Some people have citizenship in two different countries. This means they have the same rights and responsibilities in both countries. However, not all countries allow dual citizenship with the US. If you want to be a citizen of two countries, you need to understand the process and rules.8 min read
Many people would consider becoming citizens of another country besides their birth country. Becoming a citizen of two states means simultaneously means you share the rights and responsibilities of citizens in the individual countries. Nonetheless, not all countries permit dual citizenship with the United States. If you are considering dual citizenship, understand the application process and requirements.
What is Dual Citizenship?
Also called dual nationality, dual citizenship refers to being a citizen of more than one country simultaneously. You will be legally recognized in two or more countries simultaneously if you are a dual national. Even so, there is no definitive definition of the term dual citizenship because it's interpreted differently in different countries.
What Are the Benefits of Dual Citizenship?
People apply for dual citizenship for various reasons. The benefits of having dual nationality include:
Visa-Free Travel and Work
A leading reason people apply for dual citizenship is to get a so-called "stronger passport" that permits them to travel visa-free to more countries. For instance, having an American passport in 2023 can enable you to travel visa-free to 185 countries and territories.
Unlike a foreign national, a dual national does not require a visa or permit to visit the countries where they hold citizenship. They can stay for as long as they wish and have a right to work and do business in the two nations. The same cannot be said of those with foreign citizenship. Such individuals must undergo the lengthy visa and work permit application process as required by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services department.
Access to Social Services
Having dual citizenship means you can access social services and other benefits and privileges each country offers to its citizens. For instance, if healthcare is free in one of the countries you're a citizen of, you can travel there for medical treatment.
Applicants can access affordable schooling and other perks just like domestic students, even if they are not permanent residents. With dual nationality, you can choose the country you want to live in and enjoy the best quality of life. You won't have to worry about your residency status in the foreign state.
Family Sponsorship
You may be able to sponsor family members to apply for dual citizenship. After acquiring American citizenship, for instance, you can sponsor your spouse to apply for a Green card through marriage. Your child automatically becomes a US citizen even if they were born in a foreign country.
Having Two Passports
Besides the freedom to travel more easily, being a dual national means you can carry passports issued by both countries. Suppose you have Mexican nationality and acquire American citizenship after marrying a US citizen. It will be easier to travel back and forth between the two countries without applying for a visa or getting questioned about the purpose of your trips. The same cannot be said of someone who only has Salvadoran citizenship. The two passports guarantee the right of entry to both countries, which can be beneficial if you need to travel frequently.
Property Ownership
Some countries restrict property ownership to citizens. Thus, it's impossible for those born in a foreign country to invest without going through legal hurdles. Dual citizenship enables you to purchase and own property in both countries. You will skirt laws that typically bar non-nationals from buying or owning property. Property ownership is an excellent option if you shuttle between the two countries frequently and want to settle in both. Dual citizenship makes it easier to own property in both countries.
Personal Wellbeing
Perhaps you are tired of the hustle and bustle in your country of origin and want to move to a quieter place. Second citizenship will be a convenient getaway to the life you desire, far removed from the lifestyle you're used to. It enables you to turn your dream destination into your home without renouncing the citizenship of your home country.
How to Get Dual Citizenship in the United States
There are several ways to acquire dual nationality in the United States and the corresponding citizenship documents. These include:
Birth
Arguably, this is the easiest way to become a dual citizen. The United States allows non-resident individuals to apply for dual nationality if their parents were born in the US. So, if you are already a citizen of another country, yet your parents were born in the United States, you can apply for US citizenship.
Marriage
The United States is among the countries that grant fast-track citizenship to anyone married to a US citizen. In this case, you'll first get permanent residency status, which speeds up the citizenship application process. After acquiring US citizenship via marriage, you can still retain your birth country's citizenship, which means you'll be a dual national. A marriage visa lawyer can advise you on your options when applying for dual US citizenship via marriage.
Naturalization
Individuals who have moved to the United States via a Green card can apply for citizenship via naturalization. However, they must first establish whether their country of origin recognizes dual citizenship and the rules surrounding it.
