Each of us is a citizen of at least one nation; but it is possible - and legal - to be a citizen of even two. This status is called "dual citizenship": it is a process to be carefully considered, because it is not easy to obtain and could even have legal complications. In this article you can find some tips on how to get dual citizenship.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Check your birth rights
Step 1. Look at the citizenship rules governing the country where you were born
In fact, birth in some countries, such as the United States of America, automatically gives the citizenship of that nation. This birthright is called "ius soli" (right of land). In other countries, however, such as Switzerland, this method is not contemplated.
Step 2. Determine your parents' country (s) of citizenship and review its regulations
Some states guarantee citizenship according to the "ius sanguinis" (right of blood), that is, to the children of citizens of their country, even if born outside their own borders.
Method 2 of 5: Define your Rights, other than those of Birth
Step 1. Check the marriage laws
If you are married to someone from another country, you may be entitled to the same citizenship as him. Usually, however, this benefit is not created automatically with the celebration of the marriage, but only after having transferred the residence as a foreigner and having completed a naturalization process.
Step 2. Confirmation of naturalization
Birth or marriage are not the only alternatives for obtaining citizenship of a country. There is also the naturalization process. It is a path that usually requires a period of effective residence in that State, as a foreigner, and participation in a specific course of general culture on that State, complete with a final test.
Method 3 of 5: Look for Citizenship Waiver Requirements
Step 1. Verify that both countries allow dual citizenship
Some countries want their citizenship to be renounced if that of another country is obtained. This waiver can be expressed formally or informally, depending on the rules in force. In this case, remember that you cannot have dual citizenship status.
Method 4 of 5: Consider the Implications of Dual Citizenship
Step 1. It is important to understand if there may be any conflicts with the dual citizenship you want to have
In general, any state that you are a citizen of will regard you as its citizen, and passively ignore any other citizenships you may have. However, this can give rise to conflicts in understanding, for example, in which country you have to fulfill the obligations of military service, or what taxation you are subjected to, as well as what travel restrictions there may possibly be.
- Make your taxation clear. According to the laws of many nations, the competent tax authority, to which to pay taxes, is the one in which the taxable income was generated. The United States, however, is an important exception to this rule.
- Avoid military service. In industrialized countries this is usually not a problem; but if you have another citizenship in a less industrialized country, where compulsory military service is foreseen, you will have to solve this problem through legal means. You may no longer be able to leave that country if, once you enter, you do not fully fulfill the required military service obligations.
- Be careful when traveling. In each of the countries you go to, both citizenships are considered. If one is welcome but the other is not, you could certainly have problems in the country you want to visit.
Method 5 of 5: Obtain a Second Citizenship
Step 1. Becoming a citizen by naturalization
You must reside as a foreign national for a period of time and complete the naturalization process, which may have a general culture test on that nation.
Step 2. Citizenship by marriage
In many cases, marrying a citizen of the state you want to have citizenship will not automatically guarantee you will be able to get it. Marriage usually makes naturalization easier and faster than expected.
Advice
The Embassy or Consulate of the foreign country is a good starting point to understand what the laws in force are for applying for citizenship. They can give you information directly or indicate the bodies or departments to support you
Warnings
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NOT ALL states allow dual citizenship.
For the United States there are no problems, but in other countries it is not possible. Check the websites of the immigration ministries of the various countries for more details or you may even lose the citizenship you already have.
- After obtaining dual citizenship, you must comply with the laws in force of both states.
