Many individuals who are aiming to increase their freedom, security, and access to global opportunities want to do so by obtaining dual or triple citizenship. But what exactly is triple citizenship?
In short, triple citizenship means legally holding the nationality of three different countries at the same time. It extends the same core concept as dual citizenship or dual nationality, allowing you to enjoy the full rights and responsibilities, such as healthcare, voting rights, and consular protection, in all three countries.
However, multiple citizenship, especially when extended to a third nationality, can bring added complexity. Legal, tax, and travel responsibilities can vary widely, depending on the citizenship laws of the countries involved. That’s why it’s critical to understand how each country approaches multiple citizenships, especially if you’re pursuing a passport portfolio strategy.
In this guide, we will explore the concept of triple citizenship and how obtaining more than one passport is possible. We will cover:
- Is triple citizenship possible?
- Understanding Dual Citizenship
- Countries that allow triple citizenship
- How can you obtain multiple citizenships?
- Advantages of Triple Citizenship<
- How to obtain multiple citizenships through Golden Visas
- Triple Citizenship with Passport Tiers
- Ideal Triple Citizenship Combinations
Is triple citizenship possible?
Yes, it is absolutely possible to hold citizenship in three countries. In fact, many triple citizenship countries permit individuals to maintain multiple nationalities without requiring the renunciation of citizenship. The key is understanding the specific rules and legal frameworks of each country involved.
In most cases, if a country allows dual citizenship, it is also likely to permit a third nationality. This applies especially when citizenships are acquired through a mix of birthright, descent, or naturalization in countries that recognize multiple citizenship.
For example, the United States and Canada both allow individuals to hold three or more passports. So yes, triple citizenship USA is legal, provided the other two countries also allow it.
Historically, multiple citizenship was often viewed as a sign of divided loyalty. However, as noted in The Transformation of Citizenship report by the Global Intelligence Unit, there has been a fundamental shift in how nations perceive nationality.
Today, multiple nationalities are widely accepted as a natural consequence of global mobility and interconnected societies. This evolving perspective has made it increasingly difficult for governments to justify denying or refusing the recognition of triple or even quadruple citizenship.
Still, not all countries are aligned. Nations such as India, Singapore, and China maintain strict single-citizenship policies. In these cases, acquiring a third citizenship could result in the automatic loss of your original nationality.
Understanding Dual Citizenship
It is vital to understand dual citizenship before getting into the possibilities and disadvantages of triple citizenship.Dual citizenship, also known as dual nationality, is the status of being a citizen of two countries simultaneously.
This means a person with dual citizenship has legal rights and obligations in both countries. For example, a person with US and Canadian citizenship has the rights and responsibilities of both American and Canadian citizens.
However, some countries do not allow dual citizenship and may require an individual to renounce their original citizenship when naturalizing as a citizen of another country. For example, China and India generally do not permit dual citizenship.
List of Triple Citizenship Countries
If you have wondered how many citizenships you can have, here is a list of countries allowing dual or multiple citizenship (two or more). Please note that the list is not exhaustive.
Europe
- Belgium: Dual citizenship for Belgian citizens by birthright
- Croatia: Dual citizenship for Croatian citizens by birthright
- Denmark: Dual citizenship
- Finland: Multiple citizenships
- France: Multiple citizenships
- Germany: Dual citizenship for German citizens by birthright
- Greece: Multiple citizenships
- Hungary: Dual citizenship
- Iceland: Dual citizenship
- Ireland: Dual citizenship
- Italy: Multiple citizenships
- Luxembourg: Multiple citizenships
- Malta: Multiple citizenships
- Netherland: Dual citizenship for individuals married to a Dutch citizen
- Portugal: Dual citizenship
- Serbia: Dual citizenship
- Slovakia: Dual citizenship for Slovakian citizens by birthright and individuals married to a Slovakian citizen
- Spain: Dual citizenship for citizens of Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, and all Latin American countries
- United Kingdom: Multiple citizenships
North America
- Canada: Multiple citizenships
- Mexico: Dual citizenship for Mexican citizens by birthright
- United States: Multiple citizenships
Caribbean
- Barbados: Dual citizenship
- Belize: Dual citizenship
- Jamaica: Multiple citizenships
- Antigua and Barbuda: Multiple citizenships
- Dominica: Multiple citizenships
- St Kitts and Nevis: Multiple citizenships
- Grenada: Multiple citizenships
- Saint Lucia: Multiple citizenships
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: Multiple citizenships
Central America
- Costa Rica: Dual citizenship
- El Salvador: Dual citizenship for El Salvadorian citizens by birthright
- Belize: Dual citizenship
- Panama: Dual citizenship
South America
- Argentina: Dual citizenship is limited to Spanish and Italian citizenship only
- Bolivia: Dual citizenship
- Brazil: Multiple citizenships
- Chile: Dual citizenship
- Colombia: Dual citizenship
- Ecuador: Dual citizenships
- Peru: Dual citizenship
- Uruguay: Dual citizenship for Uruguayan citizens by birthright
Africa
- Egypt: Dual citizenship
- Ghana: Dual citizenship
- Kenya: Dual citizenship for Kenyan citizens by birthright
- Morocco: Dual citizenship but requires permission from the government
- Nigeria: Dual citizenships
- South Africa: Dual citizenship for Uruguayan citizens by birthright
Middle East
- Israel: Dual citizenship for Israeli citizens by birthright
- Turkey: Multiple citizenships
- United Arab Emirates: Dual citizenship for foreigners
Asia
- Philippines: Dual citizenship for natural-born Filipinos
Oceania
- Australia: Multiple citizenships
- New Zealand: Dual citizenship
The terminology for multiple citizenships may vary from country to country. If you’re seeking second citizenship, ensure the citizenship and naturalization laws allow dual nationality.