The waiting period for citizenship through the naturalization process is three to five years after obtaining a Green card. Thereafter, an applicant must fill out and submit Form N-400 or the Application for Naturalization form. If they meet the dual citizenship rules and requirements, they'll receive US citizenship, making them dual nationals.
Does the United States Allow Dual Citizenship?
The United States allows dual citizenship. However, the applicant's country of origin must allow dual citizenship. If that doesn't happen, and you still want to become a US citizen, you must cede your country of origin's citizenship. The United States permits its nationals to acquire dual nationality, just like it allows citizens of other countries to gain American citizenship.
If you're a naturalized citizen, you won't have to give up your country of origin's citizenship. According to the US Supreme Court, people can hold and exercise the rights of nationality in more than one country. Nonetheless, some countries don't recognize their citizens' status as naturalized US citizens. For instance, New Zealand, Italy, and Canada recognize dual nationality, while China doesn't.
If you come from a country that doesn't recognize dual nationality, you will lose your citizenship status automatically when you become a naturalized American. Therefore, check your country of origin's citizenship laws when looking to become a dual US citizen.
When Should I Apply for Dual Citizenship?
Becoming a dual citizen of the United States and another country means you can live and work in either country and share similar rights as both countries' citizens. Unlike most immigration visas, which typically get availed at specific times of the year, you can apply for US citizenship through marriage or naturalization. You only need to meet the eligibility requirements to become a naturalized American. Generally, you can apply for dual citizenship in the United States three to five years after receiving a Green card.
Obligations of Dual Citizens in the United States
Being a dual citizen of the United States and another country accords you the same rights and privileges as American-born citizens. Nonetheless, you must follow certain obligations. For starters, dual nationals must owe allegiance to the US and their country of origin. They need to observe both countries' laws, and either can enforce its laws as it deems fit.
You must register with the citizen and immigration services department if you travel or decide to live in another country after obtaining US citizenship. It's also obligatory to have your American passport with you whenever you travel outside the country.
Dual citizens, either by naturalization or birth, must speak basic English and pay federal income and other taxes even if they earn an income outside the US. Another obligation is that they must report previous encounters with law enforcement agencies. They must also defend the country when called upon, and perform jury service or a similar nationality act when required.
Once you become a dual US citizen, you must always use your American passport to enter and leave the United States. Also, you may be required by the other country whose citizenship you hold to enter and leave its territory using its passport. Using a passport issued by a foreign state to travel to and from other countries other than the US is inconsistent with American law.
You must meet these obligations even if you live outside the US. Remember that being a dual US national means you have twice as many obligations as an individual with only one nationality. For instance, you'll need to pay taxes in both countries even if you don't actively reside in both. Likewise, you may undergo mandatory military service if your country of origin requires so.
Because dual nationals pay allegiance to both countries, other countries' claims upon dual nationals of the US can place them in difficult situations. That's particularly the case when the obligations to one country conflict with the other's laws. Furthermore, dual nationality can hamper the United States government's efforts to provide consular protection when they're abroad, more so in the country of their second nationality.
Rights Of Dual Citizens in The United States
Being a US citizen means you hold the rights of an American-born citizen. These include:
Right to Work Anywhere
After obtaining dual US citizenship through marriage, you can live and work anywhere in the United States without requiring a multi-entry permanent visa. Nonetheless, you may get overlooked for some federal jobs, especially those that require security clearances.
Unrestricted Travel
With United States citizenship, you can travel abroad for as long as possible without losing your citizenship status. Unlike when you get Green cards, you won't need to apply for a re-entry permit if you intend to live outside the US for more than a year.
You Can Vote
Dual US citizens can vote in both countries. So, if you hold American and Canadian citizenship, you can vote in all US elections. Only US citizens, and not those with permanent residence can vote in federal elections. You can also vie for public office as a dual national.
Right to Education
Access to higher-quality education is a factor in why many people seek to become dual US citizens. It enables them to attend school in the US without requiring a student visa or paying the high tuition fees international students get charged. They can qualify for tuition assistance and similar programs that are only available to those with US citizenship.
For more information, contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the US allow dual citizenship?
