The Global Landscape Of Dual Citizenship: Which Countries Allow It?

Imagine that your home country enters a state of instability, with the government threatening to seize your assets and chasing after those who disagree with the establishment. I know it may sound like an extreme, doomsday-like scenario, but to be fair, haven’t you witnessed this lately?

The 2019/2020 restrictions and mass censorship have been a wake-up call for many—so much so that Americans are acquiring second passports en masse. This should be some food for thought. U.S. citizens are looking for options abroad, even though America is supposedly a beacon of prosperity and liberty. But wait, because there’s more to cover.

Not only are ultra-high-net-worth individuals pursuing second citizenship, but freedom-seekers of all types are beginning to understand the need to secure a solid Plan-B. And if you follow my content and read my newsletter, you might already know how important having a Plan-B is. A second passport is what I often call ‘political insurance.’ 

In this article, you will learn what countries offer dual citizenship. This thorough list will help you decide where to pursue a second passport, ensuring it aligns with your goals and lifestyle.

Note that dual citizenship rules vary from country to country, so make sure you work with a trusted expat consultant and legal advisors before acquiring a second citizenship. 

WHAT IS DUAL CITIZENSHIP ANYWAY? AND HOW CAN IT BENEFIT YOU?

Before diving into all the countries listed here, it’s important to clarify what dual citizenship is. Also known as dual nationality, this concept refers to the possibility a country gives its citizens to hold another country’s passport. For example, you might be American, born and raised in the U.S., but hold an Italian passport by descent. These two countries, by law, permit dual citizenship. Now, what are the benefits of dual citizenship? Here are some of them:

• Increased Travel Freedom: An extra passport may grant you access to countries your home nation’s passport doesn’t;

• Tax Planning: A second passport allows you to legally live in a different country, thus opening the door for a different tax regime that may help you save on taxes;

• Streamlined Property Ownership: Some countries in the world facilitate property ownership to their own citizens before doing so with foreigners;

• Education Opportunities: While in certain countries, foreign nationals may have to pay extra for the same education, as a local, you (and sometimes your kids) tend to benefit from lower prices;

The pathways to dual citizenship are numerous and vary from country to country. The most common is probably naturalization, which requires foreign residents to live in the country for a number of years and show good moral character. However, other options include marriage, ancestry or even investment. For more detailed content on dual citizenship, its benefits and how to acquire it, check out this article.

AMERICAS

The New World—or Western Hemisphere, if you will—is filled with countries allowing dual citizenship for locals and foreign nationals. Perhaps you have seen cases of foreigners who decide to give birth in the U.S. to secure U.S. citizenship by birth for their kids. Something similar happens with Canada. 

As a fervent proponent of birth tourism, I have already opted for two different countries for our kids; my second kid was born in Brazil, while my third kid was born in Chile. Below is a comprehensive list of the countries in the Western Hemisphere that permit dual citizenship. 

It’s important to note that every country has its own dual citizenship rules, which are not homogeneous. For example, Paraguay only has a dual citizenship treaty with Spain, while countries like Brazil allow dual citizenship under certain circumstances. It’s always recommended to check the legislation and see the particularity of each country.

I support birth tourism and have firsthand experience. My second child was born in Brazil, and my third in Chile, giving me insight into securing citizenship in these countries

NORTH AMERICA

• United States

• Canada

• Mexico

CENTRAL AMERICA

• Guatemala

• Belize

• Honduras

• El Salvador

• Nicaragua

• Costa Rica

• Panama

SOUTH AMERICA

• Colombia

• Venezuela

• Guyana

• Brazil

• Ecuador

• Peru

• Bolivia

• Chile

• Argentina

• Uruguay

• Paraguay

CARIBBEAN 

• Trinidad and Tobago

• Grenada

• Barbados

• Saint Vicent and the Grenadines

• Dominica 

• Jamaica

• Saint Kitts and Nevis

• Saint Lucia

• Aruba

• Bonaire

• Curaçao

Related content: Rising Costs: Five Caribbean Citizenship Programs Increase Investment Minimums

