship, but let’s start with the advantages of holding dual citizenship or a dual passport:

Greater travel freedom: Dual citizenship allows you to hold a dual passport, which means you can enter and exit each country freely and often travel to additional destinations without a visa. This is especially valuable if your second passport offers better global mobility.

Work and business opportunities: As a dual citizen, you can live, work, and run businesses in both countries without the need for work permits or special visas. This flexibility can open new markets, create investment options, and enhance your career prospects.

Access to social services and benefits: You can take advantage of healthcare systems, education, pensions, and other social services in each country where you hold citizenship. This can significantly improve your and your family’s quality of life.

Property ownership rights: In many countries, only citizens can buy or inherit real estate without restrictions. Dual nationality gives you the right to purchase property and invest in international real estate in both nations.

Political participation: Dual citizens usually have the right to vote, run for office, and engage in political activities in each country. This enables you to stay involved in the civic life of both places.

Cultural and family connections: Having citizenship in your ancestral country helps you preserve cultural ties and maintain family heritage. It can also make it easier for your children to claim citizenship by descent.

Safety and security: A second passport can serve as an important safety net or Plan B during times of political unrest, conflict, or natural disaster, giving you more options to relocate or protect your family.

Tax optimization and financial flexibility: Depending on the countries involved, dual citizenship can offer tax advantages, access to investment incentives, and more financial planning options. Some countries have treaties to help prevent double taxation.

Potential Risks and Disadvantages of Dual Citizenship

Aside from the advantages of dual citizenship, there are also some risks and drawbacks to consider. Here are some of the main disadvantages:

Double taxation: If you get dual citizenship, you may be required to file tax returns and pay taxes in both countries, leading to double taxation. For example, the United States taxes its citizens on worldwide income, even if you live abroad. Some tax treaties can help reduce this burden, but it often requires careful planning.

Conflicting obligations: Having dual citizenship in two countries means you must follow the laws and fulfill the obligations of both. This can include mandatory military service, civic duties, or legal requirements that may conflict with each other.

Restricted government employment: Some countries prohibit dual citizens from holding certain public offices or sensitive government positions due to concerns about divided allegiance.

Complex legal requirements: Managing two sets of citizenship laws can be complicated. You may need to renew multiple foreign passports, report foreign income or bank accounts, and comply with immigration rules when entering or leaving each country.

Risk of losing citizenship: In rare cases, acquiring dual citizenship without proper authorization can lead to the loss of your original citizenship. Additionally, laws can change over time, potentially affecting your status.

Divided allegiance: Dual nationality can raise questions about loyalty or national identity, particularly in situations involving political conflict or international disputes between your home country and other country of citizenship.

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, but is not an exhaustive list.

Dual Citizenship vs Second Citizenship vs Second Passport

Understanding the differences between dual citizenship, second citizenship, and a second passport is essential if you’re exploring your options for global mobility and legal status. While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings:

Dual citizenship

• Refers to being legally recognized as a citizen of two countries at the same time.
• You hold full rights and responsibilities in both nations, such as voting, owning property, and paying taxes.
• Dual citizenship means you can pass citizenship to children and hold two valid foreign passports.

Second citizenship

• Often used synonymously with dual citizenship.
• Refers to acquiring a new nationality while retaining your original citizenship.
• Some countries require you to renounce citizenship before accepting a second citizenship, while others allow both.

Second passport

• A travel document issued by a country where you hold citizenship.
• Having a second passport doesn’t always mean you hold dual citizenship. Some nations issue multiple passports for security or travel purposes.
• A second passport primarily provides more flexibility and visa-free travel.

	Dual citizenship	Second citizenship	Second passport
Legal status	Citizenship in two countries	Citizenship in two countries	Travel document only
Rights and duties	Full rights and obligations	Full rights and obligations	No legal rights as a national
Travel benefits	Two passports	Two passports	Additional passport for travel
Tax implications	Tax obligations in both countries	Tax obligations in both countries	None (unless related to citizenship)

US Dual Citizenship: How it Works for Americans

Many people wonder whether the United States permits dual citizenship and how it affects their rights, taxes, and obligations.

