In today’s globalized world, many people dream of earning a degree from a prestigious international university in their chosen field. However, this dream may seem unattainable due to restrictions in their home countries, mobility issues, and the high costs of foreign education. By obtaining a second citizenship, individuals not only gain access to top international educational institutions but also enjoy the advantages of being a legal citizen in the country of their education.
Accessing high-quality education often comes at a significant cost, particularly for individuals from less developed or third-world countries. Tuition fees and living expenses for foreign students in Europe or the USA are considerably higher compared to those for citizens of these countries.
However, obtaining a second citizenship can greatly ease the burden of pursuing education abroad. Continue reading to discover the various benefits that can be enjoyed in the education sector after obtaining dual citizenship in some of the most popular countries worldwide.
Educational Benefits of Second Citizenship
One way to secure a successful career for yourself or the next generation is by gaining access to top global educational institutions. Students who travel for higher education is increasing for a good reason. According to the Global Education Report, over 6 million students were studying abroad in 2023. This number is projected to surpass 10 million by 2030.
For many parents, obtaining a second citizenship becomes a favorable choice as it guarantees easier access for their children to premium schools and higher education.
Best universities
With the right second citizenship, you can enroll in some of the most prestigious and oldest universities in Europe or America. This includes institutions like Harvard University, Cambridge University, Oxford University, Stanford University, University of California, Berkeley, New York University, and more.
More course options
Choosing preferred subjects at the graduate level can be challenging in some countries, as there may be limited colleges or universities offering a variety of courses. Many students have to compromise on their choice of college or course due to seat and program availability in their home countries. Applying to international universities in other countries as a foreign national is often unfeasible due to the high cost of establishing oneself in the country.
Having a second citizenship opens up a wider educational pathway, allowing you to choose from a variety of courses and prestigious colleges abroad that may not be available in your home country. With dual citizenship in the country of your dream university, you can ensure you don’t miss out on your preferred degree programs. Dual citizenship also allows you to pursue specialized degrees or diplomas from sought-after institutions.
For instance, if you wish to hone your marketing skills and enter the banking or economics industry in the future, the USA is a great choice. After gaining dual citizenship in the USA, you can enroll in any top business school in the country as a local student, provided you meet the university’s requirements. From the Harvard Business School, to the Stanford Graduate School of Business and the HAAS School of Business, you can attend your preferred university as a legal citizen of the United States of America and enjoy a wide range of student benefits.
Lower tuition fees
In many countries, international students pay significantly higher tuition fees compared to local students. A second citizenship can allow individuals to qualify for lower, resident tuition rates. This can result in substantial savings, especially in countries with high fees for international students, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, or Australia.
Scholarship and financial aid opportunities
Citizens of a country are often eligible for scholarships, grants, and other financial aid that are not available to international students. Dual citizens can apply for financial support in both countries, increasing the chances of receiving funding for their education. This can include government-funded scholarships and university-specific grants.
Cultural and language immersion
Being a dual citizen often means having ties to two different cultures and potentially being bilingual. This cultural and linguistic immersion can be incredibly beneficial for personal development and education. Students can gain a deeper understanding of global perspectives, improve their language skills, and enhance their intercultural communication abilities, all of which are highly valued in the global job market.
It’s important to note that the USA does not have a dedicated citizenship by investment program. However, under the EB5 Visa program, investors (along with their spouses and unmarried children under 21) are eligible to apply for a Green Card (permanent residence) by making the necessary investment in a commercial enterprise in the United States and planning to create or preserve 10 permanent full-time jobs for qualified US workers.
Read our Global Intelligence Unit's Full Global Education Report
Understanding Education Through Citizenship by Investment
Obtaining a second citizenship offers many advantages and educational opportunities, but the process of becoming a dual citizen in your chosen country is neither quick nor easy. It may take several years, possibly up to a decade, to qualify for citizenship through naturalization, and in some countries, it could take even longer.
If your parents are legal dual citizens, you may be eligible for dual citizenship under specific conditions. Alternatively, if you have been living in a country other than your birth country for the required duration, you may eventually be able to apply for a second citizenship. You can find out how to obtain dual citizenship in Portugal, Spain, Italy, or other EU countries, or learn about the process of becoming a US citizen from our other articles.
In general, the process takes a long time, although in some countries it may take a shorter amount of time than you would first assume. For certain countries like the ones that fall in the Gulf Corporation Council (GCC) region, there is no naturalized process for obtaining dual citizenship.
