These days, it’s not unusual to feel connected to more than one country. Maybe you were born in one place, grew up in another, or married someone from across the world. You might have roots in different cultures, or opportunities that span borders. That’s where dual or multiple citizenships offer flexibility, freedom, and a stronger sense of belonging.
At Remitly, we understand that for immigrants and global families, citizenship goes way beyond just holding a passport. In this guide, we’ll explain how multiple citizenships work, which countries allow them, and what it really means to hold more than one nationality. We’ll also walk you through what to think about before applying for dual or even multiple citizenship.
How many citizenships can you have?
Having more than one citizenship might sound like a dream; more travel freedom, more rights, and maybe even more job options. But the reality can be a bit more complicated. Whether or not you can hold multiple nationalities will depend on where you’re from and the rules each country follows.
What does dual and multiple citizenship actually mean?
Dual citizenship means you’re legally a citizen of two countries at the same time. In many cases, this can happen automatically—for example, if you’re born in one country and your parents are citizens of another.
Multiple citizenships take that a step further. Imagine someone born in the US to Italian parents (dual citizenship), who later becomes a Canadian citizen. That’s triple citizenship.
But here’s where things get tricky. Countries define citizenship in different ways. Some grant it through ancestry, others through marriage or living in the country long enough (naturalization). That’s how some people legally end up with three or even four nationalities, it all depends on if the countries involved allow it.
Country rules for dual and multiple citizenships
Every country has its own approach to dual or multiple citizenships. Some are flexible and welcoming, while others stick to strict rules.
How the US handles dual and multiple citizenships
The United States recognizes and allows dual citizenship, which means you can become a citizen of another country without giving up your US citizenship. This gives Americans the flexibility to build global ties while maintaining their rights at home.
As a dual citizen, you’ll still have the usual responsibilities, like filing taxes on worldwide income and using your US passport to enter and exit the country. These rules are straightforward once you’re aware of them and help you stay compliant no matter where you live.
What the law says about having more than one nationality
Like we mentioned, with each country setting its own laws, there’s no universal rule for how many citizenships a person can have. The United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, for example, let their citizens take on other nationalities without giving up their original nationality.
Other countries are stricter, like Japan and India, and require you to give up your previous citizenship if you apply for a new one. That can be a tough call, especially if it means choosing between your country of birth and your future plans.
Also, keep in mind that just because you hold more than one passport doesn’t mean every government will recognize your other citizenships. This can affect things like if your embassy can or will help you if you need them while you’re abroad.
Countries that allow multiple citizenships
There are over 60 countries that recognize dual citizenship. This flexibility is why some people—particularly wealthy people—talk about building a “passport portfolio.” As long as your other citizenships don’t break any local laws, they’re not likely to make you choose just one. Globally, countries fall into three general categories:
- Countries that allow multiple citizenships like Canada, Ireland, the U.K., France, Portugal, and Australia. These nations often have large immigrant populations or strong global connections and recognize that people can belong to more than one place at once.
- Countries that don’t recognize dual citizenship include India, China, and Japan. India offers an alternative called Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI), which gives you some rights like long-term residency and work, but it’s not the same as full citizenship.
- Countries with conditional policies like Germany and the Netherlands. You may be allowed to keep your original nationality if giving it up is too difficult or if the second citizenship is from an EU member country.
Benefits and challenges of multiple citizenships
Holding more than one citizenship comes with great benefits, particularly when it comes to travel between the nations involved. But there can also be a few surprises that might catch you off guard if you’re not prepared.
Top advantages of holding multiple citizenships
- Easier international travel
With more than one passport, you may have visa-free access to a wider range of countries, making travel simpler and more convenient, especially for frequent flyers. - Work opportunities abroad
Dual citizens can often live and work in both countries without the need for special work permits, opening up a wider job market. - Access to education benefits
Children with dual citizenship might qualify for local tuition rates, scholarships, or easier admission when studying in either country. - Healthcare and social services
You may be eligible for public healthcare, pensions, or other social benefits in more than one country, depending on local laws. - Security and stability
Multiple citizenships can act as a safety net, giving you the option to relocate in case of political instability, conflict, or economic hardship. - Cultural and family connection
For many, having dual nationality helps maintain close ties to their heritage, culture, and family abroad. - Property and inheritance rights
In some countries, citizenship makes it easier to buy property or inherit assets which is helpful if you have family or investments overseas. - Expanded rights and protections
Being a citizen in more than one country can mean extra consular protection, voting rights, and legal options depending on where you are.
What to look out for
As we said, though, there can be pitfalls too. One common issue is taxes. Some countries, like the United States, expect citizens to file taxes no matter where they live. So even if you haven’t lived in the US for years, you could still have to report your income.
