Dual nationality, also known as dual citizenship, refers to the status of a person who is a citizen of two or more countries at the same time. Each country has its own laws and regulations regarding dual nationality, so investors must double check whether their home country allows it.
Investors, in particular, benefit from having multiple citizenships as it enables them to expand their global investment portfolio, protect their assets, and provide their children with access to top-tier education, healthcare, and employment opportunities in leading nations around the world. In this blog post, we will explore the countries that allow dual nationality, the benefits, and the easiest way to obtain a second nationality.
Which Countries Allow Dual Nationality?
Approximately sixty-four (64) countries worldwide currently permit dual citizenship, such as the US, UK, Caribbean States, Malta, Turkey, Portugal, Spain, and Greece. These countries are primarily located in Europe, North America, and Latin America, but it should be noted that some nations in Africa and Asia also allow their citizens to hold dual passports.
Caribbean States
Many Caribbean countries, including Saint Lucia, Grenada, Saint Kitts & Nevis allow dual citizenship without renouncing the current citizenship. These countries have established citizenship by investment programs to encourage foreign investments, talent retention, and cultural ties with diaspora communities.
European Union
Most countries in the European Union allow dual nationality. Malta, Greece, Cyprus, and Portugal for example, all allow their citizens to hold a citizenship in another country without losing their European nationality. However, dual nationality is prohibited in some EU countries.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom allows dual nationality, but there are some restrictions. For example, British citizens who acquire a second nationality may be required to renounce their British citizenship if the other country does not recognize dual nationality. Additionally, some British citizens may be subject to certain restrictions when traveling to certain countries if they hold dual passports.
United States
The United States is one of the most notable countries that allows dual nationality. Under U.S. law, American citizens are allowed to hold citizenship in another country without losing their American citizenship. However, it is important to note that the U.S. government does not recognize dual nationality as an official status and does not provide any special documentation for it.
Canada
Canada also allows dual nationality. Canadian citizens are allowed to hold citizenship in other countries without losing their Canadian citizenship. However, they may be required to inform the Canadian government of their dual nationality status and may be subject to certain restrictions when traveling to certain countries.
Latin America
Other countries that allow dual nationality include Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, and Chile in Latin America.
Africa
In Africa, Egypt, Senegal, Cape Verde, and Mozambique allow their citizens to obtain dual citizenship.
Asia
In Asia, Philippines, Japan, Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, and Thailand allow dual nationality.
It is important to note that each country’s laws and regulations regarding dual nationality can change and it is always a good idea to check with the specific country’s consulate or embassy for the most up-to-date information.
Full List of Countries that Allow Dual Citizenship
Below is the full list of countries that allow their citizens to obtain dual nationality:
- Albania
- Algeria
- American Samoa
- Angola
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Austria
- Australia
- Barbados
- Belgium
- Belize
- Benin
- Bolivia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Botswana
- British Virgin Islands
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cambodia
- Canada
- Cape Verde
- Central African Republic
- Chile
- Colombia
- Comoro Islands
- Congo Republic
- Costa Rica
- Ivory Coast
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Djibouti
- East Timor
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- El Salvador
- Equatorial Guinea
- Fiji
- Finland
- France
- The Gambia
- Germany
- Ghana
- Greece
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guinea-Bissau
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Iraq
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Jamaica
- Jordan
- Kenya
- South Korea
- Kosovo
- Kyrgyzstan
- Latvia
- Lebanon
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macau
- Macedonia
- Mali
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Morocco
- Namibia
- Nauru
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- Samoa
- Scotland
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Slovenia
- South Africa
- Spain
- Sri Lanka
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- St. Lucia
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Sudan
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Syria
- Taiwan (Chinese Taipei)
- Tajikistan
- Thailand
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- Uganda
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
- Uruguay
- Vatican City
- Vietnam
- British Virgin Islands
- Venezuela
- Yemen
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Benefits of Having Dual Nationality
With dual citizenship, investors can choose better living conditions for them and their families, receive social benefits, advanced healthcare systems, business and professional development, as well as have ample travel opportunities.
Freedom to Travel Visa-Free
Those who obtained dual citizenship have the advantage of carrying two passports, which allows them to travel to more places easily and without the need to apply ahead of time for a valid travel visa. For example, investors that have a Saint Lucia passport can travel visa-free to more than 147 countries including the United Kingdom, Schengen State, Europe, Hong Kong and Singapore.
Freedom to Work
Dual citizens now have more business opportunities because they can do business in the host country and travel freely abroad. For instance, people that obtain a Malta citizenship have the opportunity to work freely in Malta or any of the Schengen countries.
Tax Relief
Dual citizenship can be advantageous and an important part of the investor’s plan to reduce global tax. Caribbean Citizenship by Investment programs are considered a perfect solution for tax optimization, enabling investors to manage their wealth more efficiently and effectively. For example, with the St Kitts & Nevis citizenship – a small state consisting of two volcanic islands – there is no tax on capital gains, inheritance and gifts.
High Quality Education & Healthcare
Global citizens have access to the best schools and universities in the country of their choice with discounted fees on international tuition and have the ability to apply for scholarships. In addition, they will be able to access world-class healthcare facilities around the world. With a Saint Lucia passport, the holder has access to healthcare and education entities in the UK and other Commonwealth Nations.
What Can Bluemina Do?
High-net-worth individuals, investors, and wealthy families can become global citizens with the help of Bluemina Citizenship & Residency. Our team specializes in leading citizenship and permanent residency by investment programs, providing a customized service experience that is supported and sustained by long-term relationships with multiple governments around the world.
Contact us now to get a free consultation today.