If you do not want to go through this time-intensive and complicated process, there is another way around it. Many countries in the EU (European Union) and some of the Caribbean countries offer dual nationality to foreign investors. To explain it plainly, if you can contribute to the country’s economy by making a significant investment according to their policies and tax laws, you can be allowed to obtain citizenship and a passport within a short time span.
Countries With Education Through Citizenship by Investment
Citizenship by investment schemes is available in five of the Caribbean countries, namely Dominica, Antigua & Barbuda, St Kitts & Nevis, Grenada, and St Lucia. These commonwealth nation-states have strong passports with exciting benefits. Plus, it only takes three to six months after the investment is made to be qualified and receive dual nationality. Once granted, the investor and his/her family members can enjoy the benefits of second citizenship in these countries, including massive educational benefits.
Antigua & Barbuda
Antigua is home to a number of great universities, such as the University of the West Indies, the American University of Antigua, and the University of Health Sciences Antigua. With Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment status, you can get great discounts on the tuition fees of these universities. Similarly, as an applicant with citizenship by investment in Grenada status, you can get enrolled in St. George’s University in Grenada, one of the leading medical schools in the Caribbean, at a lesser cost.
Not only in terms of tuition fees, but you can also enjoy some other educational benefits with dual citizenship in the Caribbean. As dual nationals and passport holders of these nations, you can enjoy visa-free travel or visa-on-arrival to many countries in the EU, the UK, Hong Kong, etc. So, be it a conference or an interview, you are never going to miss out on opportunities due to visa restrictions when you can enjoy the benefits of a second passport.
Malta
There are some nations in the EU that offer residency by investment or citizenship by investment programs. Becoming a dual national by applying through the Malta Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment program (CES) program can entitle you to a number of educational benefits. You can study and reside in any European country and continue to work after completing your graduate programs without having to apply for an EU work permit.
Turkey
Similarly, Turkey is another EU country with top universities and great educational programs. You can get access to the open corridors of both Asia and Europe as a dual citizen of Turkey after successfully obtaining Turkey citizenship by investment status.
Having second citizenship through investments can enable you to choose a globally reputed university, get access to quality educational training, and eventually step on to successful employment routes. And the best part about this way is that some citizenship or residency by investment schemes are quite affordable and can take less time than you may first imagine.
Portugal
Portugal, through its Golden Visa, offers a robust education system that is attractive to expatriates and second passport holders. The country has a mix of public and private schools, with public education being free and compulsory for children aged 6 to 18. International schools are abundant, especially in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, catering to various curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), British, and American systems, making them ideal for expatriate families.
Higher education in Portugal is also notable, with several universities ranking highly in Europe. Tuition fees for EU citizens, including second passport holders, are significantly lower than those for non-EU students, making it a cost-effective option. Portuguese universities offer a wide range of programs taught in English, appealing to international students.
Additionally, Portugal’s education system benefits from its emphasis on multilingualism, with many schools offering bilingual education in Portuguese and English, enhancing the cultural integration of expatriate children. The country’s welcoming environment, combined with its high standard of living, makes it an attractive destination for families seeking quality education. Overall, Portugal provides excellent educational opportunities, leveraging its affordable, diverse, and inclusive system to appeal to expatriates and those holding second passports.
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 the Educational Benefits of a Second Citizenship
What are the benefits of second citizenship?
With a second citizenship, you can get the chance to study, work, and reside in the country of your choice without having to go through many checks with immigration services. You can avail yourself of all the benefits of that country as dual citizens, such as access to the best education systems, healthcare, and investment opportunities.
Which country is the best for second citizenship?
Depending on your goals and career plans, you can choose to apply for second citizenship in any of the EU countries or Caribbean nations that offer residency or citizenship by investment programs. The USA also has some visa options, whereby you can seek residency in the country, such as the EB5 Visa.
How many citizenships can one obtain?
When it comes to obtaining dual citizenship, there are certain regulations. Firstly it depends on the immigration policy and citizenship rules of your home country and the chosen country. You can learn all about foreign citizenship and multiple citizenship guidelines from us.
Dual citizenship vs second citizenship - which one is better for educational benefits?
The main difference between dual citizenship and second citizenship lies in the agreement between one’s home country and country of acquired citizenship. The benefits of second citizenship depend on which country you are applying for.