Military service can also come into play. Some countries require citizens to serve in the armed forces, even if you’ve never lived there. It’s not common, but it can be a surprise if you’re not aware of the rules tied to one of your passports.
Then there’s the paperwork. Dual citizens often need to use a specific passport when entering or leaving a country, and using the wrong one at the airport can cause delays or confusion. Legal systems can be tricky too, one country might not recognize your other nationality, which could limit the support you get in legal or emergency situations.
It may even cause a few legal complications—taxation is the most common example, but parental rights like child custody and serious issues like extradition agreements can get very complicated if two countries’ rules about dual nationals don’t align. In the main, though, dual nationality is usually a positive thing for the individual.
How to get dual or multiple citizenships
There are a few common ways to gain dual or multiple citizenships, through your family, by living in another country, or even by investing.
Common ways to become a citizen of more than one country
- Citizenship by descent: If your parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents were born in certain countries, you might be eligible to apply.
- Naturalization: This means living in a country legally for a certain number of years and often passing a citizenship test. Some countries make the process quicker for spouses of citizens, refugees, or people with special skills.
- Citizenship by investment: Some countries offer citizenship in exchange for a financial contribution, usually through a real estate purchase or a donation to a national fund. This is sometimes called the “Golden Visa” in different countries.
What to know about citizenship by investment programs
Citizenship-by-investment programs are legal and recognized in several countries, but they’re not all the same. Some offer immediate citizenship, while others start with permanent residency and lead to a passport over time.
For example, St. Kitts and Nevis allows applicants who are citizens of a foreign country to donate $250,000 USD or buy approved property to qualify for citizenship. We mentioned Golden Visas; well, Portugal’s version grants residency after a qualifying investment, and you can apply for citizenship after five years if you meet the requirements. But Spain, for example, has stopped them, and they’re not the only country phasing them out. So this won’t be an option for every nationality.
What to consider before applying for a second (or third) nationality
Start by checking your current country’s rules on dual or multiple citizenship. Next, look into how a second citizenship might affect your taxes, legal status, or estate planning—what happens to your assets if you pass away.
Also, remember that managing multiple citizenships takes work. Between renewing passports, keeping track of visa-free travel rights, and filing tax documents, it’s a commitment. But for many, the benefits are worth it, especially if it means more freedom, opportunity, or peace of mind.
The future of dual and multiple citizenships
More than ever, citizenship is becoming about choice. Not just the place you were born, but where you feel at home, where you contribute, and where you see your future. Whether you’re holding one passport or five, what matters most is that your citizenship supports the life you want to live.
How globalization is changing the meaning of citizenship
The way we think about nationality is changing. In the past, most people spent their whole lives in one country.
As the world becomes more connected, more people are finding practical and personal reasons to hold more than one citizenship. Nowadays, it’s common to grow up in one place, work in another, and retire in a third. That kind of lifestyle often makes a single passport feel limiting.
What’s next for dual citizenship laws and programs?
Governments are responding to our changing world in different ways. Some are opening up, recognizing that shared identity across borders can be a strength and moving to inclusive policies. Some countries are even updating their laws and creating programs to make it easier to qualify, especially if they’re trying to attract skilled workers.
And as we’ve said, others have shown signs of wanting to tighten restrictions, particularly on programs like citizenship by investment, which have raised concerns about fairness, transparency and money laundering. So if you’re considering applying for another citizenship, it helps to stay up-to-date with government websites to see what routes are available.
FAQs
Can I have more than two citizenships?
Yes, as long as each country involved allows it. There’s no global limit, so some people legally hold three or more nationalities.
Do I lose my current citizenship if I become a citizen of another country?
It depends on your country’s laws. Some countries (like the US or U.K.) let you keep your original citizenship, while others (like Japan or India) require you to renounce it when taking on another. And some countries will not generally allow dual citizenship, but permit it under certain circumstances.
Will I have to pay taxes in all the countries I’m a citizen of?
That depends. Some countries, like the US, tax citizens on their worldwide income, even if they live abroad. Others only tax based on residency, so it helps to understand the tax rules in each country where you hold citizenship.
What are the benefits of holding more than one citizenship?
Dual or multiple citizenships can make international travel easier, expand your work and education options, and give you access to public services like healthcare. It can also help you stay connected to family, culture, or heritage across borders.
Is it worth getting a second citizenship through investment or ancestry?
It can be, depending on your goals. If you qualify through ancestry, it’s often more affordable than investment routes. Citizenship-by-investment can offer faster access but usually comes with high costs and stricter legal requirements, and several countries are putting an end to this way of gaining citizenship.