Yes, the US allows its citizens to have citizenship of other countries simultaneously. Citizens of other countries can apply for US citizenship if they qualify through birth or naturalization. It's best to remember that certain obligations come with being a dual citizen of the US, including double taxation even if you don't reside in the country. An attorney at an immigration law firm can explain your obligations when you mention dual nationality.
Why is dual citizenship bad?
The major drawbacks of dual nationality are the potential of double taxation and getting bound by the laws of the two countries. Furthermore, becoming a dual US citizen can be a long and expensive process, especially if you don't have an immigration lawyer to guide you. Your application can also get denied if you don't follow the requirements outlined in the country's immigration law.
Does being a dual citizen give you access to more job opportunities?
Yes, as a dual American citizen, you can live and work in both the United States and the second country without requiring employment visas and work permits. It opens you up to a wider pool of jobs. Having dual citizenship opens up more opportunities than what would be available if you only had your birth country's citizenship.
What kind of people have dual citizenship?
Naturalized foreign nationals who want to live, study, work, or do business in their host country prefer dual nationality. An overseas citizen whose parents were born in another country may also prefer dual nationality.
FAQs
Unlike a foreign national, a dual national does not require a visa or permit to visit the countries where they hold citizenship. They can stay for as long as they wish and have a right to work and do business in the two nations. The same cannot be said of those with foreign citizenship.
What do I need to know before applying for dual citizenship? ›
As far as the U.S. is concerned, there is no “dual citizenship” status. To become a dual citizen of the U.S. or another country, all you need to do is obtain a second citizenship. There is no specific application or form in the U.S. for dual citizens, you simply need to file for naturalization.
What are the rules for dual citizenship? ›
Dual citizenship if you are a citizen of another country
If you qualify for dual citizenship, you must first immigrate to the U.S. Then you must become a permanent U.S. resident before being eligible for U.S. citizenship. Learn more about immigrating to the U.S. And find out how to become a permanent resident.
Is it wise to have dual citizenship? ›
While dual citizenship gives its holder more freedom in terms of taxes and other obligations, the majority of the benefits of the two statuses overlap. Travel opportunities. A dual citizen can use either of their passports to travel to their desired destination with simplified or no visa requirements.
What benefits do you lose with dual citizenship? ›
Dual citizens can travel freely in both countries, as well as work, do business, own land, and do other activities that may be restricted to foreigners; however, there are also disadvantages, as dual citizens may face extra taxes or even military service.
Can you avoid taxes with dual citizenship? ›
As it turns out, as long as you are a citizen or resident alien of the United States, you must file U.S. taxes if you meet the filing thresholds. This applies even if you have dual citizenship and pay taxes to another country or don't currently live in the States.
Can you collect Social Security with dual citizenship? ›
The United States generally considers a person with dual U.S. and foreign citizenship a U.S. citizen for Social Security purposes. This does not apply if you are a U.S. citizen and a citizen of a country the United States has an international social security agreement with. This excludes Canada and Italy.
Does dual citizenship expire? ›
Therefore, if there are any modifications in the laws, the citizens get enough time to take the required action to remain the citizens of the country. Hence, dual citizenship never expires.
What is the easiest dual citizenship? ›
Different countries have different rules, but the easiest countries to get dual citizenship are states like Turkey, Vanuatu, Grenada, and Dominica.
Will I lose my U.S. citizenship if I apply for dual citizenship? ›
A U.S. citizen may naturalize in a foreign state without any risk to his or her U.S. citizenship. However, persons who acquire a foreign nationality after age 18 by applying for it may relinquish their U.S. nationality if they wish to do so.
You will need to pay a total of $725 for these two services – $640 for the N-400 form and $85 for the biometric services fee. The whole payment can be made at once through different means, which include money order, cashier's check, or personal check.
Can I travel with 2 passports? ›
Can I have a second U.S. Passport? A little-known fact is that Americans are eligible to hold two U.S. passports at the same time, which can be particularly helpful for travelers who frequently travel to places that require visas. "As I work on trying to visit every country, I have to apply for a lot of visas.
What is the strongest passport in the world? ›
Japan (193 countries) If you're looking for a country with great travel options, then you can't go wrong with Japan. The Japanese passport is ranked as the most powerful in the world, allow visa-free access to 193 countries.