How can you obtain multiple citizenships?
There are several legal pathways to becoming a holder of multiple citizenships, including dual citizenship, triple citizenship, or even more, depending on each country’s nationality laws. Whether you’re building a passport portfolio for mobility, security, or lifestyle purposes, the route you choose will depend on factors such as ancestry, marriage, residency, or financial investment.
Here are the most common methods of acquiring dual nationality or a third citizenship:
1. Birthright citizenship (jus soli)
Birthright citizenship is one of the most straightforward ways to acquire nationality. Under this principle, you gain citizenship automatically if you are born on a country’s territory, regardless of your parents’ nationalities.
This applies in countries like:
- United States
- Canada
- Mexico
In many cases, this provides an automatic entry into dual or multiple citizenship, especially if your parents are from different national backgrounds.
2. Citizenship by descent (jus sanguinis)
Citizenship by descent allows you to acquire nationality through ancestral lineage. This is a particularly popular route for those exploring dual or triple citizenship through heritage.
To qualify, you generally need to prove:
- Direct lineage from a national of the country
- Supporting documentation (such as birth and marriage certificates)
Countries that allow citizenship by descent include:
- Italy (no generational limit in many cases)
- Ireland (if you have a grandparent born there)
- Poland, Hungary, Germany and Greece
Many of these nations also permit dual citizens, making them ideal choices for expanding your passport portfolio without requiring the renunciation of citizenship.
3. Citizenship by naturalization
Citizenship by naturalization is a common route for those who live in a country for an extended period and meet local citizenship laws. Requirements typically include:
- 5 to 10 years of continuous legal residency.
- Language and civic knowledge tests.
- Integration into the country’s society.
In some countries, long-term residency by investment, employment, or retirement visas may lead to naturalization. For instance:
- Thailand and Spain offer naturalization after extended stays.
- Portugal allows citizenship after 5 years minimum residency.
⚠️ Portugal Nationality Law Changes 2025
A draft law published in June 2025 proposes major changes to Portugal’s nationality rules. The main change is increasing the residency requirement for citizenship from 5 to 10 years (7 years for CPLP nationals).
It's important to note that the draft proposal is only a set of recommendations, and there are a few more steps before it becomes law. To learn more, read Portugal Nationality Law Changes 2025
4. Citizenship by marriage
Marriage to a national of another country can fast-track your path to dual or multiple nationality. While rules vary, most countries require:
- Proof of a legally recognized marriage
- 1–5 years of cohabitation or residency before applying
- In some cases, language or integration tests
The citizenship by marriage route is particularly appealing for those who already have dual citizenship and wish to obtain a third passport through their spouse’s nationality.
5. Citizenship by Investment (CBI)
Citizenship by Investment offers a fast-track option to legally acquire a second or third passport through economic contribution. This route is popular among high-net-worth individuals seeking global mobility, asset protection, and tax diversification.
Investment options may include:
- Real estate purchases
- Non-refundable donations to government funds
- Investment in government bonds or national development projects
While most CBI programs do not require renunciation of existing citizenship, you should always confirm that your current country allows for dual nationality or triple citizenship before applying.
