Dual citizenship (also known as dual nationality) means being legally recognized as a citizen of two countries at the same time.
People usually acquire it through citizenship by descent, being born in a country, naturalization, marriage, or, for some applicants, Citizenship by Investment (CBI).
Before applying, it’s worth weighing up the pros and cons of dual citizenship. On the one hand, a second passport can expand your travel mobility and enhance access to opportunities, but, on the other hand, it also adds compliance duties related to taxes, increased documentation, and potential civic obligations.
What is dual citizenship?
Dual citizenship (second citizenship) is the recognition of an individual as being a legal citizen of two countries simultaneously.
There has been an increase in people becoming dual citizens as many have found that it can boost travel mobility, provide the right to live, work and study in more than one country, and offer access to public services and better financial options. However, one must also realize that with these benefits come responsibilities, including tax compliance and sometimes military service, with rules varying by country.
While about 76% of countries now permit dual citizenship (vs. 33% in 1960), others still require one to renounce your citizenship. The 2025 Global RCBI Report, published by the Global Intelligence Unit, shows dual citizenship has shifted from simply being an unique privilege to becoming more of strategic tool for mobility, security, and diversification.
Let’s dive deeper into the advantages and disadvantages of dual citizenship:
What are the pros of dual citizenship?
The benefits of dual citizenship vary by which countries are paired together but overall you’ll find the following:
01/ Greater mobility
Hold two passports and use the one that offers simpler entry, visa-free access, or smoother transit for a given trip. This flexibility can shorten lead times, reduce visa costs, and unlock more spontaneous travel and business itineraries.
02/ Live, work, and study in both countries
Citizenship removes immigration hurdles. No work permits, no study permits, and no right-to-remain anxiety. You can relocate for a job, enroll in public universities, or set up a base for remote work without worrying about visa renewals.
03/ Expanded business and investment options
Operate or incorporate locally, hire staff more easily, and access domestic banking, payment rails, and investor protections in two markets.
In some countries, citizens also enjoy fewer restrictions on property ownership or in strategic sectors.
04/ Access to public services
Public services are often reliant on residency or citizenship status. Citizens may qualify for public healthcare, education, and social programs once criteria are met.
Second citizenship offers optionality so that you can base yourself where the services, costs, and wait times best match your family’s needs.
05/ Family security and generational continuity
Dual nationality can simplify family reunification, give children stronger education choices, and, in many systems, even pass citizenship on to future generations.
This creates long-term mobility and settlement rights across borders.
06/ Political participation and civic duties
Where permitted, you can vote, run for certain local offices, or engage in civic processes in both countries, increasing your influence over policies that affect your life and business.
Some public roles still restrict dual nationals, so keep that in mind.
07/ Risk diversification and stability
If one country faces political instability, currency shocks or travel restrictions (think in case of a conflict), the other citizenship provides a legal fallback.
It gives you an alternative residence, financial access, and evacuation routes, all while you’re protected by national law.
Skip the wait and get a fast-tracked second passport through
Citizenship by Investment programs
What are the cons of dual citizenship?
Dual nationality does always automatically equal more freedom. It also adds compliance, cost, and legal complexity that can outweigh the upsides depending on your country pair and life stage. Here are some reasons why dual citizenship is bad (for some people):
01/ Extra tax filings and reporting
Even when tax treaties reduce double taxation, many dual citizens still must file in more than one country. Expect possible requirements like foreign asset and bank-account reporting, plus record-keeping across two systems.
Cross-border income, investments, and business ownership all raise the paperwork bar.
02/ Conflicts of law and potential military/civic duties
You’re subject to both legal systems. That can mean compulsory military service, jury duty, or other civic obligations in one or both countries. When you are in Country A as its citizen, consular help from Country B may be limited.
03/ Government and sensitive roles restrictions
Some countries restrict dual nationals from certain public offices, security-cleared jobs, or positions in the judiciary, military, or ministries.
Private employers in regulated sectors may also scrutinize dual status during background checks.
04/ Banking, KYC/AML, and documentation friction
Two nationalities can trigger enhanced due diligence when opening accounts, investing, or moving money.
Expect repeated requests for source-of-funds proofs, tax IDs, and address history in both countries. Name or date mismatches across passports can delay processes.
05/ Hidden costs and ongoing admin
Budget for two passports (which includes issuance, renewals and expedited fees), legalized translations, apostilles, couriering, notarizations, and professional advice (immigration, tax and estate planning).
If children are included, multiply the admin and cost footprint.
06/ Renunciation and exit risks
If one country requires renunciation to naturalize in the other or if you later choose to give up a citizenship expect fees, formal procedures, and downstream effects on tax, social benefits, and travel.
Some actions (for example, serving in a foreign armed force) can jeopardize citizenship in rare cases.
Dual citizenship vs permanent residency: Which option suits you?
In short, dual citizenship grants the strongest rights (a passport, voting and no deportation risk), but it also brings heavier compliance requirements.
