Countries That Allow Dual Citizenship
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Table of Contents
Which countries allow people to be citizens of more than one country?
A growing number of countries recognize dual citizenship, allowing individuals to legally hold two nationalities at once. If you qualify, you can maintain rights in both countries—such as voting, owning property, or accessing government services.
Some countries that accept dual citizenship include:
- United States
- Canada
- Australia
- United Kingdom
- Italy
- France
- Ireland
- Sweden
- Portugal
- Switzerland
Dual nationality may depend on how you acquired it—through birth, descent, naturalization, or marriage. It’s always best to confirm the current laws before starting the process, as policies can change.
What does it mean to hold dual citizenship?
Dual citizenship means you’re legally recognized as a citizen by two different governments. Each country grants you certain benefits—like the ability to live and work there—but it also means you must follow the legal requirements of both.
For example, you may need to pay taxes, renew passports, or report foreign income depending on where you live and which passports you hold.
What are some common ways to become a dual citizen?
Eligibility for dual citizenship varies depending on your circumstances and the laws of the countries involved. Here are the most common paths:
- By birth or descent – You may inherit citizenship automatically from one or both parents, or sometimes grandparents.
- By naturalization – After living in a country for several years, you may be able to apply for citizenship based on residency and integration.
- By marriage – Some countries allow foreign spouses to apply for citizenship after a shorter residency period.
- By investment – A small number of countries offer citizenship in exchange for significant financial investments.
- By special programs – In rare cases, some countries offer nationality to people with ancestral ties or those contributing to national interests.
Requirements may include background checks, language tests, and proof of long-term residency.
What are the main pros and cons of being a dual citizen?
Pros:
- Travel flexibility – You may have visa-free access to more countries.
- Business and work options – You can live and work legally in both countries.
- Access to services – Depending on the country, you could use public healthcare or education systems.
- Family and cultural ties – Holding citizenship in your family’s country of origin can help preserve identity and connection.
Cons:
- Tax reporting – Some countries, including the US, require tax filings regardless of where you live.
- Legal conflicts – You must follow the laws of both countries, which can sometimes conflict.
- Military or civic duties – Certain countries may require mandatory service or restrict dual citizens from certain roles.
Which countries generally do not allow dual citizenship?
Not all governments permit individuals to keep a second nationality. In some places, becoming a citizen of another country means automatically giving up your original one.
Countries that usually restrict dual citizenship include:
- China
- India
- Japan
- Singapore
- Saudi Arabia
- Indonesia
- UAE
- Austria
- Netherlands
- Ukraine
However, even in these countries, there may be exceptions in special cases—such as children born abroad or those granted citizenship through marriage or special agreements.
Unsure if you have US tax responsibilities while living overseas? Let a tax specialist help you understand.
Does the US permit its citizens to hold another nationality?
Yes, the United States allows dual citizenship. If you become a citizen of another country, you do not automatically lose your US citizenship.
However, there are still obligations to keep in mind:
- US tax compliance – You must file US tax returns annually, even if you live overseas. There may also be reporting requirements for foreign accounts and assets.
- Use of passports – When entering or leaving the US, you are required to use your US passport, even if you have another one.
- Other legal responsibilities – You must comply with US laws, including financial disclosure rules that apply to US citizens living abroad.
If you’re planning to take on another nationality, it’s a good idea to speak with a tax advisor or immigration attorney to understand how it may affect your obligations.
How do citizenship-by-investment programs work?
Citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programs allow individuals to acquire a second nationality by contributing financially to a country’s economy. In most cases, the process is legal, government-approved, and designed to attract foreign capital.
Each country defines its own set of qualifying investments. Common options include:
- Purchasing government-approved real estate
- Donating to national development or economic funds
- Investing in state bonds or securities
- Starting or investing in a local business that creates jobs
The exact requirements depend on the country, and most programs include background checks, application fees, and a minimum holding period for certain investments.
Which countries offer citizenship through financial investment?
Several countries actively run CBI programs, each with different investment thresholds and timelines. Some examples:
- St. Kitts and Nevis – Offers a passport in exchange for a donation of US$150,000 or a US$200,000 real estate investment
- Vanuatu – Grants citizenship with a donation of approximately US$130,000
- Malta – Requires a combination of donation, real estate, and residency steps before citizenship is granted
- Portugal – Through the Golden Visa program, investors can qualify for permanent residency and eventually citizenship after five years
Many of these countries allow applicants to include family members in their applications and may not require physical residency during the process.
What tax responsibilities remain if you’re a US citizen with second citizenship?
Gaining a second passport doesn’t reduce your tax obligations as a US citizen. The US tax system is based on citizenship, not residency, so you’re still required to:
- File annual tax returns with the IRS
- Report your worldwide income
- Disclose foreign bank accounts and financial assets (when thresholds apply)
These rules apply even if you live full-time outside the US or earn income exclusively abroad.
Will you be taxed twice if both countries tax your income?
Double taxation can happen, but the US provides mechanisms to reduce or avoid it:
- Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) – Offsets US taxes with foreign income taxes you’ve already paid
- Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) – Lets qualifying expats exclude a portion of foreign wages (US$130,000 for tax year 2025) from US taxation
- Tax treaties – Agreements with other countries that clarify which country has taxing rights over specific types of income
What other IRS rules affect US citizens with foreign assets or second citizenships?
If you’re living abroad or investing overseas, you may also need to comply with:
- FBAR (Foreign Bank Account Report) – Required if your foreign accounts exceed US$10,000 in aggregate at any point during the year
- FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) – Financial institutions may report your accounts directly to the IRS
- Exit tax rules – If you decide to renounce your US citizenship, you may be subject to a final tax on your worldwide assets if you meet certain income or asset thresholds
- Green Card holders – Permanent residents who haven’t formally given up their status are also subject to US tax reporting
