Pros and Cons, and How It Works in the U.S.

Dual citizenship allows individuals to be citizens of two countries at the same time. This means they can take advantage of certain benefits like property ownership and voting rights in two nations even though they may be taxed by both countries. You can become a dual national in the U.S. as long as the other country allows dual citizenship. Below, we explore what it means to be a dual citizen along with the pros and cons.

What Is Dual Citizenship?

When you have dual citizenship, you are a citizen of two different countries at the same time. People can become dual nationals as long as both countries allow it. There are many countries that allow their citizens to be dual nationals, including Albania, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, Ireland, Panama, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

There are several ways you can become a dual citizen, including through:

• Birthright: Being born in a country generally grants you citizenship of that country. If you’re born in the U.S. to two American parents, you’re automatically granted U.S. citizenship. You may also be granted citizenship if you’re born to two foreign parents in certain countries, such as Antigua and Barbuda.
• Naturalization: Non-citizens can naturalize, which means they can become citizens of nations outside their home countries. In the U.S., you can become a citizen after meeting certain eligibility requirements, such as being a green card holder for at least five years.
• Marriage: You may be able to eligible for citizenship of your spouse’s home country after you get married. For instance, Argentina allows you to get citizenship after eight months of marriage with no language or residency requirements. In other countries, you must meet certain eligibility requirements before you can become a citizen. Legal permanent residents in the U.S. (with a green card) must be married to a U.S. citizen and living in the country for at least three years before they can qualify.
• Ancestry: Some countries allow you to become a citizen if you have a parent or grandparent who is/was a citizen. This means that children born abroad to citizens of one country can acquire citizenship of the home country of their parent(s). Italy and the U.S. are two countries that allow citizenship through descent or the right of blood. Certain eligibility requirements may apply.

Many countries offer a golden visa option that grants long-term residency status in return for bringing a substantial amount of money into the country. For example, Greece grants a five-year renewable residency permit to those who invest at least 250,000 euros in real estate.

This is a residency permit, not citizenship. In Greece and some other countries with a golden visa program, residents may apply for citizenship after meeting additional requirements.

Remember, you can only become a dual citizen if both countries allow it. Some countries have strict citizenship requirements. Countries like Austria, India, Japan, and Norway do not recognize dual nationality. This means that you may have to renounce one citizenship if you want to become a citizen of one of these countries.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Dual Citizenship

Advantages

• Political rights: As a dual citizen, you’re able to vote, run for office, and donate to political campaigns without any restrictions.
• Ability to work and travel: As a citizen, you won’t need a work permit to hold down a job in either country and you won’t need a visa when you travel between the two countries.
• Accessing social services: Dual citizenship lets you access social services like healthcare and education among others.
• Two passports: You can hold the passports of both countries, eliminating the need for long-term visas. Keep in mind that there may be certain restrictions. For instance, if you are a dual national of the U.S., you will require a U.S. passport when you reenter the country.
• Property ownership: Dual citizens are often allowed to purchase and hold property in one or both countries.

Disadvantages

• Dual obligations: You may be bound by the restrictions, laws, and obligations of both countries even if they conflict. For instance, some countries require citizens to complete mandatory military service. The U.S., however, doesn’t allow its citizens to be members of a foreign country’s military. If you don’t comply, you may lose your U.S. citizenship. That’s why it’s important to understand the laws of both countries.
• Double Taxation: You may be required to pay taxes in both countries, regardless of where you live and work. Citizens of the U.S. are taxed on global income, which means you may be taxed in the U.S. and your home country. Some countries have tax treaties, which can reduce or eliminate your tax liability to avoid double taxation. For example, Canadians with U.S. income and U.S. citizens who work and live in Canada are not double-taxed.
• Barriers to certain jobs: Being a dual citizen may disqualify you from certain jobs, including those in the government.
• Complicated process: Becoming a citizen may be easy in certain cases (like being born in one country), but in others, you may face hefty fees and long wait times. Applications for U.S. citizenship cost hundreds of dollars, but can cost even more if you hire a lawyer. Application processing times tend to take several months.

How to Gain Dual Citizenship in the United States

There are a few ways you can become a dual citizen of the U.S. and another country. The first (and most obvious) way is through birth.

If you weren’t born in the country, you must be at least 18 years old and be a lawful permanent resident before you can apply. This means you must have a green card and be living in the country for three years (if you’re married to a citizen) or five years before you become eligible to take the oath of citizenship.

Once you become eligible, you must fill out an application and pay the appropriate fee. The cost varies based on the type of application required. You must also pass a citizenship test and be proficient in English.

Keep in mind, that after you become a dual citizen of the U.S. and another country, you owe allegiance to both countries, can hold both passports, and are not required to choose one citizenship over another.

The Bottom Line

You may be able to get dual citizenship in your home country and another if you meet the eligibility requirements. Being a dual national comes with certain advantages, including the ability to work and travel freely and access to social services. Keep in mind that you will be bound to the laws of both countries and may be double-taxed if both countries don’t have a tax treaty. Before you jump into anything, consider consulting an immigration lawyer about how dual citizenship may affect your situation.