O. R. SalahudeenTalking about ’35 countries that allow dual citizenship’ sometimes makes me wonder what could make a patriotic person abandon or set aside his or her country of birth passport and struggle to acquire citizenship of another country.
Realistically acquisition of another country’s citizenship is beyond patriotism. It has to do with the reality of your situation, hence where a person found himself at a particular time or situation determined the solution he proffered. Often the acquisition of citizenship is not done for the fun of it. Necessities dictate most actions individuals take at a particular point.
Importantly the hardship migrant workers go through in their country of employment makes dual citizenship imperative. Furthermore, the fact that acquisition of some country’s passport gives power and freedom to the holders which allows them visa-free entry into important countries which under normal circumstances might be a herculean task to achieve.
35 COUNTRIES THAT ALLOW DUAL CITIZENSHIP
Equally, those countries that allow dual citizenship have reasons that suit or benefit their prevailing situation or circumstances that’s why some countries allowed it before and dropped it when it is no longer favourable.
Some countries are in dire need of increasing their population and workforce, some are interested in getting funds or investment to boost their economy, hence they allow or encourage citizens of other countries to come and acquire citizenship in order to invest in that particular country’s economy.
Countries such as Canada or Ireland have little or no choice but to allow dual citizenship due to a peculiar situation in their abode.
35 COUNTRIES THAT ALLOW DUAL CITIZENSHIP
Here are 35 countries that allow dual citizenship. In your quest to get a second passport or live and work in a country without the stress of obtaining resident permits endlessly, you’re free to choose the one that can assist in reaching your goals.
1. NIGERIA
Nigeria in the past disallowed dual citizenship, however facing the reality of many Nigerians traveling and settling down majorly in Europe and North America and having difficulties in return to a country that does not allow dual citizenship, the country changed the law pertaining to citizenship. Currently, Nigeria allows dual citizenship without restrictions. When a citizen with dual citizenship wants to get clearance at a border or entry point, the person will be treated according to the passport he or she presented. The travel document presented must be valid at the time of presentation.
2. GHANA
Ghana is another African country that allows dual citizenship, she passed the dual Citizenship Act in the year 2000. The Act allows Ghanaians to acquire citizenship of their choice and foreigners can acquire Ghanaian citizenship on meeting the requirements. A foreigner living in Ghana who has made his mark can apply for citizenship.
3. CANADA
Canada is a unique country, one of the few that encourages dual citizenship. Due to her location, precisely sharing a border with the United States influences a lot of her activities and immigration. Canadian law allows dual citizenship. The movement of US citizens and Canadians across the border is without many restrictions.
4. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
The United States of America is a country that allows dual citizenship without restrictions. The United States is an immigrant country. As a US citizen you’re free to acquire the citizenship of another country, however applying for some US activities such as getting a passport you will be required to make a declaration of other allegiances, this is done to avoid dual loyalty.
5. AUSTRALIA
Australian law allows dual citizenship. If you’re living and working in Australia and you hold a permanent resident permit, or you’re a foreigner and married an Australian citizen you’re free to apply for citizenship. Your acquisition of Australian citizenship does not affect your earlier citizenship.
6. PARAGUAY
A country in South America not only allows dual citizenship but encourages the practice. A foreigner can fast-track the Paraguayan citizenship process by investment options. With only a 5,000 bank deposit (arguably one of the cheapest in the world) and a few years of familiarity staying in Paraguay, you’re free to apply for citizenship. The beautiful aspect of the Paraguayan Citizenship Act is that there are no restrictions on country of origin and your deposit is tax-free.
7. BARBADOS
The Caribbean Island country is one of the best places to consider for anyone looking for a second passport. The country’s passport is the number one most powerful passport in the Caribbean continent.
With the ability to travel to more than 142 countries visa-free, you do not need to look further because Barbados allows dual citizenship without conditions. When you acquire Barbados citizenship you’re free to live elsewhere.
8. ALBANIA
Albania a country situated in East Europe with the Capital at Tirana allows dual citizenship.
