It’s super easy now to just book a ticket to a faraway place and hop on the next flight out. But if you don’t have dual nationality in the country you’re going to, you’ll probably need a visa. If you’re lucky enough to have a passport from one of the highest-ranking nations on the Global Passport Index, you can travel the world without worry.
For others, however, having second citizenship is a point of pride, a product of marriage, or a calculated Plan B. In some cases, it means escaping a birth territory to become a foreign national elsewhere.
Getting second citizenship may feel like a daunting process, but it’s totally doable, and there are different ways to make it happen.
We’re going to talk about the perks of having a second passport, the downsides of second citizenship, and how you can become a citizen of another country. Keep reading and find out all about the pros and cons of second citizenship!
What is Second Citizenship?
Second citizenship, also referred to as dual nationality, is a lawful status that permits you to possess citizenship in two different countries simultaneously. This entitles you to the rights and benefits of both countries, including the freedom to live, work, and vote in either nation. However, it’s important to consider the various pros and cons before pursuing second citizenship.
It’s important to note that not all countries acknowledge or permit dual nationality. For instance, even though Singapore ranks highest for freedom of movement in the Global Passport Index, it does not allow its citizens to hold dual nationalities.
Japan takes a similar stance on dual citizenship and requires individuals to renounce their original citizenship when obtaining citizenship in another country.
Advantages of Second Citizenship
Multiple citizenships give you full political rights. You can vote and be involved in politics in both countries. You can also enter and live in the countries without any conditions. People with multiple citizenships can work, own property, and access social benefits in each country where they are citizens.
1. Expanded travel
It allows you to travel to more countries without needing a visa or you can get a visa on arrival. This means you can pass through customs and immigration faster in some cases. For example, if you’re a citizen of the United States and also hold a Grenada passport, you can go to New Zealand and Japan without a visa.
2. Business opportunities
Having dual citizenship can open up more business opportunities for you. It allows you to do business in different countries and choose the one that’s best for your financial goals. This might include things like a stable economy, lower taxes, and support from the government for starting new businesses.
3. Healthcare options
Having second citizenship means having access to two healthcare systems and being able to select the most advanced or specialized system that suits their needs. For example, a US citizen who holds second citizenship in Ireland can opt for Ireland’s free healthcare system instead of purchasing extensive medical coverage in the United States.
4. Higher education
Having second citizenship and a family with second citizenship can be super beneficial when it comes to getting a higher education. First off, being a citizen of two countries gives you more choices for universities and other advanced education options like apprenticeships and special programs.
Plus, if you study in a foreign country as a foreign national, you often have to pay higher tuition fees. But with second citizenship, you get the perk of paying the lowest tuition fees for education and being able to access national grants and funding programs.
5. Reducing taxes
Depending on the countries involved, having second citizenship can be pretty great for tax purposes. A lot of foreign investors who want a second citizenship pay close attention to the income tax laws of the country they’re considering.
Some places like the United Arab Emirates, Vanuatu, and St. Kitts and Nevis don’t have income taxes for citizens earning money outside the country. One popular way that expats reduce their income taxes is by becoming citizens of a tax-friendly country with no tax obligations and taking advantage of tax exemptions offered to citizens who live outside their original country.
6. Security and stability
Having citizenship in more than one country will help in accessing a wider range of resources, legal protections, and diplomatic support. This can help keep them safe and well in different situations.
You also get help and representation from both of their countries’ embassies. This means you can get support in emergencies, legal problems, or when facing unfair treatment in another country. Having this extra layer of security helps you feel more confident in uncertain situations.
Why is Second Citizenship Bad?
While the advantages of second citizenship are a charm overall, there are a few reasons why second citizenship is bad. These reasons might not apply to everybody, but these should still be considered if you want to be a citizen of two countries.
1. Tax Burden
When you weigh the benefits of having second citizenship, you also have to think about the risk of being taxed by both countries. Without a tax agreement between them, you could end up paying taxes to both, which can get pretty complicated.
2. Career Restrictions
You will often have more job options, but some government jobs might be off-limits. Plus, being a second citizen can sometimes limit your political activities in either country, as some places have rules about political involvement for those with second citizenship.
3. Military Obligation
Most countries that accept second citizenship don’t usually require you to do military service, but many still have mandatory national service when you come of age. If both of your countries require it, things can get tricky, especially if one country doesn’t allow serving in a foreign military.
4. Legal Complexity
Having second citizenship can be legally complicated, especially if your two countries have different rules about citizenship and other responsibilities. Sometimes, the laws of one country might clash with those of the other, leading to confusion or legal issues in areas like taxes, military service, and immigration.
5. Immigration Procedures
Moving permanently to one of your countries of citizenship can make the immigration process more complicated. This might mean you have to give up one of your citizenship. Also, some countries have rules about how dual citizens can enter or leave, like needing to use a specific passport.
6. Cultural Considerations and Government Assistance
Second citizenship can bring up questions about your cultural identity and where you feel most at home, which can be tough if your countries don’t get along. Plus, You might not get the same government assistance as single citizens, like certain social benefits or subsidies. Even if both countries allow second citizenship, diplomatic relations can make things more complicated.
How to Get Second Citizenship
1. Birthright Citizenship
Birthright citizenship can be determined in two ways: jus soli (based on place of birth) and jus sanguinis (based on blood relatives). If a child is born to a foreign citizen, they may acquire citizenship from both their birth country and their parent’s country.
2. Citizenship by Descent
Citizenship by descent, often linked with birthright citizenship, typically involves submitting a citizenship application after birth. This process requires proving your family ties to a country through your ancestry. Countries like Bulgaria, Finland, Poland, and Italy recognize ties through grandparents and great-grandparents.
3. Citizenship by Naturalization
Naturalization is the primary way for foreign nationals without familial ties to gain citizenship in another country. Eligibility usually involves living in the country for a set period and may include proving language proficiency and knowledge of the country’s history and customs.
4. Citizenship by Marriage
Marriage to a citizen can simplify the path to citizenship by bypassing many typical naturalization requirements such as length of residence, language proficiency, and other point-based criteria like paid taxes and employment.
5. Citizenship by Investment
Citizenship by investment (CBI) is a legal pathway that allows foreigners to acquire second citizenship by contributing to a country’s economy or image. This method has gained popularity among those seeking dual citizenship. It involves investing in real estate, government bonds, businesses, or other qualifying investments based on the country’s specific needs. Upon meeting the investment criteria and passing due diligence checks, applicants and their families can gain citizenship and a second passport, enjoying the rights and freedoms of dual citizenship.
How can Marlow Bray help You?
Planning to obtain second citizenship? Navigating the process can be challenging, but having access to experts who can provide tailored support is invaluable. A migration specialist and an immigration lawyer can assist you in several ways:
1. Minimize the number of visits to the designated country
2. Benefit from dedicated representation
3. Streamline the citizenship application process
4. Gain insights from seasoned professionals
Ready to take the next step toward second citizenship? Reach out to us by completing the contact form below.