What is the difference between dual citizenship and second citizenship? ›
The main difference between dual and second citizenship is the presence or absence of a special agreement between countries. It also defines the rights and obligations of the holder of two passports.
Can you reverse dual citizenship? ›
Renouncing Your Citizenship
Renunciation of citizenship generally requires a trip to the country's embassy or consulate in the United States and the signing of paperwork that explicitly indicates your desire to renounce.
How many dual citizenship can you have in the US? ›
Certain countries have always had a favored position for dual citizenship. Most notably, US citizens have no restrictions on obtaining multiple citizenship unless the citizenship can cause significant harm to the country.
Why do I need two passports? ›
If you are a citizen of more than one country at a time, you will need a passport for both countries. Dual citizenship is legal in the United States, but it's not legal in every country. So, you would have to check with your other country to make sure that you would need two passports.
Do dual citizens have to report foreign bank accounts? ›
Dual citizens, along with all other "United States persons", must file a Report of Foreign Bank Accounts, also known as an FBAR, if the aggregate value of their foreign financial accounts exceeds $10,000 at any time during the year.
Why does Bank of America ask about dual citizenship? ›
Under a separate law, foreign banks must collect citizenship information from Americans, ostensibly in order to track down potential tax-dodgers. But domestically, they are not required to collect customer citizenship information. In fact, Social Security numbers aren't even required to open an account.
Do U.S. citizens pay taxes in both countries? ›
Do I still need to file a U.S. tax return? Yes, if you are a U.S. citizen or a resident alien living outside the United States, your worldwide income is subject to U.S. income tax, regardless of where you live.
To acquire the full amount, you need to maximize your working life and begin collecting your check until age 70. Another way to maximize your check is by asking for a raise every two or three years. Moving companies throughout your career is another way to prove your worth, and generate more money.
What is the Social Security 5 year rule? ›
The Social Security disability five-year rule allows people to skip a required waiting period for receiving disability benefits if they had previously received disability benefits, stopped collecting those benefits and then became unable to work again within five years.
How long can you live outside the U.S. without losing Social Security? ›
If you leave the U.S., we will stop your benefits the month after the sixth calendar month in a row that you are outside the country. You can make visits to the United States for specific periods of time, depending on how long you've been outside, to continue receiving your benefits.
Can a US citizen enter the US without a passport by land? ›
The American Citizen Services Section wants to remind all U.S. citizens not to travel outside the United States without a valid U.S. passport. While dual citizens may be able to travel abroad with alternative documentation, all U.S. citizens are required to present a U.S. passport to re-enter the United States.
Where is the best place for Americans to get dual citizenship? ›
American dual citizenship is possible in certain countries such as Portugal, Spain, Malta, Cyprus, Belgium, Denmark, Australia, the UK, and Dominica. The list may be subject to change depending on the changes in policy. Among them, Portugal and Spain offer Golden Visa programs.
Where is the hardest to get citizenship? ›
17 Hardest Countries To Get Citizenship [Updated May 2023]
- Qatar.
- Vatican City.
- Liechtenstein.
- Bhutan.
- Saudi Arabia.
- Kuwait.
- Switzerland.
- China.
What are Golden Visas? Golden Visas are immigration by investment schemes that a select few countries provide, allowing qualifying investors and their family members to obtain residency status, and sometimes even citizenship, provided they make a qualifying financial contribution to the economy.
What are 3 ways to lose citizenship? ›
You may lose your U.S. citizenship in specific cases, including if you:
- Run for public office in a foreign country (under certain conditions)
- Enter military service in a foreign country (under certain conditions)
- Apply for citizenship in a foreign country with the intention of giving up U.S. citizenship.
Paraguay Citizenship
Paraguay offers the cheapest option for citizenship. With a $5,000 bank deposit and a few years living in the country, Paraguayan citizenship can be yours. During your three-year residency period, you only need to be in the country for more than 183 days per year to become a citizen.
Does dual citizenship mean more than 2? ›
Multiple/dual citizenship (or multiple/dual nationality) is a person's legal status in which the person is at the one time recognised by more than one country under its nationality and citizenship law as a national or citizen of that country.