As a citizen of Albania, you have the freedom of acquiring the citizenship of another country. Likewise, a foreigner is permitted to apply for and acquire Albanian citizenship without losing or renouncing the citizenship of their country of origin. That’s the beauty of Albanian citizenship.
9. BELGIUM
The headquarters of the European Union allows dual citizenship. Belgium is a diverse country, very Libra, and one of the best places in Europe to consider for citizenship. If you married a Belgian and you’re a legal resident, you can process your citizenship within 3 to 5 years of your association. As a Belgium citizen, you’re allowed to acquire citizenship of another country without conditions.
10. FRANCE
France as a country not only allows dual citizenship but is an advocate of multiple nationalities. A legal resident in France is allowed to apply for citizenship after a few years of residence unhindered without losing that of the country he originated.
11. CYPRUS
The Island country located in the Mediterranean Sea allows dual citizenship. Due to her location the North Cyprus imbroglio’s close attachment to Greece and importantly her economic citizenship program, Cyprus has no choice but to encourage dual citizenship in order to achieve her set objectives.
12. ICELAND
This Nordic island country situated between North America and Mainland Europe allows dual citizenship. Since 2003 Iceland has changed its policy on citizenship which placed restrictions on holding more than one citizenship. Currently, a foreigner can apply and be granted citizenship and those who were denied previously can apply for reissue.
13. EGYPT
This North African country allows dual citizenship, however, if you’re a foreigner granted citizenship be ready to accept some conditions. You will not seek a vote to be voted to the country’s parliament and
You can not seek admission into military and police academies.
14. IRELAND
Due to her historical past, Irish are everywhere and people keep tracing their ancestry to Ireland which makes it imperative for Ireland to allow dual citizenship. Despite her small population, there are more Irish passport holders in the Caribbean, North America, and other parts of the world than in the Republic of Ireland. Ireland not only allows dual citizenship without restrictions, but it’s common sense to practice a system that allows the people who can trace their ancestry to Ireland to have the easy way, hence the practice of dual citizenship.
15. JAMAICA
This Island country in the West Indies with a unique history and as an immigrant country allows dual citizenship without conditions. When you acquire Jamaica citizenship the benefits you enjoy include votes in elections, work without a work permit, and ability to get the country’s passport. And keeping the citizenship of the country you’re coming from.
16. CZECH REPUBLIC
This country in East Europe when she was with the larger Czechoslovakia did not believe in dual citizenship, however, her foray into the European Union and the struggle to meet the Union policies, currently, the Czech Republic allows dual citizenship in accordance with the trend and happening in the European Union. The beauty of the new arrangement is that those who lost it under the previous system are allowed to get it back.
17. DENMARK
The Scandinavian country of Denmark allows dual citizenship. The new Nationality Act of 1st September 2015 which came into operation, enables several citizens to acquire their Danish citizenship and free to obtain another citizenship. Currently, Denmark allows citizenship without restrictions or losing the citizenship of where you’re coming from.
18. BRAZIL
The largest country in South America allows dual citizenship without many restrictions, The only clause is that as a naturalized citizen, you’re compelled to arrive and depart the country all the time on a Brazilian passport. We believe that a normal person will have no problem with the Brazilian system.
19. BOLIVIA
A country located in South America allows dual citizenship without restrictions. When you’re granted citizenship you enjoy all the benefits of Bolivians and you will not lose the citizenship of your previous country.
20. BANGLADESH
This Asian country allows dual citizenship with all the benefits. However, the person concerned should be guided against committing a crime or engaging in criminal activities for the first five years in order not to render the citizenship illegal and thereby lose his passport.
21. FINLAND
Commencing from the year 2003 Finland citizens are allowed dual citizenship. A legal resident in Finland is entitled to apply for citizenship after a few years and the law enables the person to retain his former passport or citizenship of another country.
22. ARGENTINA
Argentina allows dual citizenship with easy requirements, such as being a resident for two years and being an adult to apply. Like in Brazil you can only enter and depart the country with an Argentine passport only. Any foreigner granted Argentine citizenship is only recognized as such within Argentine territory. Hence you can’t claim or use it outside the soil of Argentina.
