Dual citizenship refers to being legally recognized as a citizen of two countries at the same time. Gaining that status can be life-changing—opening the door to living, working, studying, and accessing services abroad. That said, it’s not always an option.
Some governments make dual citizenship widely available, while others only allow it under certain conditions or forbid it all together. To figure out if your dual citizenship plans are possible, you’ll need to review the immigration laws of the countries you’re considering.
To help you get started, here’s a look at some of the countries that allow dual citizenship, along with tips for living between two countries.
Key takeaways
- Most countries allow dual citizenship, but some still restrict or forbid it.
- The percentage of countries that allow dual citizenship increased by almost 40% between 1960 and 2020.
- U.S. citizens can hold dual citizenship with many countries, including Canada, the U.K., Mexico, and Australia.
- Dual citizenship brings opportunities and benefits, but also complexities and obligations.
- You’ll need to understand the different laws, identify any legal conflicts, assess the benefits, and plan to manage cross-border finances.
What are the countries that allow dual citizenship?
Dual citizenship has become far more common in recent decades. What was once restricted by most governments is now allowed by the majority. But which countries allow it? Below, you’ll find a list of countries that permit dual nationality, including a few that do so in a limited capacity.
| Country | Dual Citizenship | Notes |
| Albania | Yes | |
| Argentina | Yes | |
| Armenia | Yes | |
| Australia | Yes | |
| Austria | Limited | Allowed for certain children, foreign professors, and participants in an investor program. Must apply for a permit of retention and have it approved to retain Austrian citizenship when acquiring another citizenship. |
| Bangladesh | Yes | |
| Barbados | Yes | |
| Belgium | Yes | |
| Belize | Yes | |
| Bolivia | Yes | |
| Brazil | Yes | |
| Bulgaria | Limited | Allowed for ethnic Bulgarians; naturalized citizens must renounce other nationalities. |
| Canada | Yes | |
| Chile | Yes | |
| Costa Rica | Yes | |
| Croatia | Limited | Allowed for ethnic Croatians by birth/descent; naturalized citizens must renounce other nationalities. |
| Cyprus | Yes | |
| Czech Republic | Yes | |
| Denmark | Yes | |
| Djibouti | Yes | |
| Dominica | Yes | |
| Egypt | Yes | |
| El Salvador | Limited | Allowed only for those born in El Salvador; naturalized citizens must renounce other nationalities. |
| Finland | Yes | |
| France | Yes | |
| Germany | Yes | |
| Greece | Yes | |
| Grenada | Yes | |
| Hungary | Yes | |
| Iceland | Yes | |
| Indonesia | Limited | Allowed for children under 18. |
| Ireland | Yes | |
| Israel | Yes | |
| Italy | Yes | |
| Jamaica | Yes | |
| Latvia | Yes | |
| Lebanon | Yes | |
| Liberia | Yes | |
| Luxembourg | Yes | |
| Malawi | Limited | Allowed since November 2021 for Malawians who are citizens by birth or descent; naturalized citizens must renounce other nationalities. |
| Malta | Yes | |
| Mexico | Yes | |
| Morocco | Yes | |
| Netherlands | Limited | Allowed for spouses, those born in Dutch territories, or unrecognized nationals. |
| New Zealand | Yes | |
| Nigeria | Yes | |
| Norway | Yes | |
| Pakistan | Limited | Allowed for citizens of 22 countries. |
| Panama | Yes | |
| Peru | Yes | |
| Philippines | Limited | Allowed to former natural-born Filipino citizens who have become naturalized citizens of other countries. |
| Poland | Yes | |
| Portugal | Yes | |
| Romania | Yes | |
| Russia | Limited | Allowed only if a treaty exists between Russia and the other country. |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | Yes | |
| Saint Lucia | Yes | |
| Serbia | Yes | |
| Slovakia | Limited | Allowed for birth or marriage-based citizenship. |
| Slovenia | Yes | |
| South Africa | Yes | |
| South Korea | Limited | Allowed for dual nationals at birth if declared by age 22; not allowed for adults. |
| Spain | Yes | |
| Sweden | Yes | |
| Switzerland | Yes | |
| Syria | Yes | |
| Tanzania | Yes | |
| Thailand | Yes | |
| Turkey | Yes | |
| United Arab Emirates | Limited | Allowed under the new citizenship law, naturalization remains extremely difficult. |
| United Kingdom | Yes | |
| United States | Yes | |
| Vanuatu | Yes | |
| Venezuela | Yes | |
| Zambia | Yes |
Sources: World Population Review, Global Citizens Solutions
Note: This list is not exhaustive. Always confirm the latest laws with the government of the country where you’re seeking citizenship.
