Citizenship
So, You’re Wanting to Understand Citizenship & All the Possibilities of Having Multiple Citizenships?
Read On for Our Expert Take on Citizenship, Multiple Citizenships & Citizenship By Investment…
What's Citizenship?
Citizenship means that you can live and work in a country, own property there, and travel with the country’s passport.
Being a citizen means you have legal status in a country.
Typically, you can vote, have access to social support, and can even hold public office.
How Does Citizenship Work?
Citizenship is a national identity.
Being a citizen of a country means that the country’s government officially recognizes you as having the same rights and privileges as any other native of that country.
What Are the Different Types of Citizenship?
From naturalization to citizenship by investment – you can gain citizenship in a number of ways.
Each country has its own regulations relating to citizenship, but the most common pathways to citizenship in most countries are listed below.
- Birth
- Family Citizenship
- Naturalization
- Citizenship by Marriage
- Citizenship by Investment
What's the Difference Between Dual Citizenship & Second Citizenship?
It’s possible to have citizenship of multiple countries, if each respective country allows citizenship of another country.
Citizenships can be either dual or secondary citizenships – it’s worth understanding the differences.
What’s Dual Citizenship?
Dual citizenship allows you to live in any of your countries of citizenship, but you can only be made to pay taxes and serve in the military in one of the countries. Dual citizenship is only possible if your countries of citizenship have an official agreement allowing dual citizenship.
What’s Second Citizenship?
Second citizenship is a form of citizenship where the government of each country assumes that you're a citizen of only that country. In other words, your tax or social obligations to another country of citizenship won't be considered by whichever country you're living in.
What Are the Benefits of Dual Citizenship?
Dual citizens – or bipatrides – are able to enjoy the advantages and privileges of each country in which they’re a citizen.
Security
Having dual citizenship means that you can easily choose to live and work in one country of citizenship if your other country of citizenship becomes unsafe or unstable.
Global Mobility
Having more than one passport significantly expands your global travel possibilities.
Business
Professionals and entrepreneurs with dual citizenship can pursue international business opportunities without the added legwork of acquiring work visas in their second (or third) country of citizenship.
Tax Optimization
With dual citizenship, you'll only be taxed in the country where you're earning a living.
Quality of Life
As a bipatride, you and your family have access to healthcare, education and social benefits in multiple countries.
Education
Having dual citizenship means you and your dependents will have your pick of education institutions in more than one country.
How Do I Get Dual Citizenship?
You can get dual citizenship through birth, naturalization, marriage or investment – as long as the countries in which you have the dual citizenship(s) have an official agreement allowing dual citizenship.
Birth
Certain countries will grant you citizenship if you can prove that your parents were born there.
Naturalization
Naturalization allows residents of a country to become citizens of that country, typically after they've lived and worked in that country for a stipulated number of years.
Marriage
One of the quickest ways to get citizenship in some countries is by marrying a citizen of that country.
Investment
Some countries offer a pathway to citizenship if you're able to invest in the country in some way.
Which Countries Recognize Dual Citizenship?
[table id=7 /]
** These countries allow dual citizenship under certain circumstances.
How Do I Apply for Dual Citizenship?
The process to apply for dual citizenship will vary slightly from country to country.
Depending on the country in which you’re applying for dual citizenship, the implications of holding that dual citizenship may also vary based on different factors and criteria.
It’s wise to get expert advice when considering applying for another citizenship.
What Are the Benefits of Second Citizenship?
The benefits of having second citizenship include having the freedom to live, work and travel in multiple countries. What an advantage!
Visa-Free Travel
Having second citizenship can open up visa-free (or visa-on-arrival) travel in a variety of countries.
Getting a US Visa Becomes Easier
Depending on the second citizenship you hold, it can ease your pathway to obtaining a US visa.
International Access to Education, Work & Healthcare
A second citizenship gives you and your dependents access to the opportunities and social support available to natives of that country.
Possible Tax Benefits
Depending on the country in which you hold your second citizenship, there could be ways to reduce your tax liabilities.
Professional Benefits
Business opportunities abound for professionals and entrepreneurs able to live and work freely in multiple countries.
Ability to Move to Another State
Certain countries are members of greater diplomatic regions, which allows their citizens to travel freely between and live in other member states of the region.
Which Countries Recognize Second Citizenship?
[table id=5 /]
** These countries allow second citizenship under certain circumstances.
Austria
As one of Europe's wealthiest and most picturesque countries, Austrian citizenship offers excellent quality of life and visa-free travel through Europe, the US and Switzerland. Under certain circumstances, it allows secondary citizenship.
Malta
As an ideally situated member of the EU, Malta offers a sought-after pathway to visa-free travel throughout the European Union. The Malta citizenship by investment program does, however, require that you complete a period of residency (or naturalization) in conjunction with the minimum required investment.
North Macedonia
With a rapidly booming economy and ideal location in South-Eastern Europe, North Macedonia grants immediate citizenship upon investment.
Türkiye
As the only country in the world to straddle two continents, Turkey offers its citizens access to both Europe and Asia. It's also one of the easer citizenship by investment programs to qualify for.
Antigua & Barbuda
Its white beaches and unique ecosystem make Antigua & Barbuda a dream destination. Investors can look forward to favourable tax practices and visa-free travel to multiple countries.
Dominica
Like many other Caribbean countries, Dominican citizenship enables visa-free travel to 144 countries and has one of the most favourable tax systems in the world.
Grenada
Situated just outside the Caribbean's so-called hurricane belt, Grenada's 50 beaches and incredible scenery attract visitors and investors globally. A Grenadian passport grants its holder access to China, Russia, Singapore, the UK, and the Schengen Area in Europe.
