In 2024, amid growing global mobility and changing legal landscapes, holding multiple nationalities has many significant advantages. Learn more about the conditions for obtaining a second passport, the main advantages and pitfalls of multiple citizenship in 2024

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Dual citizenship opens up many opportunities and privileges in today's globalized environment. The benefits of dual citizenship include increased opportunities for travel, work and education. It can also be an important strategy to ensure a greater level of protection against political and economic risks.

The possibility of obtaining a second citizenship usually depends on many factors, including your country of origin, place of residence, and the laws of the countries you are interested in. Second citizenship can also be obtained through investment programs, which allows you to invest in the country's economy and simultaneously obtain citizenship. In our article, we will reveal all these aspects and details related to the process of obtaining dual citizenship.

Is it possible to have more than 1 citizenship in 2024?

Each country has its own citizenship laws that determine whether citizens can hold one or more passports. For example, some countries allow dual citizenship if a person is born to parents of different nationalities. However, some countries prohibit multiple citizenship for those who are naturalized as citizens of another country.

Among the countries with a favorable attitude to dual citizenship is the United States, where citizens are not restricted from holding multiple citizenships if it does not pose a threat to the country. UK legislation was amended in 1948, removing restrictions on holding British citizenship and obtaining other citizenships.

Spain, on the other hand, is a country with restrictions on dual citizenship. However, some exceptions allow for the retention of primary citizenship, in particular for the Spanish-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and Portugal. Citizens of these countries by birth have an accelerated naturalization procedure in Spain.

In South Africa, citizens must notify the government of obtaining another citizenship by submitting an official application. The government must approve this before the applicants can obtain another citizenship. Today, the world is gradually moving away from restrictions on dual citizenship.

Is it worth having more than one citizenship?

The benefits of dual citizenship include increased mobility, which makes it easier to travel the world with a second passport for visa-free access. For example, applicants with multiple citizenships may have fewer problems obtaining visas in the United States, Canada, or Australia.

Second citizenship also opens up new educational opportunities. Investments that lead to European Union citizenship, such as in Malta, allow students to receive higher education in Europe at local prices, which can significantly reduce costs compared to international rates.

Additionally, having a second citizenship can provide political stability and personal security. In case of political turbulence in the home country, a person can quickly move to the country of his or her new citizenship. Some citizens live, work and study in different countries due to freedom of movement agreements between countries, such as the EU, OECD and CARICOM.

In addition, a second citizenship can affect taxes and benefits. It allows a person to optimize taxation by moving assets to a country with a favorable tax regime. For example, the program for non-residents in Portugal allows recipients to receive tax rebates on income earned outside the country.

In general, acquiring a second citizenship through investment or other programs is a strategic step to ensure a greater level of mobility, educational opportunities, security, and tax optimization. It enables an individual to expand their global influence and secure a more stable financial future.

For safe relocation to any country in the world, obtaining citizenship and employment, use the advice of an international lawyer. We help to solve complex and simple issues for your comfort and safety in any part of the world. 

How to obtain multiple citizenships in 2024?

Obtaining the citizenship of another country may seem like a complicated process, but it is actually easier than it sounds. There are several ways to obtain citizenship in another country, and each of them has its own unique features:

1. Birth. Some countries grant citizenship to all persons born on their territory. For example, children born in the United States and Canada automatically become citizens of these countries. That is why many people try to temporarily move to the United States for childbirth so that their children can become citizens of this country;

2. Marriage. If you get married to a US citizen, for example, you can apply for a green card and subsequently US citizenship. However, you should keep in mind that the government conducts fraud checks when entering into marriage;

3. Naturalization. This is the most common way for immigrants to obtain citizenship. You can apply for citizenship by naturalization if you have been a legal resident of a country for a certain period of time. For example, in the United Kingdom, you can become a British citizen by naturalization after five years of legal residence;

4. Citizenship by investment. Technically, this also falls under the naturalization law, but in a different way. Since countries that grant citizenship for investment programs allow dual and multiple citizenship, it is a good way to automatically acquire new citizenships and even create a portfolio of citizenships. You can become a citizen of countries like Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Turkey by simply investing $100,000 or more.

Disadvantages of multiple citizenship in 2024

Obtaining multiple citizenship can have its pitfalls, which should be considered before making a decision. Below are the main reasons why some people should be cautious about this step:

1. Taxes: Some countries, such as the United States, levy income taxes on citizens regardless of where they live. This means that US citizens must pay taxes in the US even if they live abroad;

2. Conscription: Some countries have mandatory military service for their citizens. For example, in Greece, men between the ages of nineteen and forty-five are required to perform twelve months of military service. Thus, obtaining citizenship in such a country may require participation in military service;

3. Sanctions and restrictions: Some countries that are under sanctions or have restrictions may create problems for dual nationals. For example, such persons may be restricted from visiting certain countries or participating in certain investment opportunities due to the risk associated with their second citizenship.

Thus, before obtaining the citizenship of another country, it is important to study all possible consequences in detail and seek professional advice and counsel.

Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

To ensure a safe move to a new country, I advise you to consult a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with a legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration.

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Travel guide for 200 countries;

Legal advice from a local specialist on visa and migration issues;

Travel insurance around the world (please select the country of interest and citizenship to receive services);

Medical insurance all over the world.