Here are some of the countries with attractive citizenship by investment schemes include:
Country | Time to Passport | Minimum Investment | Visa-Free Destinations |
6 months | $230,000 donation $300,000 real estate | Access to 151 countries, including the Schengen Area and the UK. | |
6 - 9 months | $200,000 donation $200,000 real estate | More than 140 countries, including the Schengen Area. | |
6 months | $235,000 donation, $270,000 real estate | Over 148 countries, including China and the Schengen Area. | |
12 - 36 months | €600,000 donation + €700,000 real estate | 188 countries, including all Schengen Area countries, the UK, and the US for business visas. | |
4 - 6 months | $250,000 donation or $325,000 real estate | 154 countries, including the Schengen Area, the UK, and more. | |
3 - 6 months | $400,000 real estate purchase | 126 countries, including Japan and the Schengen Area. | |
2 - 3 months | $130,000 donation | 95 countries | |
10 - 12 months | $240,000 donation or $300,000 real estate | 148 countries and territories, including the Schengen Area and the UK. |
These countries allow multiple citizenship, making them a strategic option for building a globally diversified passport portfolio.
Advantages of Triple Citizenship
More travel access
One of the most appealing benefits of triple citizenship is expanded visa-free travel. With three passports in your passport portfolio, you can enter more countries without applying for tourist or short-stay visas. While a U.S. passport offers strong global access, it still has limitations in countries like Cuba or Russia. By adding a second or third passport from a neutral country, such as Antigua and Barbuda or Turkey, you can bypass geopolitical travel restrictions and unlock more destinations with ease.
This level of global mobility is especially valuable for frequent travelers, digital nomads, and business professionals with international interests.
Freedom of movement
Holding dual or triple citizenship gives you the legal right to live, work, and study in multiple countries without needing residency visas or permits. This unrestricted freedom of movement opens doors to more career opportunities, higher-quality healthcare systems, and access to public services like education and pensions.
For example, if one of your citizenships is from an EU member state, you can move freely across the Schengen Area, take up employment, or even start a business in 27 different countries.
Investment opportunities
Multiple citizenship allows investors and expats to diversify their assets internationally. Citizenship in politically stable or low-tax countries countries gives you access to investment opportunities that might otherwise be closed to foreign nationals. With triple nationality, you can open offshore banking accounts, purchase stocks, and start businesses across three legal systems, often without incurring additional foreign ownership taxes or barriers.
If you obtain your citizenship through a citizenship by investment program, you may also gain access to countries with favorable capital gains or corporate tax regimes.
Property ownership
In many countries, foreign nationals face restrictions on buying real estate, including caps on land ownership, limitations in border areas, or outright bans. But with triple citizenship, you gain the same property rights as local citizens in each of your three countries. That means you can purchase property, take advantage of residency incentives, or benefit from local financing options in all jurisdictions where you hold nationality.
This is particularly useful for expats, retirees, or global investors seeking homes in different regions for lifestyle or rental income purposes.
Inheritance and succession rights
Triple citizenship can also simplify inheritance planning and reduce tax burdens across jurisdictions. With legal recognition in three countries, you may benefit from:
- The ability to avoid inheritance tax or estate taxes.
- Stronger legal protections under local civil codes.
- The ability to designate heirs and distribute assets with fewer cross-border complications.
This is especially important for families with international assets or children born in different countries, as laws governing succession rights vary widely.
How to Obtain Multiple Citizenships Through Golden Visas
Golden Visas also offer residency and potential citizenship in exchange for a significant financial investment, such as real estate, government bonds, or job creation. These programs are attractive for their flexibility because they allow investors to maintain residency without needing to relocate fully.
Golden Visas can lead to dual or multiple citizenship once specific requirements are met. These programs are available in many countries and offer great benefits for people looking for more opportunities in EU countries.
These are some of the most well-known Golden Visas in the world:
Portugal
Portugal Golden Visa offers a few investment options, which includes a minimum investment of €250,000 in a business, cultural and artistic donations, or investing in scientific research institutes. The residency requirement is seven days in the first year and 14 days in subsequent two-year periods. After five years of legal residency, applicants can apply for permanent residency or citizenship.
Spain
The Spain Golden Visa also has a few investment options, but an investment of €500,000 in real estate is required. There are no specific physical presence requirements, but continuous legal residence of ten years is necessary for citizenship. However, this program is set to end on 3 April 2025.
Greece
The Greece Golden Visa has a minimum real estate investment requirement of €250,000. Similar to Spain, there is no specific requirement for physical presence, but continuous legal residence of seven years is needed to qualify for citizenship.
Cyprus
The Cyprus Golden Visa requires a minimum real estate investment of €300,000. While residents are not required to reside in Cyprus, applicants must visit the country at least once every two years to maintain their residency status. After seven years of continuous legal residence, individuals may be eligible to apply for citizenship, provided they meet additional criteria.
Serbia
The Serbia residency by investment program grants residency through real estate purchases and is designed to attract foreign nationals who wish to live and work in the country. There is no minimum amount required for the investment. Still, investors can only buy certain real estate types, such as apartments, residential buildings, and business premises, if they perform business activities in Serbia. Permanent residence is possible after five years of residency.
