How Many Citizenships Can You Have? [2025 Guide]

Have you ever wondered how many citizenships you can have? With globalization and increased mobility, holding a second passport or even multiple is more common than ever. While dual citizenship is a familiar concept, but what about dual citizenship and more? Is there a legal limit, and which countries allow second citizenship and beyond?

In this guide, we explain rules regarding multiple citizenship, how to decide whether you need a second passport or more, how to obtain citizenship in a foreign country, what the benefits of getting another nationality, which countries allow dual or multiple citizenship, and key questions often asked by global citizens.

• Can you have multiple citizenships?
• How many passports can you have?
• How many citizenships should you have?
• How to Acquire Multiple Citizenship
• Benefits of Multiple Citizenship
• Challenges of Having Multiple Citizenships
• Countries That Allow Multiple Citizenship
• Countries That Restrict or Prohibit Multiple Citizenship
• Frequently Asked Questions

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 political risk and secure access to stable economies and healthcare systems.

How many passports can you have?

The number of passports you can hold depends on how many citizenships you legally have. There’s generally no set limit. It all comes down to the laws of the countries involved.

Some, like the United States, allow dual or multiple citizenships, while others require you to renounce your previous nationality. Each citizenship typically comes with a passport, so if multiple citizenships are permitted, you can hold multiple passports.

Why multiple passports matter

Having more than one passport offers significant travel mobility. For example:

• A person with a U.S. passport and an EU passport gains visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to nearly every major global destination.
• Combining a Caribbean passport from a Citizenship by Investment program with EU citizenship further boosts mobility and opens access to financial opportunities.

How many citizenships should you have?

There’s no universal rule for the number of citizenships a person can hold. It depends on your personal goals, legal obligations, and the policies of each country involved. While some individuals are satisfied with just one strong passport, others strategically build a passport portfolio to maximize travel freedom, tax efficiency, and security.

So, how many citizenships make sense for you? Let’s break it down.

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-friendly nation (for example, am I considering moving to 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.

Residency vs. citizenship: which comes first?

If you plan to live abroad, consider which to obtain first, residency vs citizenship, before making a commitment. Taking a residency-first approach allows you to at least experience the country’s culture, economy, and legal environment. For example:

• A Portugal Golden Visa gives you residency permit and a path to citizenship after five years.
• A Malta residency program can lead to full citizenship once requirements are met.

If relocation isn’t a priority, you might opt for a Citizenship by Investment program, granting a passport in as little as three to six months without residency requirements.

Key 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 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 Citizenship

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, known as jus soli, 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, if the couple resides abroad.

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 multiple 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 in detail:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 issues

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 (IRS) requires citizens to file annual tax returns even if they reside abroad. Multiple citizenships can therefore lead to double taxation unless tax treaties exist between your countries.

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.

Conflicting loyalties

Holding multiple nationalities can raise concerns about political allegiance. For example, during times of diplomatic tension or war, individuals may face scrutiny or legal complications if their countries of citizenship have opposing interests.

Passport validity and bureaucracy

Managing multiple passports can be logistically challenging. Different entry and exit rules apply—some countries require their citizens to enter and exit using their national passport. This adds layers of complexity when planning international travel.

Security concerns

Governments sometimes view individuals with multiple allegiances as security risks. 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 allows dual citizenship or multiple citizenship with few or no restrictions. Below is a table summarizing some of the most well-known examples:

Countries That Restrict or Prohibit Multiple Citizenship

China

• Policy: No dual citizenship permitted.
• Citizens lose Chinese nationality if they voluntarily acquire another citizenship, even minor children.

India

• Policy: Dual citizenship not allowed.
• Holds OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) status instead, which is a kind of lifelong residency/visa. OCIs cannot vote, hold public office, or serve in the armed forces.

Singapore

• Policy: Dual citizenship prohibited.
• Citizens (especially dual-born) must renounce other nationalities by age 21.

Japan

• Policy: Dual citizenship disallowed.
• Those born with dual nationality must choose a single citizenship before they turn 22.

Austria

• Policy: Generally forbids dual citizenship.
• Exceptions include:
  • Dual citizenship by birth (for example, foreign-born children of Austrian parents).
  • Beibehaltungsgenehmigung (special retention permit): must be applied for before taking a second citizenship.
• Most adult naturalizations require prior renunciation of the original citizenship.

Saudi Arabia

• Policy: Neither recognizes nor permits dual citizenship without government approval.
• Key rules:
  • A citizen who acquires another nationality without prior permission from the Prime Minister risks losing Saudi citizenship.
  • Dual citizenship may be granted only in exceptional cases—typically via royal decree—to individuals who contribute significantly to the national interest (e.g. in science, business, culture).
  • Even qualified applicants are expected to renounce prior citizenship within six months.
• Although reforms in 2021 opened pathways for highly accomplished foreigners, dual nationality remains rare and discretionary.

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 How Many Citizenships You Can Have

What is multiple citizenship?

Multiple citizenship, also called triple or dual citizenship, occurs when a person is legally recognized as a citizen of more than one country at the same time.

How many citizenships can you have?

There is no universal legal limit to the number of citizenships you can hold. Some countries grant unlimited citizenships, while other countries restrict or prohibit dual or multiple nationality altogether.

What are the benefits of multiple citizenship?

Multiple citizenships can offer visa-free travel, access to more job markets, tax advantages, better healthcare or education, and a legal “Plan B” in times of crisis.

What are the downsides to multiple citizenship?

Yes, some downsides may include double taxation, compulsory military service, legal conflicts, or difficulty getting consular assistance in certain countries.

What is the most citizenships held by one person?

The world record for holding citizenship to the most countries is 10, according to available reports.

Which countries allow multiple citizenships?

Countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Australia, and Portugal allow multiple citizenships. However, policies vary, so it’s important to check each country’s specific laws.

Can a person have three or more citizenships?

Yes, if permitted by the countries involved, a person can hold three or more citizenships through birth, descent, investment programs or the naturalization process.

Does the US allow multiple citizenship?

Yes, the United States does allow multiple citizenships. US law does not require you to renounce your US citizenship if you acquire another nationality, meaning you remain a U.S. citizen.

Can you lose your citizenship if you acquire another one?

Yes. Some countries automatically revoke your citizenship if you acquire second citizenship, while others allow you to retain both but it’s country-dependent.

Do you need to renounce your original citizenship to gain a new one?

In some countries, yes. Nations like Germany and Japan generally require renunciation of your previous citizenship when you obtain citizenship from another country, while others like the U.S. and U.K. do not.

Are there restrictions on dual or multiple citizenships in certain countries?

Yes. Some countries restrict or ban dual nationality. For example, China and India generally do not permit it, while others may impose conditions or require government approval.

Can children inherit multiple citizenships?

Yes. Many countries allow children to acquire citizenship by descent from one or both parents, potentially giving them dual or multiple citizenships at birth.

Can you travel with more than one passport?

Yes. People with multiple citizenships can use different foreign passports depending on their destination, often to bypass visa requirements or speed up entry at borders.

How do taxes work for people with multiple citizenships?

Tax obligations depend on where you reside and each country’s tax laws. Some countries tax worldwide income (like the US), while others only tax income earned within their borders.

Can you have multiple citizenships as a British citizen?

Yes, the U.K. permits dual citizenship, meaning you can hold both British citizenship and the citizenship of another foreign country at the same time.