At first glance, holding dual citizenship seems like a clear advantage. You get the best of both worlds: the right to live, work, and travel freely in two countries. But in reality, it's not always that simple. The laws of both nations don't always align鈥攁nd sometimes, they can even contradict one another. So how can you take full advantage of your dual citizenship without running into trouble?
The benefits of dual citizenship
From housing support and job opportunities to access to education and greater freedom of movement, dual citizenship opens the door to a wide range of benefits.
Freedom to travel
With two passports, dual citizens enjoy access to a wider range of countries, often without the hassle of applying for visas. As of this year, the Singaporean passport tops the global rankings, offering visa-free entry to 195 destinations. Not far behind are passports from Japan (193), South Korea, Germany, France, and Spain (192). The advantage is even greater for expatriates who hold both EU citizenship and a passport from one of these high-ranking countries. EU citizenship alone provides the freedom to live, work, and move across all EU member states without a permit. When paired with a globally powerful passport, it opens up even more possibilities for seamless international mobility.
Recognition of rights
One of the major advantages of dual citizenship is full recognition as a citizen in both countries. This means expatriates can access the same rights and public services as locals鈥攕uch as student grants, education subsidies, housing assistance, and healthcare.
However, with these rights come responsibilities. Dual citizens are also subject to the laws and conditions that apply to nationals. For example, certain benefits may only be available to citizens who actually live in the country, not those residing abroad.
Freedom to work
With dual citizenship, the hassle of work permits becomes a thing of the past. You can live and work in both countries with the same ease as any local, opening up broader job markets and career opportunities without the usual red tape.
Residency and taxation
Dual citizens can live in and own property in both countries鈥攂ut should be mindful of the risk of double taxation. Entrepreneurs may be eligible for tax relief schemes. Dual citizenship offers a favorable framework for investing and building international businesses.
Political life
Dual citizens can vote in both countries and, depending on local laws, may also run for office and take part in political life. Their ability to engage fully in civic matters depends on each country's legal framework.
Dual citizenship: What to watch out for
With rights come responsibilities. Depending on the countries involved, dual or multiple citizens may also face certain legal or practical limitations.
Travel freedom
Travel is possible 鈥渆verywhere鈥濃�� as long as you comply with the laws of the countries where you hold citizenship. Tensions between two states may restrict travel for affected nationals. Travel bans or advisories issued by one country must be followed by dual or multiple citizens. Using another passport to enter a 鈥渂anned鈥� country may seem tempting, but it's more complicated than it looks. Some countries are wary of individuals holding more than two nationalities.
Accessing rights
Dual citizens are entitled to rights in both countries, but they can't access the same benefits from both at once. For example, it's not possible to receive housing support from two governments simultaneously鈥攕uch aid is usually limited to residents living in the country that provides it.
Fulfilling obligations
Having dual citizenship means following the laws of two countries. If one requires military service, a dual citizen is, in principle, expected to comply. If both do, they could be obligated to serve in each鈥攗nless exemptions or specific agreements apply.
Taxation
Double taxation is a real risk for dual citizens. Without a tax treaty between the two countries, they could end up being taxed by both.
Employment
Dual citizenship allows you to work freely in both countries鈥攗nless the job touches on national security. To safeguard state interests, some roles, like those in the military or other sensitive sectors, may be off-limits to dual citizens.
Countries that do not recognize dual citizenship
Some popular expatriation destinations still prohibit or restrict dual citizenship. These include the Netherlands, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, China, Austria, Estonia, and India. Slovakia and South Korea allow it, but only under strict conditions.
How to obtain dual citizenship
There are several paths to acquiring dual citizenship, depending on your circumstances and the laws of the countries involved:
Birth or descent
Some individuals automatically acquire dual citizenship at birth鈥攅ither by being born in a country that grants citizenship by location (jus soli, or 鈥渞ight of the soil鈥�) or through parents who are citizens of different countries (jus sanguinis, or 鈥渞ight of blood鈥�).
Naturalization
Expatriates can apply for citizenship in the country where they reside鈥攑rovided that country allows dual nationality. Without that recognition, they may be required to give up their original citizenship.
Marriage
Obtaining citizenship through marriage can be a long process. To combat sham marriages, many countries have introduced stricter rules. Citizenship is typically granted only after several years and often depends on proving the stability of the relationship and the foreign spouse's integration into the local society.
Economic participation in the host country
Some countries offer a path to citizenship through investment. The so-called 鈥淕olden Visa鈥� programs鈥攕till active in places like the UAE, Hungary, Greece, and Portugal鈥攐ffer residency or even citizenship in exchange for significant economic contributions, such as real estate purchases or investments in local businesses. Other options include entrepreneur or investor visas, which allow foreigners to contribute to the local economy without going through a Golden Visa scheme.
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