Hungary
The Hungarian Golden Visa Program, officially known as the Guest Investor Program (GIP), was reintroduced on July 1, 2024. This program allows non-EU and non-EEA citizens to obtain long-term residency in Hungary by investing at least €250,000 in real estate. Applicants can apply for citizenship after eight years of residency.
Latvia
The Latvia Golden Visa program is designed for non-EU citizens looking to establish residency in Europe. It’s ideal for investors, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth individuals who want the benefits of living in the EU, including easy access to the Schengen Zone for travel across multiple European countries. This program also requires a minimum investment of €250,000 in real estate and €50,000 in a business. To get permanent residency, you need to maintain legal residence for five years and spend a minimum of 183 days a year in the country.
Triple Citizenship with Passport Tiers
Tiers group nations’ passports into three levels based on factors like visa-free travel access, entry to restricted countries, economic stability, and the global mobility they provide. A passport’s ranking reflects its travel privileges rather than the benefits of the citizenship itself.
When you acquire triple citizenship, you want to add a variety of passports to your portfolio that allow visa-free travel to more than one country. While travel is essential for a passport portfolio, you should also consider income tax, national and foreign policies, diversification options, and banking and investment opportunities.
Passport Tier | Description | Countries |
Tier-One | Offers visa-free travel to all G7 nations and countries with strict border policies (e.g., Australia, New Zealand). | EU nations, UK, US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Japan |
Tier-Two | Offers visa-free access to countries in the EU but generally excludes the US and Australia. | UAE, Brazil, St. Kitts and Nevis, Montenegro, North Macedonia |
Tier-Three | Requires visas for travel to the UK, US, and EU countries. | Turkey, India, Dominican Republic, many African countries |
Balancing triple citizenship with passport tiers can be difficult, but ideally, you should choose a passport from each tier to maximize your benefits. Global Citizen Solutions has developed a Global Passport Index beyond simple mobility. The ranking also includes investment opportunities and quality of life, variables we believe are important in measuring the true value of a passport.
What is an ideal triple citizenship combination?
A strategically designed passport portfolio can significantly enhance your global mobility, financial planning, and personal freedom. One example of a powerful triple citizenship combination might include:
- An EU passport (for example, Ireland, Portugal, or Italy)
- A Caribbean passport (for example, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Lucia)
- A global business passport (for example, United States or UAE)
Holding EU citizenship grants you the right to live, work, and travel freely across all 27 EU member states, along with access to top-tier healthcare, education, and residency rights across the Schengen Zone.
A Caribbean passport, such as one acquired through a citizenship by investment program in Antigua and Barbuda, offers visa-free access to over 140 countries, including the UK and Schengen Area, and attractive tax benefits, such as entry into countries with no personal income tax or wealth tax.
Finally, a business-oriented nationality like that of the United States or United Arab Emirates opens doors to global markets, international banking, and cross-border entrepreneurship. These passports also provide access to robust legal systems and high-ranking passport tiers for maximum flexibility.
Together, these three citizenships create a well-balanced blend of lifestyle, travel access, and business opportunity—ideal for high-net-worth individuals, frequent travelers, and globally minded families seeking a resilient triple citizenship strategy.
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 Triple Citizenship
Can you have triple citizenship?
Yes, triple citizenship is legally possible if all three countries involved allow multiple nationality.
Does the United States allow triple citizenship?
Yes, the United States does allow triple citizenship. American citizens are not required to renounce their U.S. nationality when acquiring a second or third citizenship, as long as they intend to retain their U.S. status.
Does Canada allow triple citizenship?
Yes, Canada permits triple citizenship. Canadian citizens can hold dual or multiple nationalities, provided the other countries involved also recognize multiple citizenship.
Do I have to renounce one nationality to have triple citizenship?
Not necessarily. Many countries, including the U.S., Canada, and most EU nations, do not require the renunciation of previous citizenships. However, some countries (such as India or Singapore) do not allow dual or multiple citizenships.
How do I apply for triple citizenship?
You can obtain triple citizenship through methods like birthright (jus soli), descent (jus sanguinis), naturalization, marriage, or citizenship by investment.
What are the risks of holding multiple citizenships, including triple citizenship?
Risks may include overlapping tax obligations, mandatory military service, legal complications in inheritance or family law, and potential diplomatic issues.
Do I have to pay taxes in all countries if I have triple citizenship?
With triple citizenship, you may need to pay taxes in all three countries, depending on their tax laws. Some nations tax based on country of residence, while others, like the US, tax citizens on worldwide income. Double taxation agreements can help prevent being taxed twice on the same income.