Dual nationality (2024)

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The right to dual nationality has been recognised without restriction in Switzerland since 1 January 1992. Under Swiss law, if you become a Swiss citizen, you no longer need to give up your previous citizenship. However, it is still possible that under the law in your country of origin, you automatically lose your citizenship of that country if you opt to acquire the citizenship of another country.

Most dual nationals no longer acquire their status as a consequence of naturalisation; since in almost all countries both men and women are entitled to pass on their citizenship to their children, children who have parents from different countries acquire at least two nationalities.

Swiss citizens who acquire another nationality when abroad do not have to give up their Swiss citizenship unless the other country requires them to do so.

The Swiss authorities are unable to provide any information on whether you will lose or keep your current nationality if you naturalise as a Swiss citizen. If you want information on this, you should contact the authorities of the country concerned. In Switzerland, you can contact the country’s diplomatic or consular representations.

Military service for dual nationals

Military service is normally performed in the country where the person concerned is living at the time of recruitment. People who have already performed military service for another country will not be called up in Switzerland.

  • Legal basis

Legal basis

Federal Act on Swiss Citizenship (Swiss Citizenship Act)
(SCA, CC 141.0, in force from 1.1.2018)

Verordnung über das Schweizer Bürgerrecht (Bürgerrechtsverordnung)
(BüV, SR 141.01, in Kraft ab 1.1.2018)
(Ordinance on the Swiss Citizenship. Available in German, French and Italian)

Handbook on citizenship for applications from 1.1.2018
in German
in French
in Italian

Botschaft des Bundesrats vom 4. März 2011 zur Totalrevision des Bundesgesetzes über das Schweizer Bürgerrecht
(Federal Council Dispatch of 4 March 2011 on the total revision of the Federal Act on Swiss Citizenship. This document is not available in English)

Erläuternder Bericht zur Totalrevision des Bundesgesetzes über das Schweizer Bürgerrecht
(Explanatory report on the complete revision of the Federal Act on Swiss Citizenship. This document is not available in English)

Last modification20.12.2020

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Dual nationality (2024)

FAQs

What is dual citizenship one word to answer? ›

The concept of dual citizenship says that a person is a permanent resident of two countries at the same time. Generally, people with dual citizenship hold valid passports from both countries. Many times, people become dual citizens by the laws of the country.

What are the arguments for dual citizenship? ›

Key Takeaways. Dual citizens enjoy certain benefits like living and working freely in two countries, owning property in both countries, and traveling between the countries with relative ease.

What is my dual nationality? ›

Dual nationality means a person is a national of two countries. They have legal rights and obligations in both countries. A person may hold more than two nationalities, and the same guidance generally applies.

What is my nationality if I have 2 citizenships? ›

Having dual citizenship, also known as dual nationality, means being a citizen of the United States and another country at the same time.

Is dual citizenship good or bad? ›

As a legal resident, an individual with dual citizenship holds the right to own property in either or both countries, a privilege generally denied to foreign nationals by most countries. This can be financially advantageous, particularly for those who travel frequently between the two countries.

What is an example of a dual citizenship? ›

For example, a child born in the US to Austrian parents automatically has dual citizenship with the US and Austria, even though Austria usually restricts or forbids dual citizenship. There are exceptions, such as the child of a foreign diplomat living in the US.

What are two disadvantages of dual citizenship? ›

While dual citizens might reduce taxes, they also face double taxation on foreign income or property, depending on national laws. Career restrictions. Some nations prevent dual citizens from government roles or positions like judges, ministers, or deputies. Military service.

Why doesn t america allow dual citizenship? ›

U.S. law does not mention dual nationality or require a person to choose one citizenship or another. Also, a person who is automatically granted another citizenship does not risk losing U.S. citizenship. However, a person who acquires a foreign citizenship by applying for it may lose U.S. citizenship.

Why does the US not allow dual citizenship? ›

Claims of other countries upon U.S. dual-nationals may result in conflicting obligations under the laws of each country. U.S. dual nationals may also face restrictions in the U.S. consular protections available to U.S. nationals abroad, particularly in the country of their other nationality.

Do dual citizens have two passports? ›

A dual nationality (or citizenship) is a legal status that means you're a citizen of two different countries at the same time. In America, it means that you're both a U.S. citizen and a citizen of another country, and you hold passports for both nations. Having dual citizenship can be a great advantage.

Can you exit a country on one passport and enter on another? ›

Is it possible to leave a country on one passport and present a different passport at the destination country? Absolutely and for dual (multi) nationals generally required! Most countries require their citizens enter and exit using their passport from that country.

Will I lose my U.S. citizenship if I become a citizen of another country? ›

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.

How long can a U.S. citizen stay out of the country? ›

US citizens can live outside the country for as long as they wish — even for the rest of their lives — without a problem. A US citizen cannot be prevented from re-entering the US. You can stay out of the USA for as long as you'd like. You can renew passport as needed at the local US embassy or consulate.

Is it illegal to travel with two passports? ›

Under the above circ*mstances, it is not illegal or a fraud in any way for the person to hold two valid passports. Nevertheless, the U.S. requires that you carry your U.S. passport when traveling, and use it to reenter the United States.

Does the government know I have dual citizenship? ›

As an American citizen, when you naturalize in another country and become a dual citizen, generally you are not obligated by U.S. law to inform U.S authorities in any way.

What is another word for dual citizenship? ›

Also called: dual nationality. the status of a person who is a legal citizen of two or more countries. 2. citizenship of both a state and a nation, in nations consisting of a federation of states, as the U.S. Word origin.

How do you say dual citizenship? ›

Break 'dual citizenship' down into sounds: [DYOO] + [UHL SIT] + [UH] + [ZUHN] + [SHIP] - say it out loud and exaggerate the sounds until you can consistently produce them.

What are some words that describe citizenship? ›

What is another word for citizenship?
residencynationality
citizenhoodfreemanship
right of abodefreedom of the city
residenceright to hold a passport
national status

What dual nationality means? ›

Dual nationality (also known as dual citizenship), is where an individual enjoys two (or more) nationalities.

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