While the U.S. law does not explicitly encourage holding multiple nationalities, it recognizes and allows dual citizenship for US citizens in most cases.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Legal recognition: The U.S. does not require you to renounce your U.S. citizenship if you acquire a foreign nationality. As a result, you can become a dual citizen through birth, descent, marriage, or naturalization in another country while retaining your U.S. citizenship.
• Travel and dual passports: If you hold dual citizenship, you must use your U.S. passport when entering and leaving the United States. Your second passport can be used to travel to and from your other country of nationality or to visit destinations where it offers visa-free access.
• Taxes and reporting: One of the most important considerations is taxation. The U.S. taxes its citizens on worldwide income, regardless of where they live. This can lead to double taxation, but tax credits and treaties may reduce your overall tax burden. Dual citizens are also required to report foreign bank accounts and assets to the IRS.
• Military service and civic duties: U.S. citizens owe allegiance to the United States. You may be required to register for Selective Service, serve on a jury, or meet other civic obligations, even if you live abroad.
• Risks and conflicts: Holding dual nationality can create legal complications. For example, serving in a foreign military or working in a foreign government role could impact your U.S. citizenship status. Some countries may also consider you solely their citizen while you are on their territory, limiting U.S. consular protection.

American nationals with dual citizenship need to remember:

• Always keep your U.S. passport current and use it for all U.S. travel.
• Stay compliant with U.S. tax filing and reporting rules.
• Understand how your second citizenship affects property ownership, inheritance, and military service.

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 does dual citizenship mean in simple terms?

Dual citizenship means you are legally recognized as a citizen of two countries at the same time.

You hold the rights and responsibilities of citizenship in both places, including the ability to live, work, and vote. It’s also called dual nationality.

How does dual citizenship work when traveling?

As a dual citizen, you can hold a dual passport and use each one depending on your destination.

For example, you may enter and leave the United States with your U.S. passport and use your second passport when traveling or entering your other country of citizenship.

This makes crossing borders easier and often eliminates the need for visas.

Is a dual passport the same as dual citizenship?

No, a dual passport and dual citizenship are different.

A dual passport refers to physically having two valid passports, while dual citizenship means you legally hold citizenship status in two countries. You can only get a dual passport if you have dual nationality.

What makes you a dual citizen?

You can become a dual citizen by birthright (being born in a country that grants citizenship) or by descent if your parents are citizens of another country.

Other common ways include naturalization, marriage to a foreign citizen, or citizenship by investment programs.

Can dual citizenship be revoked?

Yes, in some cases dual citizenship can be revoked.

For example, if you commit fraud during the application process or voluntarily renounce your citizenship, a government may withdraw your nationality.

Why is dual citizenship considered bad by some people?

Some consider dual citizenship risky because of potential double taxation, military service obligations, and conflicting laws between the two countries.

It may also limit access to certain government jobs or security clearances. Others worry about divided allegiance or complications with property ownership.

Do dual citizens have to pay taxes in both countries?

Depending on the countries involved, dual citizens may be taxed by both governments on their income.

The United States, for example, taxes citizens worldwide. However, tax treaties and credits often help avoid double taxation for Americans with dual citizenship.

What is the difference between dual citizenship and permanent residency?

Dual citizenship grants you full rights of nationality in both countries, including voting and holding a passport.

Permanent residency only allows you to live and work in a country without citizenship rights like voting or a second passport. Permanent residents can lose their status more easily than citizens.

Can anyone get dual citizenship?

Not everyone qualifies for dual citizenship. Eligibility depends on factors such as your place of birth, ancestry, marriage to a citizen, or investment in a country’s economy.

What countries don’t allow dual citizenship?

Many countries restrict or prohibit dual citizenship, including China, India, Japan, Norway, and Singapore. In these nations, acquiring a second nationality often means you must renounce your original citizenship.

Does dual citizenship expire?

Dual citizenship itself usually does not expire.

However, your dual passports will need to be renewed periodically, often every 5 or 10 years.

In rare cases, citizenship can be lost if you commit certain acts like serving in a foreign military.

Do dual citizens have to serve in the military?

Some countries require military service from all citizens, including those with dual nationality.

Others may exempt you if you have permanent residency abroad or citizenship elsewhere.