Which countries allow dual citizenship?

What is dual citizenship?

Dual citizenship is being a citizen of more than one country at once, for example, the country you are born in and dual citizenship countries a country you decide to move to. You can also renounce your citizenship of your birth country.

For example, you can apply for British citizenship as a foreign national through the process of naturalisation, if you are eligible and meet all of the requirements. You will also be allowed to retain citizenship of another country. But not every country’s policies correspond and therefore it is very important to check how making an application for British citizenship could affect the validity of two passports or other citizenships you hold.

What are the dual citizenship policies around the world?

Policies on citizenship vary widely; some countries do have stricter citizenship policies, meaning you can or cannot hold dual citizenship. However, some countries have policies on dual citizens that are less black and white. For example, some countries do allow dual citizenship but with certain restrictions and some do not allow it, but with some allowances in some circumstances.

Which countries allow dual citizenship?

The following are examples of countries that allow dual citizenship under all or under certain circumstances or almost all circumstances:

• The UK
• Australia
• Canada
• USA
• New Zealand
• Brazil
• France
• Italy

How do I apply for dual citizenship in the UK?

If you are a South African national, and you want to take up citizenship as permanent resident in the UK, the British government will allow you to apply for citizenship and continue to hold your South African citizenship.

South Africa also allows dual citizenship through this process, but you must make an application to the Home Affairs department of your government first to make them aware and to be able to retain your citizenship. You should allow plenty of time for this process.

The next stage would be to apply for British citizenship if you have been lawfully resident within the UK for at least five years. You must have also held Indefinite Leave to Remain status for at least a year, meaning you have lived inside the UK with no restrictions.

As with any visa application, there are many other eligibility requirements to meet to apply obtain citizenship. You should seek tailored immigration advice for specific legal help according to your circumstances. However, some general examples of the citizenship requirements are:

• A valid passport and records of travel documents
• English language requirement – you should pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to B1 level or have proof of a degree qualification in English
• Pass the Life in the UK test
• Meet the Good Character requirement – no immigration rule infractions or criminal convictions

Which countries apply restrictions to dual citizenship?

In Russia, dual citizenship laws have been relaxed over the past year. As of July 2020, Russian nationality law was updated to say applicants no longer needed to renounce their foreign citizenship to gain citizenship of Russia. This amendment to the country’s nationality law now applies to all permanent residents, foreign nationals and stateless individuals who live permanently in Russia.

However, dual citizenship is only allowed if there is a specific treaty allowing for that with the specific foreign country in question. If there is no such foreign treaty, the person is considered to have a “second” citizenship, rather than a dual citizen. If a Russian citizen takes on another citizenship, they must provide a written notice to the government within two months.

Spain also operates dual citizenship with restrictions. In many countries grant the UK of course, Spanish nationals are able to apply for British citizenship and retain their Spanish citizenship. However, in Spain, dual citizenship is only recognised with select countries that have a “close or special relationship with Spain”. This essentially means Latin American countries previously under Spanish rule.

Therefore if a foreign national moves to Spain, has permanent residency and wants to apply for Spanish citizenship, you will not be allowed to retain your citizenship with any other country. You should bear this in mind before making any applications.

Which countries do not allow dual citizenship?

There is a select list of many countries that are very strict in their application of nationality and dual citizenship rules. Some examples of these countries are:

• Austria
• Ukraine
• Norway

In Austria, for example, dual citizenship with other countries is not allowed except for those who inherit dual citizenship automatically by birth. Therefore, if an Austrian national also applied for British citizenship, they would lose their Austrian citizenship automatically. Ukraine also has essentially a strict “no tolerance” policy to dual citizenship.

In Norway, by contrast, they will not allow dual citizenship for us citizens except for if another country will not allow the individual out of their original birth citizenship.

How can IAS help?

Immigration Advice Service works with individuals and families from all over the world to make citizenship and nationality-based applications. Our lawyers can provide tailored services specific to your individual circumstances remotely, rather than requiring you to travel to an office. The IAS can facilitate appointments over the phone and via video calls.

Contact our team today on 0333 305 9375.