Dual Nationality

Dual Nationality is the right of an individual to have, simultaneously, their nationality recognized by two different States, through proof of descent or links with a citizen of another country.

It is desired by a large part of society because of the multiple benefits it offers to the individual. The Dual Nationality application process has bureaucratic and complicated steps that end up making it difficult. With that in mind, Argos, through a  specialized and personalized consultancy , seeks to simplify this process so that you can achieve your dream of entering the world!

Currently, there are 195 recognized countries in the world and the vast majority of the world’s nearly 8 billion people are citizens of those countries. Some of them also have dual citizenship, with two or more passports.

Dual citizenship means that two countries claim and protect you as one of their own. This can happen when you have parents from different countries, or if you are born in a country other than the country of your parents’ citizenship.

You can also acquire a second citizenship by naturalizing as a citizen of another country. In some cases, this process can lead to dual citizenship.

What does dual nationality imply?

The person who has dual nationality has a double legal relationship and will be considered as a national in two countries. Which will grant all the rights, duties and legal burden that correspond to the citizens of each country.

But this does not mean that you will be subject to both laws. Since most dual nationality agreements will only take into account that of the individual’s domicile.

What countries do not accept dual nationality?

There are some countries that do not allow their citizens to have dual citizenship. Either due to strict control or because its laws include the automatic loss of nationality when processing a different citizenship.

Some countries that do not accept dual nationality are:

• China.
• North Korea.
• Andorra.
• Austria.
• Azerbaijan.
• The Savior.
• India.
• Estonia.
• Georgia.
• Indonesia.
• Japan.
• Iran.
• Egypt.

In these cases, people who acquire another nationality must renounce their citizenship of these countries.

What are the advantages of having dual nationality?

Having dual nationality can have several advantages, although there are also some disadvantages and considerations to take into account. Some of the main advantages of having dual nationality include:

• Greater flexibility in terms of travel: It can make it easier to travel to different countries as you can use each country’s passport as needed. This can be especially useful if one of the countries has stricter visa restrictions or if one of the countries is more difficult to access from your country of residence.
• Increased security: In some cases, having dual citizenship can provide a greater degree of security and protection in the event of an emergency or crisis in one of the countries of citizenship. For example, if you live in a country where there is political instability or conflict, it may be useful to have the option of turning to the citizenship of another country in an emergency.
• Greater job flexibility: It can make you more attractive to employers in different countries and can make the process of working abroad easier. In some cases, having dual nationality can also facilitate the process of obtaining a work visa abroad.
• Greater residency flexibility: Having dual nationality can make the process of settling abroad easier and can provide more options in terms of where to live.
• Greater flexibility in terms of rights: Dual nationality can provide more rights and benefits, such as the ability to vote in elections or access public services in both countries.

What are the disadvantages of dual nationality?

It is important to bear in mind that having dual nationality can also entail some disadvantages or considerations to take into account, such as the need to comply with tax obligations in both countries or the possibility of having to renounce one of the citizenships in some cases. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of having dual citizenship before making a decision.

• You must comply with citizen duties: Nationals of a country are obliged to comply with its laws. Many times, by breaking the law, non-nationalized residents are deported to their countries of origin. While the citizens of the country are prosecuted by the regulations of the country’s justice system.
• You must keep your documentation up to date: If you have two passports, it is recommended that you have both up to date by doing the corresponding procedures in each country. It is also necessary that you inform yourself of the duties and obligations of citizens such as the taxes of both countries. Since if they are not fulfilled they can be legally punished.
• When entering each country of which you are a national, you must use the passport of that country. You cannot use the one of the other country of which you are a national.

Common Ways to Get Dual Citizenship

People generally become dual citizens through three pathways.

Perhaps the most common way to obtain dual citizenship is to be born with it. In countries with birthright citizenship (jus soli), such as the United States or Canada, anyone born within the country is automatically a citizen regardless of where their parents are from. (Note, however, that birthright citizenship does not extend to the parents of the newborn.)

Your birth may also entitle you to multiple citizenships if your parent is a citizen of a country other than the one in which you were born. For example, a child born in the United States to a United Kingdom citizen is generally eligible to be both a United States citizen and a United Kingdom citizen, with a passport from each country.

You can also apply for citizenship by naturalization. The exact laws differ from nation to nation. In the United States, marriage is a common path to citizenship, as is coming to the country to work. Many countries have residency requirements and some will require you to renounce other citizenships or nationalities as part of the process.

The difference between citizenship and permanent residence

Dual or multiple citizenship is different from being a permanent resident of a country. Permanent residency status varies by country, but it is not the same as citizenship.

In the United States, being a permanent resident means that the US government gives you a green card with many rights, but not all the rights of a full citizen.

Permanent residency is often a path to citizenship through naturalization. A lawful permanent resident can apply for citizenship if they have had that status for the last three to five years, for example, under US law. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) governs that process.

The difference between citizenship and nationality

Depending on the laws of the countries involved, a person may also have dual nationality. The word “nationality” is often used interchangeably with “citizenship”. This is partly due to interlanguage interpretation.

Your “nationality” generally refers to your country of origin, not your current residence. “Citizenship” means that you and a country have a unique relationship. As a citizen, you pay income taxes in that country and follow its laws. In return, the country provides its citizens with legal protection and social benefits.