How to Get Dual Citizenship: Advantages, Disadvantages, and Steps to Take

It’s no wonder dual citizenship is an attractive concept for many people: you certainly have more freedom if you can work, travel, and live in more than one country without the hassle of additional formalities and legal restrictions.

While many people assume you have to be born or married to get dual citizenship, there are a number of options depending on where you want to pursue citizenship, including through smart investments or real estate, which can be a great option in places where the dollar is strong.

Here’s everything you need to know about getting dual citizenship.

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What are the advantages of having dual citizenship?

Dual citizenship can provide several key benefits, including greater travel flexibility. A person who holds both U.S. and European Union citizenship, for example, would not have to worry applying for a travel authorisation via the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) when this process begins in mid-2025.

Dual citizens can live and work in both countries, which means they have access to better job opportunities. They can also access healthcare, education policies, and other social services in both countries, giving them the opportunity to choose the best possible options.

What are the disadvantages of having dual citizenship?

Having dual citizenship means you not only get the benefits of another country. You also have disadvantages.

“It’s very important to consider the side effects of citizenship,” said Rahul Soni, a partner at global immigration law firm Fragomen. “Are there tax implications for non-citizens? If you plan to live somewhere permanently, what are the tax implications? Will the new citizenship be passed on to the next generation? Is there a mandatory military service requirement for citizens? Does the country of origin allow dual citizenship?”

Before you decide to pursue dual citizenship, you need to consider these questions and do your research to make sure it’s really worth it.

How to obtain dual citizenship?

There are many paths to dual citizenship, including:

Descent. If your parent is a citizen of another country, you may automatically be a dual citizen or may be eligible to apply for dual citizenship. Some countries will allow you to obtain citizenship through descent, even if the relative in question is further down your family tree.

“Italy, for example, has one of the most open systems, where any ancestor born in Italy can pass on citizenship by descent, through a very simple procedure, if it can be shown that the transfer of citizenship has not been interrupted,” Marco Permunian, legal consultant and founder of Italian Citizenship Assistance, told Kiplinger.

Marriage. You can apply for citizenship of another country if your partner is a citizen of that country.

However, this is usually not an automatic process. You usually have to be married for a certain amount of time and spend some time living in the country. Your spouse may have to learn the language of the country to obtain citizenship.

“A few countries grant citizenship to spouses without a residency requirement, but language requirements may still apply, such as Italy,” Soni noted.

Long-term stay. You have the option of becoming a citizen of another country if you have lived there long enough. This usually requires permanent residence, knowledge of the language and social customs of the country, and at least five years of calling the country home.

Investments. Some countries allow you to gain dual citizenship if you make a significant financial contribution to the country (think investments in government bonds, real estate, local or startup businesses, according to Permunian), though that’s an increasingly rare option.

“Citizenship by investment programs can range from $200,000 to over $10 million, depending on the jurisdiction in question and the type of contribution the applicant is making, i.e. whether it is an investment or a gift,” Soni said. “If we go through the investment tracks rather than the gift tracks, each category of investment will have its own individual requirements in terms of how long it has to be held. These can range from five years to an indefinite period.”

Countries that still allow the process include some Caribbean islands, including Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Grenada, and Antigua and Barbuda.

(Photo source: Getty Images)

In recent years, investing in real estate in Europe has become a popular path to citizenship through “Golden Visa” programs, where foreigners can gain residency in a country by buying a certain number of properties there. In Greece, for example, you have to spend between €500,000 and €861,560 (depending on the area) on real estate to qualify. Through this program, foreigners can live and work in the country and travel freely back and forth. If they gain residency for long enough, they can even gain dual citizenship in some countries.

But Golden Visas are becoming increasingly rare. While many European countries turned to Golden Visas during the 2012 debt crisis to help open up new cash flows and boost the housing market, they are now being closed or severely restricted because they have contributed to housing shortages and skyrocketing housing costs, foreclosing on citizens, The New York Times reported. There are also possible security concerns with Golden Visas, the site notes — for example, Iceland and the U.K. have ended their programs in part because of potential financial fraud, such as money laundering and tax evasion.

Still, citizenship-by-investment options exist in many places. If you choose this route, keep in mind that this method requires a significant amount of capital and can expose you to potential tax risks, so you should discuss this with a financial advisor. You’ll also want to go through the proper channels to make sure everything is legal — “make sure the program is legal and you’re not paying a middleman, not the government of the foreign country itself,” Permunian advised.

Discretionary citizenship. This is even rarer than citizenship by investment, but some countries offer citizenship to people who have made (or could simply make!) an exceptional impact on the country, whether economic, cultural, social or humanitarian.

“For example, a very talented gymnast can be granted Australian citizenship, which will allow him to compete on the national team,” Soni said.

For most people, gaining citizenship this way is unlikely, but in some countries it is certainly a possible path for those who have achieved success in their field.

What are the first steps to obtaining dual citizenship?

Once you’ve done your research and chosen a country where you may be eligible for citizenship, you should work with a professional, such as an immigration consultant, who can help you through every step of the process, including meeting requirements, completing applications, handling translations, conducting interviews, passing tests, and updating your personal information.

There are many lawyers and firms that specialize in dual citizenship cases, so look for a reputable group that is relevant to the country you are interested in. As with finding professional services, it is helpful to get referrals from people you trust and check their references. Many work on a fixed fee basis, which you can discuss during your initial interview.

Remember to be patient: Obtaining dual citizenship is typically a long, complicated process that requires multiple interviews and a lot of paperwork.

How to maintain dual citizenship?

It doesn’t end once you get your documents! Some countries will require you to continue to meet certain requirements to keep your passport, including spending a certain amount of time in that location each year.

Make sure you’re aware of your responsibilities (especially when it comes to paying taxes) as a citizen of the country to maintain your status. After all, it’s not just about travel or healthcare benefits – being a dual citizen means you can have a really positive impact in many countries.