Permanent residency (PR) delivers the most day-to-day living benefits with fewer obligations and can be a stepping stone to citizenship.
| Aspect | Dual Citizenship | Permanent Residency (PR) |
|---|---|---|
| Travel freedom | Two passports which offer broader visa-free travel options (dependent on country pair). | Travel rights tied to original passport. A PR card is mainly for re-entry into the resident country. |
| Right to live, work, study | Full rights in both countries indefinitely. | Live/work/study in one country only. Renewals or residency thresholds may apply. |
| Political rights and security | Voting and some public roles (with exceptions). Cannot be deported from either country. | No national voting. Deportation is a possibility in serious cases. |
| Tax and reporting burden | Potential multi-country filings and disclosures. Tax treaties/credits mitigate double tax but don’t remove filing obligations. | Usually simpler. Tax obligations are centered on country of residence. |
| Time and cost | May require multi-year naturalization or proof for descent. Ongoing passport and admin costs. | Often faster via work, family or Golden Visa routes. Typically lower ongoing admin. |
| Flexibility and risk management | Strongest Plan B (alternative passport/consular route) Take note of consular limits in the other country. | Good flexibility with lighter compliance. Can often convert to citizenship later. |
Best way to figure out your option:
- If you need maximum global mobility and long-term settlement rights in two places, dual citizenship can be worth the complexity.
- If you want flexibility with lighter admin, start with permanent residency/Golden Visa and reassess your options later.
How can you obtain dual citizenship?
Obtaining dual nationality can be a life-changing decision, and there are several pathways available, each with its own eligibility requirements and legal considerations.
The right option depends on your background, goals, and whether your home country allows multiple citizenships. Below are the primary methods for acquiring dual citizenship, along with practical details and examples to help you evaluate the best route.
Citizenship by birthright
Birthright citizenship, based on the principle of jus soli (Latin for “right of the soil”), grants citizenship to individuals born within a country’s territory, regardless of their parents’ nationality.
For instance, a child born in the United States, Canada, or many Latin American countries automatically becomes a citizen at birth. If that child’s parents retain their original nationality, the child often acquires dual citizenship from birth.
Key consideration: Not all countries have birthright citizenship, and some impose conditions (such as requiring at least one parent to have legal status).
Citizenship by descent
Under jus sanguinis or “right of blood,” citizenship is inherited through parents or, in many cases, grandparents or great-grandparents. Countries like Italy, Ireland, Poland, and Hungary allow individuals to claim citizenship by descent if they can prove lineage through official records such as birth, marriage, and naturalization certificates.
This is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to obtain dual nationality, as no significant financial investment is required. However, documentation can be complex and time-consuming, particularly when retrieving historical records.
Citizenship by naturalization
Citizenship by naturalization is the process of becoming a citizen after legally residing in a country for a specific period.
This path often involves the ability to pass language proficiency tests, displaying cultural knowledge, and having good moral character. Residency requirements vary significantly. Some examples include:
- Argentina: as little as 2 to 3 years of legal residence required (2 is the standard minimum).
- Portugal: 5 years, one of the shortest in the EU region (but extension of this timeline has been proposed).
- Germany: typically 5 years (recently reduced).
Some nations permit dual citizenship during naturalization, while others require renouncing your original nationality. Countries like Portugal and Spain offer exceptions for citizens of Portuguese-speaking or Ibero-American nations, reducing residency requirements.
⚠️ Update on Portugal's Nationality Law Changes
On 28 October 2025, Portugal's parliament approved key amendments of the Nationality Law, including increasing the residency requirement for citizenship from 5 to 10 years, and 7 years for CPLP nationals and EU citizens. This will significantly impact how visa holders and residents acquire citizenship.
However, these changes are not yet law. They must still undergo Presidential review where the President may promulgate the law, issue a veto, or request a review by the Constitutional Court. The final text may still be amended but they might not be enacted because the law is not final until its promulgated.
For the latest information regarding these changes, read Portugal Nationality and Citizenship Changes 2025
Citizenship by marriage
Many countries allow spouses of citizens to apply for nationality through an expedited citizenship by marriage process.
For example:
- Spain: spouses that are foreign nationals can apply after just 1 year of legal residence.
- France: typically 3 years after marriage (or 4 years if living abroad).
Marriage-based applications often waive strict naturalization requirements like extended residency or language exams, making it one of the most straightforward pathways for eligible applicants.
Authorities will scrutinize marriage-based claims carefully to prevent fraud, so proof of a genuine relationship is essential.
Citizenship by Investment
For high-net-worth individuals or investors, Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs provide one of the fastest and most flexible routes to a second passport.
These programs allow applicants to acquire nationality by making an economic contribution to the host country, typically through:
- Real estate purchases.
- Government bonds.
- Non-refundable donations to development funds.
Popular destinations for CBI programs include Turkey, St Lucia, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Dominica, with Caribbean options offering citizenship in as little as 3 to 6 months.
CBI programs deliver immediate benefits such as visa-free travel to sometimes as many as 140+ countries, access to tax-friendly nations, and the ability to include family members in the application.
Can Americans obtain dual citizenship?
Yes, U.S. citizens can have dual citizenship, but it comes with legal, tax, and compliance obligations. The United States does not prohibit dual nationality, although it does not actively encourage it.
Americans commonly gain a second passport through citizenship by descent, naturalization, marriage, or citizenship by investment programs in countries that allow dual citizenship.
Key considerations for U.S. dual citizens:
- Taxation: The U.S. applies citizenship-based taxation, meaning you must file annual tax returns and report worldwide income, regardless of where you live.
- Compliance when naturalizing abroad: If gaining citizenship through naturalization in another country, U.S. citizens must comply with U.S. laws, including tax implications. They must also submit forms like IRS Form 8854 if they plan to renounce U.S. citizenship.
- Government jobs and military: Holding dual nationality may restrict eligibility for roles requiring security clearance.
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.