Access to the Schengen Area and the EU, along with strong diplomatic ties, makes Europe, despite its challenges, a top tourist destination with some of the world's most powerful passports

EUROPE

The Old Continent is undergoing hard times, with astronomical taxation, skyrocketing inflation and a rising lack of safety. However, not only does it remain a popular tourist destination, especially in countries like France, Italy and Spain, but it also offers some of the strongest passports out there. Access to Schengen and the EU are massive perks, along with good diplomatic relations most European nations have with other nations around the globe. 

If you’re from Canada, the United States, New Zealand or Australia, like most of my clients, you might be eligible for citizenship by descent in your ancestors’ home country:

WESTERN EUROPE

• United Kingdom

• Ireland

• France

• Belgium 

• Netherlands

• Germany

• Liechtenstein 

• Luxembourg

SOUTHERN EUROPE

• Italy

• Spain

• Greece

• Portugal

• Malta

• Slovenia

• Serbia

• Albania

• Montenegro 

EASTERN EUROPE

• Bulgaria

• Poland

• Hungary 

• Czech Republic 

• Romania 

• Latvia

• Russia 

NORTHERN EUROPE

• Denmark

• Sweden

• Norway

• Iceland

• Finland  

Although most countries in Asia do not allow dual citizenship, some passports, like those from Singapore, Japan, and Hong Kong, offer significant mobility

ASIA

Dual citizenship options in Asia are limited, as most countries only allow for ownership of their own passport. However, there are interesting passports that, though not allowing dual citizenship, offer great mobility, such as those in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan. However, other countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh, traditionally restrictive, have come up with some laws allowing the diaspora to hold dual citizenship.

Below is the list of Asian countries allowing dual citizenship:

• Pakistan

• Philippines

• Bangladesh 

• Syria

• Lebanon

• Turkey 

• Cambodia 

• Armenia

Africa, with its rich cultural heritage and opportunities, offers dual citizenship options in certain countries despite facing various challenges

AFRICA 

Africa is large and offers a rich cultural heritage and various opportunities for those looking to obtain dual citizenship. Although the continent is experiencing its share of challenges, some countries also offer dual citizenship opportunities for expats and the diaspora. 

Below is the list of African countries allowing dual citizenship:

• Ghana

• Egypt

• Sierra Leone

• Nigeria

• Liberia

• South Africa 

• Kenya

• Zambia

• Malawi

• Seychelles

• Mauritius 

• Cape Verde

Though often focused on Australia and New Zealand, Oceania includes smaller countries with relaxed lifestyles and potential expat investment opportunities, some offering dual citizenship

OCEANIA

As one of the most remote continents on Earth, many think only about the two major countries: Australia and New Zealand. However, not only are there other small countries where their few residents enjoy a very relaxed lifestyle, but some may offer expats interesting investment opportunities. 

Below is the list of countries allowing dual citizenship in Oceania:

• Australia

• New Zealand 

• Fiji

• Vanuatu

• Papua New Guinea

Whether through marriage, investment, ancestry, or naturalization, choose what suits you best. Do your due diligence and, most importantly, act now— a second passport can ensure your freedom of movement

CONCLUSION

While we’ve made every effort to make this list as thorough as possible at the time of this writing, there might be other countries that allow dual citizenship, as many of these rules are in a constant state of flux. Similarly, citizenship laws may change over time, and remember that walls are going up every day to keep everybody a tax slave to their home countries. If you want to pursue a second passport, by all means, go for it. The sooner you start working on acquiring a passport, the sooner you will be able to gain enhanced mobility and other benefits like tax and financial planning. 

Whether by descent, marriage, investment or naturalization, see what suits you best, do your due diligence and most importantly, act. Securing your freedom of movement is a critical part of your Plan-B, so don’t put it off, or you will regret it. If you want to see how we can help you get a second passport, check the important letter we have written for you and fill out the form.