Being the citizen of more than one country comes with benefits as well as challenges.
by Sofie Wise
Dual citizenship—when you’re a citizen of two countries simultaneously—may seem appealing. You may gain access to two social service systems or the ability to live, work and own property in both places. At the same time, dual citizenship comes with responsibilities and challenges.
If you’re curious about dual citizenship, this article may help. We break down the ins and outs of dual citizenship, including the requirements and the process of obtaining dual citizenship. We also discuss the pros and cons of dual nationality in more depth.
The United States has no requirements for dual citizenship besides being a U.S. citizen.
However, not every other country allows dual citizenship with the U.S., so check the laws of the country you wish to be a citizen of. Additionally, each country has different pathways for obtaining dual citizenship, and each pathway has different requirements. Below are some examples.
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The exact steps to obtaining dual citizenship vary based on the countries involved. Below are some general guidelines.
Before embarking on this journey, familiarize yourself with each country’s stance on dual citizenship. Some countries embrace it, while others have reservations or outright prohibit it. Additionally, some countries might demand that you renounce your allegiance to your home country as part of the naturalization process, rendering your quest for dual citizenship fruitless.
Multiple avenues exist for obtaining dual citizenship, including birthright, descent and residency. Pinpoint which routes are viable for your situation.
For naturalization, many countries require applicants to reside within their borders for a specified duration before applying for citizenship.
Each country requires specific documentation, such as birth certificates, marriage licenses or proof of lineage. Ensure you have original, authenticated and translated copies where necessary.
If there’s a specific application for dual citizenship, mindfully fill it out. Some countries may require you to apply separately for naturalization or other forms of citizenship.
The application process often comes with fees. These may range from minimal charges to substantial amounts, especially in countries that offer citizenship by investment. Most fees are due when you submit your initial application. Others may be due during and after your initial interview.
Some countries may summon you for an interview. During this interview, you can expect questions about your background, criminal record and application details. For instance, if your application for dual citizenship is based on marriage, immigration officials may ask about your relationship history with your spouse.
Immigration officials may also use this opportunity to assess your knowledge of the target country’s official language. Other countries might require that you pass a language or civics exam to show your commitment and social integration.
Once you’ve submitted your application, there’s typically a waiting period. The processing time varies according to your application and the practices of the target country. Stay proactive by tracking your application’s status if you can. Also promptly respond to requests for additional information or evidence if you receive them.
Some nations may ask you to swear an oath of allegiance or loyalty. This solemn act often marks the final step in the dual citizenship process.
Dual citizenship may expand your opportunities and freedoms on a global scale. Some potential advantages may include the following.
As a holder of two passports, you may travel, work or reside in both countries without a visa. This freedom may be especially valuable if one of the passports is from a country with strong international travel privileges.
Access to two job markets may allow dual citizens to explore broader career prospects. Additionally, you may own property in either country and take advantage of investment opportunities. And some dual citizens may enjoy special tax treatment through tax reciprocity treaties (where multiple countries agree that only one will tax a dual citizen at any given time). This means you only have to pay taxes in the country you reside in.
Dual citizens often have the opportunity to study in either country, potentially at reduced rates and with access to exclusive scholarships.
Living in two countries allows you to immerse yourself in two cultures. You may participate in public life, festivals and traditions, deepening your understanding and appreciation.
Some countries offer comprehensive healthcare benefits to their citizens. Having dual citizenship might provide access to medical care in both nations, a perk if one boasts a robust and affordable health system.
Political turmoil, economic downturn and natural disasters are an unfortunate reality in today’s world. However, if these events impact one country, dual citizenship may offer you an alternative place of residence and protection.
Dual citizenship may simplify processes like family reunification. In many cases, your dual citizenship might also pave the way for your children to become dual citizens.
Many countries allow their citizens, including dual citizens, to vote in national elections. This privilege lets you have a say in the governance of both nations.
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While dual citizenship provides numerous advantages, there are also challenges when you owe allegiance to two nations. Some common difficulties dual citizens may face include but aren’t limited to the following.
Being a citizen of two countries often means dealing with two tax systems. For instance, the U.S. is one of only two countries that taxes its citizens on worldwide income, regardless of where they live.
Due to tax and financial regulations from the two countries, you may face dual taxation, heightened bank account scrutiny and the requirement to disclose foreign assets.
Participating in two separate political systems may be demanding. Plus, some countries restrict the voting rights of citizens living abroad.
Dual citizens may receive Social Security benefits from both countries, but agreements between those nations may influence the amount you receive.
Some nations have obligatory duties, like military service or compulsory voting. These obligations may force you to spend time in one country when you don’t desire to.
In moments of international tension or conflict, dual citizens may feel conflicted, facing loyalty dilemmas. They may also be the object of suspicion from others.
The rights and regulations governing dual citizens inevitably vary between countries, which may lead to legal conflicts. For instance, some countries require citizens to vote in national elections, even if they live in another country. Or one country may allow you to partake in a recreational substance while the other penalizes it.
Not all nations recognize dual citizenship. Traveling might be limited or complicated due to one’s dual status.
If you decide to give up one of your citizenships down the road, it may be a long and expensive process.
Committing certain actions, like serving in a foreign military, might lead to the involuntary loss of citizenship from one country.
Because of the diverse requirements and processes in different countries, some people seek legal counsel when pursuing dual citizenship. An experienced attorney can research the citizenship laws of various nations and advise you which citizenship pathways are possible and might best fit your situation. They can also review your citizenship application and verify that you meet all applicable requirements for citizenship.
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More than 50 countries currently allow dual citizenship with the U.S. These countries include Germany, the United Kingdom, Argentina and the Philippines.
All U.S. citizens, including dual citizens, have to pay U.S. taxes and report all income they earn inside and outside the U.S. to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This obligation applies even if you live abroad as a dual citizen. That said, the U.S. tax code offers some relief measures. One example is the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE). For the 2023 tax year, FEIE allows qualified U.S. citizens living and working abroad to exclude the first $120,000 of their income from U.S. income tax. Furthermore, you may be exempt from paying taxes in other countries if you’ve already paid U.S. taxes, avoiding double taxation.
No, dual citizenship doesn’t inherently expire. Once you successfully obtain citizenship in two countries, you’re a citizen in both nations for life. The only exception is if you engage in any of a list of specific actions. These actions vary by country but typically include failing to serve in one country’s military, renunciation and failing to reside in one of the countries for a sufficient period of time.
The rules for dual citizenship vary widely according to the laws and regulations of the involved countries. That said, several common pathways for citizenship include birthright, descent and marriage.
Disclaimer: This article is provided as general information, not legal advice, and may not reflect the current laws in your state. It does not create an attorney-client relationship and is not a substitute for seeking legal counsel based on the facts of your circumstance. No reader should act based on this article without seeking legal advice from a lawyer licensed in their state.
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