St. Kitts & Nevis
Known for its mountains and rain forest, St. Kitt's and Nevis is known for its friendly locals. Benefits of St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship include a favourable taxation system and a passport that grants its holder entry to a broad selection of countries.
St. Lucia
Situated in the eastern part of the Caribbean, Saint Lucia is a stunningly beautiful island nation. It offers one of the most affordable citizenship by investment programs, and its passport enables free passage to a broad range fo countries.
Jordan
The Kingdom of Jordan is known as an economic nexus in its region, and is one of the most beautiful countries in the Middle East, with a rich and fascinating history. A Jordanian passport gives its holder access to more than 50 countries.
Vanuatu
Vanuatu is a beautiful archipelago in the South Pacific. It offers a business environment and tax regime that are highly favorable to investors.
Austria
Residency in Austria allows visa-free travel to all countries in Europe's Schengen Area. 10 Years of Austrian residency make you eligible to apply for citizenship.
Cyprus
With a reasonably low cost of living and a comparatively high approval rate, the Cyprus residency by investment program is one of the most attractive in Europe.
Greece
Greece's golden visa program is widely thought of as one of the most affordable in Europe and gives its visa holders unfettered access to Europe's entire Schengen Area.
Italy
Italy's an incredible country with a competitive economy. Italian residency facilitates visa-free travel to the entire Schengen Area.
Jersey
Ideally located between France and Britain, Jersey is a beautiful place to settle and offers its residents a highly attractive tax regime.
Latvia
As a Schengen state, Latvia affords its residents visa-free travel throughout the Schengen area.
Luxembourg
As one of the wealthiest states in the world, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is an incredible place to settle and promises visa-free travel within the EU and Schengen Area.
Malta
Malta offers one of the most popular residence by investment programs in the EU. The Maltese due diligence process for its residency applicants is one of the most rigorous globally, as it facilitates freedom of movement throughout the EU.
Monaco
Situated idyllically on the Mediterranean Sea, the tiny country of Monaco offers an exceptional living standard and attractive tax structures.
Portugal
Portugal enjoys a wonderful reputation for its standard of living and natural beauty. As a member of the EU, its residents enjoy visa-free access to the Schengen Area.
Spain
A member of the EU, Spain is one of the most culturally rich countries in Europe. Its golden visa allows unfettered travel throughout the EU's Schengen Area.
Switzerland
Known as one of the most stable and pleasant countries to live in, Switzerland offers its residents an exceptional quality of life and an attractive avenue to a wide array of business opportunities.
United Kingdom
Geopolitically, the UK is one of the most effective countries to settle and do business in, offering its residents access to exceptional education and business opportunities.
Canada
High living standards, a low crime rate and an excellent business environment - Canada is one of the most popular countries to live in gobally.
Panama
Situated between Central and South America, Panama is clean, beautiful, and a global nexus point for banking, and trade.
United States
The USA draws a great many investors annually. With a business market offering tremendous opportunity, and some world-class educational institutions, the USA symbolizes tremendous potential to successful residents.
Australia
Australia is a modern country with an exceptional reputation. An amazing quality of life is just one of the reasons Australia attracts so many investors annually.
Hong Kong
A business capital with incredible infrastructure, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is an attractive destination for investors seeking a rich trade and finance environment.
Malaysia
Malaysia is a Commonwealth country and a member of the UN, APEC and ASEAN. Known for its incredible landscapes and scenery, it also boasts a fast-growing economy.
New Zealand
Year after year, New Zealand is rated amongst the top 10 countries for protecting its investors and ease of doing business. It's also beautiful and extremely stable.
Singapore
With world-class infrastructure, Singapore is extremely well-governed and boasts an exceedingly low crime rate. It's also one o the wealthiest countries in the world.
Thailand
As a highly affordable destination noted for its beautiful scenery and ruins, Thailand attracts many investors annually with a highly favorable tax regime.
Jordan
Jordan is a politically stable and business-friendly country in the Middle East. The Kingdom of Jordan's strategic location provides favorable access to regional markets and an excellent environment for family life.
Mauritius
Mauritius attracts significant foreign investment every year. With a consistently growing economy, it's a business-friendly country offering a high standard of living to its residents.
Namibia
Namibia is located in the south-west of Africa, with its closest neighbours including South Africa and Botswana. With dramatic and unique natural landscapes and wildlife, Namibia offers fantastic quality of life and unrivalled beauty.
United Arab Emirates
The UAE is a modern and exceedingly business-friendly state, with Dubai being one of the safest places to live.
How Do I Apply for Second Citizenship?
Applying for a second citizenship will vary slightly from country to country.
To reap the most benefit out of having multiple passports, speak to one of our expert advisors before applying.
What's Citizenship by Investment?
Citizenship by investment can be one of the easiest ways to obtain citizenship in another country.
Citizenship by investment is a pathway to obtaining a new citizenship by making a capital contribution, for example real estate investment, in a country.
If you’re able to invest in a country that allows citizenship through investment, it can fast-track your application progress to obtaining a new or additional nationality.
Depending on your budget, you may want to look for the Cheapest Citizenship By Investment options to reduce the costs.
How Can I Get Citizenship by Investment?
There are a number of ways to invest in a country – some more direct than others.
- Investing in or Establishing a Business
- Purchasing Property
Common Questions About Citizenship
Yes, some countries allow triple citizenship.
Processing of a dual citizenship application can vary in duration.
It depends on a number of factors, including the country in which you’re applying.
No, you won’t need a visa to travel within the country or region in which your second citizenship is held.
You can get citizenship through descent, naturalization, marriage, or investment.
People invest in a second citizenship mainly to access the benefits associated with the additional nationality.
The history of multiple citizenships began in the late 1800’s.
Although multiple citizenships were often a contentious issue, by the late 1900’s, they largely began to be accepted again.
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