23. MALTA
This island country located in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Italy and a member of the European Union allows dual citizenship. Malta is one of those countries that practiced citizenship by investment (With one million dollars you can become a citizen) before it was put on hold. Notwithstanding Malta allows dual citizenship.
24. PANAMA
This North American country is a place where a second passport can be obtained without any restrictions if you’re a citizen of the 50 countries Panama is considered a friendly nation. Panama is not only practicing dual citizenship but encourages it.
25. PERU
A South American country allows dual citizenship. Just like other South American countries if you acquired Peruvian citizenship you’re at freedom to retain your earlier citizenship as long as you follow the guidelines.
26. SWEDEN
This Scandinavian country used to disallow dual citizenship, however in 2001 Sweden changed the system thereby allowing Swedish to acquire citizenship of another country. Equally, a foreigner living in Sweden legally is allowed to apply for citizenship without losing his previous passport.
27. PORTUGAL
This Iberian peninsula country allows dual citizenship. The easiest way of acquiring Portuguese citizenship is through her residency program. If you’re able to invest in Portuguese real estate you’re on your way to becoming a naturalized citizen.
28. SWITZERLAND
This Central European country allows dual citizenship. A unique country with an estimated 60 percent of its citizens residing outside Switzerland. It has no choice but to allow dual citizenship. Also, a foreigner who acquired Switzerland citizenship is permitted to retain the citizenship of his original foundation.
29. TURKEY
Turkey allows dual citizenship without restrictions. Her citizens are free to acquire the citizenship of another country and a legal resident is allowed to apply provided any foreigner applying can meet up with her requirements. The beauty of the Turkish system is that a naturalized citizen is not compelled to arrive and depart every time with a Turkish passport.
30. ROMANIA
This East European country allows dual citizenship and also allows a foreigner who acquired Romanian citizenship to keep their previous citizenship. The beauty of the Romanian system is that a naturalized citizen enjoys the same rights as a normal Romanian citizen and the person doesn’t have to reside always in Romania.
31. URUGUAY
This South American country has been practicing a dual citizenship system since 1919 which is primarily based on the principle of the right of the soil. If a foreigner is born in Uruguay the child is automatically an Uruguay citizen. Uruguay not only allows dual citizenship, but it also serves as a reference point.
32. LATVIA
Latvia a small country situated in North-east Europe allows dual citizenship. Latvia law enables her citizens to acquire or retain citizenship of another country. Furthermore, Latvia allows foreigners to become citizens. It’s one of the easiest countries in Europe to obtain residency by investment or real estate options.
33. ISRAEL
This controversial country in the Middle East allows dual citizenship.
Due largely to the way it was created, the State of Israel not only permits dual citizenship but encourages anyone with Jewish ancestry to return to Israel and acquire citizenship. A dual Israeli citizen enjoyed all the rights of a mono citizen. However, if you acquired Israeli citizenship and you’re not a Jew, you may be denied certain benefits.
34. IRAQ.
Iraq an Arab country situated in the Middle East allows dual citizenship. Before the bitter civil war, any Iraqi citizen who acquired citizenship of another country automatically lost their Iraqi citizenship, however recently the new law allows dual citizenship and if you acquired Iraqi citizenship you can keep the previous citizenship.
35. UNITED KINGDOM
For a long time, United Kingdom citizens had the freedom to keep a second passport without restrictions. Unarguably UK could be regarded as a land of freedom. One of the best places to be born in the world. If you acquire United Kingdom citizenship you can keep your previous citizenship without conditions.
BOTTOM LINE ON 35 COUNTRIES THAT ALLOW DUAL CITIZENSHIP
The negative aspects of dual citizenship are that the person tends to pay more allegiance to his new nation or take more seriously the deterrent of where they are coming from. For example, many Nigerians who obtained citizenship from another country mainly Europe and North America usually neglected their country of birth’s passports, embarrassingly. Wherever they arrive at Nigeria Airports, coming in or going out, it’s very common for them to present an expired Nigerian passport or some don’t have it, and they still want to be treated as a Nigerian citizen. All they cared about is to get clearance from the Immigration service at the point of entry or exit.
That’s all on 35 countries that allow dual citizenship
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