Countries that allow dual citizenship with the United States
If you’re a U.S. citizen, you may be wondering which countries will extend dual citizenship to you. Because policies can be complex and change over time, the best way to check if a country is an option is by visiting its official government website or contacting its U.S. embassy or consulate.
However, here’s a sampling of countries that allow dual citizenship for U.S. citizens:
- Australia
- Belgium
- Canada
- Denmark
- France
- Finland
- Greece
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Mexico
- Pakistan
- Philippines
- Portugal
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
Growing interest in dual citizenship
Interest in dual citizenship has grown significantly in recent decades. Between 1960 and 2020, the share of countries allowing dual nationality rose from 38% to 76%, according to the Maastricht Centre for Citizenship, Migration, and Development. A regional domino effect has been noted by Oxford Academics, where countries tend to adopt the policy once enough of their neighboring countries have. Further, governments seem to be recognizing that allowing dual citizenship keeps emigrants politically connected and economically invested in their home countries.
As for individuals, many more are becoming interested in dual citizenship due to factors like remote work, family ties, business opportunities, global crises, and political volatility. A study by CS Global Partners found a 42% increase in the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program in 2020, amidst the pandemic.
Dual citizenship is appealing because it can make it easy to travel to and live in another country, utilize the country’s resources, and pursue business or educational opportunities. Additionally, it can act as a safeguard, so all your eggs aren’t in one country’s basket.
Managing life and finances across borders
If you’re planning to become a dual national soon, here are some key steps that can help you prepare for your new cross-border lifestyle:
- Research your rights and obligations: Each citizenship comes with its own set of privileges and responsibilities. Review fine print, such as tax rules, civic duties, and travel requirements, so you don’t get caught off guard.
- Check for conflicts between the two: Countries may have laws that conflict with each other. Compare your citizenships side by side to understand any potential problems and consider consulting an immigration lawyer.
- Set up local banking: Open a bank account in your second country to make everyday transactions easier, help you save on fees, grant you access to local financial services, and more.
- Streamline money transfers: International transfers will likely still be necessary as a dual citizen. Explore the most efficient ways to send or receive funds—such as sending money between mobile wallets.
- Leverage local opportunities: Assess opportunities in your new home country, such as healthcare options, education, credit, real estate, social services, and investment options. See which can benefit you and how they compare to your other home country’s offerings.
- Plan your time abroad: Decide on the amount of time you’ll spend in each country throughout the year, and how you’ll maintain your property, services, and belongings while you’re away.
Understanding the implications of a second citizenship up front can help you make the most of your second home country, while avoiding costly or serious problems down the road.
Send money abroad with Western Union
Living between countries as a dual citizen often means you’ll be moving money across borders. Western Union makes that process easy—whether you’re sending funds to family members, paying bills abroad, or transferring money to yourself. You can simply download the app, register a profile, enter the transaction details, and fund the transfer. Depending on the payment method, money can arrive as soon as the same day. End-to-end tracking ensures you’ll never be left wondering where your money is.
Join the millions who are using the Western Union app to send money around the world quickly and securely!
FAQs
The best way to check if a country allows dual citizenship is to go right to the source. Check the country’s official government website or contact its consulate or embassy in your country.
Yes, some countries still prohibit dual citizenship, such as China and India. In these cases, your citizenship will often be revoked if you acquire another one.
There’s no single “easiest” country for dual citizenship. The ease of the process will depend on your situation and the country’s citizenship laws. If you qualify for birthright citizenship in a country, it’ll likely be easiest for you to get dual citizenship there. If not, look to countries offering shorter naturalization timelines (e.g., Paraguay, Argentina, Peru) or streamlined investment routes (e.g., Vanuatu, Turkey, Dominica).
