Dual Citizenship: What It Means, How to Get It, and Key Benefits

Dual citizenship (also known as dual nationality) is when someone is a legal citizen of two countries at the same time. But what does dual citizenship mean in practical terms?

It means you can hold two passports, enjoy the rights and benefits of two countries, and access broader opportunities for work, travel, and investment. For many, it’s a strategic way to secure global mobility and long-term security.

This guide explains what dual citizenship is, how to get it, the benefits and disadvantages, travel rules for dual passports, and the list of countries that allow or restrict this status.

• What is dual citizenship?
• How do you get dual citizenship?
• Is dual citizenship legal in the United States?
• Benefits of Dual Citizenship
• Countries That Allow and Prohibit Dual Citizenship
• Frequently Asked Questions

What does dual citizenship mean?

Dual citizenship, or dual nationality, is the legal status of being a citizen of two countries at the same time, with the rights and obligations of both. It can arise through naturalization, birth (jus sanguinis or jus soli), or citizenship by descent.

Benefits of having a foreign passport include:

• Living, working, and studying in both countries
• Access to healthcare and social benefits
• The right to own property or run businesses without restrictions
• A second passport for greater travel freedom

It can occur automatically (for example, a child born in the U.S. is immediately granted U.S. citizenship) or by application (for example, claiming citizenship through parents). Dual nationals must follow both countries’ laws, pay taxes where applicable, and may face duties such as military service.

According to the Global Citizen Solutions Global Intelligence Unit, over 76% of countries now allow dual citizenship, up from 33% in 1960. This reflects its shift from a political identity to a strategic mobility tool in an interconnected world. However, some nations still require you to renounce your original citizenship, so always verify the laws before applying.

How do you get dual citizenship?

Wondering how to get dual citizenship? There are several pathways to acquiring it, and the eligibility requirements vary depending on the country. Here are the most common routes to having more than one nationality:

• Citizenship by birth: Countries with birthright citizenship laws, like the U.S. and Canada, grant citizenship to anyone born on their soil. A child born in the U.S. to foreign parents may hold dual nationality if the parents’ country also recognizes citizenship by descent.
• Citizenship by descent: Many nations, including Italy, Ireland, and Poland, offer citizenship by descent if you have parents or grandparents (and sometimes great-grandparents) from that country.
  • Example: Italy allows claims through great-grandparents if the lineage is unbroken; Ireland permits citizenship through grandparents.
• Citizenship by naturalization: Gained after living in a country for a set period and meeting criteria like language proficiency.
  • Residency periods for citizenship by naturalization vary. Portugal is 5 years, for example, while Spain is 10 years (in most cases).
  • Some require renunciation of citizenship, but many countries accept dual nationality.
• Citizenship by marriage: This is the process by which foreigners can get citizenship in a country by marrying a local citizen.
  • Example: France allows citizenship after 3 years of marriage; Mexico’s citizenship by marriage requires 2 years of marriage.
• Citizenship by Investment (CBI): Citizenship in exchange for economic contribution.
  • Example: St. Kitts and Nevis requires a minimum investment of $250,000, and Dominica’s minimum is $100,000.
  • Citizenship by investment is often processed in as little as 3 to 6 months.

Always check if your home country permits dual citizenship, as some, like India and Japan, do not.

Is dual citizenship legal in the United States?

Yes, U.S. law allows dual citizenship.

Americans are not required to renounce their U.S. citizenship when acquiring another nationality, and becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization does not automatically revoke your original citizenship, unless your home country prohibits dual nationality or requires you to renounce your original citizenship.

According to the U.S. Department of State, dual citizens must meet the obligations of both countries. For Americans, this means filing annual tax returns on worldwide income even if living abroad, complying with military service requirements if the other country has conscription, and being aware that certain U.S. government positions may be off-limits due to security clearance restrictions.

While holding two passports is permitted, U.S. citizens must exclusively use their American passport when entering or leaving the United States.

Benefits of Dual Citizenship

Holding dual nationality offers significant advantages for global mobility and security. Below are the key pros of dual citizenship:

• Visa-free travel and two passports: Dual citizens can hold dual citizenship and maintain two valid passports, providing easier international travel and broader visa-free access.
• Residency and social benefits: Enjoy the right to live, work, and study in both countries while accessing essential social benefits like healthcare and education.
• Property and investment opportunities: Legally own property or invest in international real estate without restrictions in either country, which is a major benefit for global investors.
• Business and employment advantages: Gain eligibility for jobs and entrepreneurial ventures across two countries without needing special permits.
• Educational opportunities: Pay local tuition rates in either country, giving families access to affordable education.
• Consular support: If problems arise abroad, you can turn to local authorities or embassies of either nation for help.
• Security during crises: Holding a second nationality offers a safe haven, allowing relocation to another country during political or economic instability.

Countries That Allow and Prohibit Dual Citizenship

Laws on dual nationality vary widely. While most countries nowadays recognize dual citizenship, others prohibit it or allow it but only under strict conditions. Here’s a quick comparison:

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 is dual citizenship?

Dual citizenship, also called dual nationality, means a person is legally recognized as a citizen of two countries at the same time. This status provides the rights and responsibilities of both countries.

Dual citizenship means you can hold two passports, access social services in both countries, and enjoy visa-free travel to various countries aside from those your host country allows.

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.

How do you get dual citizenship?

You can obtain dual citizenship through various pathways: birthright (jus soli), descent (jus sanguinis), naturalization, marriage, or Citizenship by Investment programs.

Can Americans have dual citizenship?

Yes, U.S. law allows dual citizenship. Americans do not need to renounce their U.S. citizenship when they acquire a second nationality, but they must still follow U.S. laws, including tax obligations.

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.

What are the benefits of dual citizenship?

The main benefits include visa-free travel, better global mobility, access to education and healthcare in both countries, expanded work opportunities, and property ownership rights.

What are the disadvantages of dual citizenship?

Dual citizenship can bring obligations such as double taxation, mandatory military service, or travel restrictions during political conflicts. It may also affect government job eligibility.

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.

Is it legal to have a dual passport?

Yes. Holding two passports from different countries is legal if both countries allow dual citizenship. A dual passport can make international travel easier and faster.

What countries don’t allow dual citizenship?

Countries like China, India, Japan, and Singapore generally do not allow or heavily restrict dual citizenship. Some require renunciation of your original nationality when you naturalize.

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, but it depends on the laws of the countries in question.

Do dual citizens have to participate in military service?

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

Others may exempt you from military service if you have permanent residency or citizenship in a foreign country.