Applying for dual citizenship in the U.S. is a lengthy process. Although filling in the application forms is fast, the processing can take up to 1.6 years, depending on which USCIS field office is handling your application.
What is my nationality if I was born in USA? ›
General Requirements for Acquisition of Citizenship at Birth. A person born in the United States who is subject to the jurisdiction of the United States is a U.S. citizen at birth, to include a child born to a member of an Indian, Eskimo, Aleutian, or other aboriginal tribe.
What is my nationality if I am a naturalized citizen? ›
In the United States, people born in the country are citizens. The 14th Amendment, ratified on July 9, 1868, states, “All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.”
What countries do not accept US passport? ›
What countries do not accept U.S. passport? The only destination where it is forbidden for US citizens to travel to is North Korea, due to its closed border status for both US citizens and citizens of other countries.
Is US passport powerful? ›
7 on the list, last year's Global Citizen Solutions Global Passport Index named the U.S. passport the world's most powerful based on its ranking of investment, quality of life and enhanced mobility indices in 2022.
What are the weakest passports? ›
Here are the worst passports in the world ranked by Nomad Capitalist.
- Libya. Visa-free score: 51. ...
- North Korea. Visa-free score: 51. ...
- Nepal. Visa-free score: 54. ...
- Palestinian Territories. Visa-free score: 51. ...
- Somalia. Visa-free score: 45. ...
- Yemen. Visa-free score: 45. ...
- Pakistan. Visa-free score: 45. ...
- Syria. Visa-free score: 40.
The U.S. Government recognizes that dual nationality exists but does not encourage it as a matter of policy because of the problems it may cause. Claims of other countries on dual national U.S. citizens may conflict with U.S. law, and dual nationality may limit U.S. Government efforts to assist citizens abroad.
Is US banning dual citizenship? ›
Yes, the United States allows dual citizenship. If you are a naturalized citizen, you don't have to give up citizenship from your country of origin. U.S. immigration law does not prohibit dual nationality.
Can a dual citizen lose their citizenship? ›
A U.S. citizen may naturalize in a foreign state without any risk to his or her U.S. citizenship. However, persons who acquire a foreign nationality after age 18 by applying for it may relinquish their U.S. nationality if they wish to do so.
Do dual citizens pay taxes in both countries? ›
Yes, if you are a citizen or resident alien of the United States, you have a U.S. tax obligation, even if you're a dual citizen of the U.S. and Canada. The U.S. is one of two countries in the world that taxes based on citizenship, not place of residency.
Does the United States allow dual citizenship? Yes, the U.S. allows dual citizenship by default. The government does not require naturalized U.S. citizens to give up their citizenship in their country of origin.
What country does the U.S. not allow dual citizenship? ›
Yes, some countries don't allow dual citizenship with America. Among them are China, United Arab Emirates, India, Austria, Japan, and some others. If you want to obtain citizenship of these countries, you need to renounce your American passport.
Can a dual U.S. citizen be deported? ›
Introduction. Immigration law is rarely cut-and-dry, but in this case the answer is clear. A US citizen—whether he or she is born in the United States or becomes a naturalized citizen—cannot be deported.
Can someone with dual citizenship run for president? ›
Under the presidential quali- fication clause of the Constitution, only "natural-born" citizens are qualified for this highest office.
How long can a U.S. citizen live outside the country? ›
Absences of more than 365 consecutive days
You must apply for a re-entry permit (Form I-131) before you leave the United States, or your permanent residence status will be considered abandoned. A re-entry permit enables you to be abroad for up to two years. Apply for a re-entry permit.
Can a U.S. citizen stay out of the country for more than 6 months? ›
If you plan to stay outside of the United States for more than one year but less than two years, you will need a re-entry permit for readmission. You must be physically present in the United States when you file the Form I-131 to apply for the permit.
Is it worth renouncing U.S. citizenship? ›
The most significant benefit of renouncing your US citizenship is to free yourself from the stress that can accompany US tax time. You'll no longer have to pay taxes on your worldwide income, and you can say goodbye to fears of double taxation.
