List of Countries That Allow Dual Citizenship 2025

Updated: 1 May 2025, 11:14 am

Dual citizenship is becoming increasingly popular worldwide, offering individuals the chance to enjoy the rights and privileges of two nations. This guide highlights the most updated dual citizenship countries list for 2025, including countries that allow multiple citizenship and countries that recognize dual citizenship across Europe, the Americas, and beyond.

What Is Dual Citizenship?

Dual citizenship, also known as dual nationality, refers to the status of an individual who is legally recognized as a citizen of two countries simultaneously. This means that a person can hold two passports, enjoy the rights and privileges of both countries, and be subject to the laws and obligations of both nations. Dual citizenship can occur automatically in some cases, such as when a child is born to parents from different countries, or it can be obtained through legal processes like naturalization.

How to Become a Dual Citizen?

• Birthright Citizenship: Some countries automatically grant citizenship to individuals born within their territory, regardless of parental nationality. However, many nations today rely more heavily on citizenship by descent.
  

• Naturalization: A foreign national can become a citizen through a legal process involving residency requirements, language proficiency, and civic integration. Some countries, like Germany, have recently reduced the residency requirement to five years (or even three years for highly integrated individuals) while now allowing dual citizenship.
  

• Marriage to a Citizen: Marrying a citizen of another country can simplify and speed up the naturalization process, although it usually does not confer automatic citizenship. Requirements vary depending on the country.
  

• Citizenship by Descent (Ancestry): Many countries, such as Italy, Ireland, and Poland, offer citizenship to individuals who can prove ancestry, often even across multiple generations. Documentation is essential for this process.
  

• Citizenship by Investment Programs: Some countries provide citizenship in exchange for significant financial investments in the country’s economy. Examples include Malta, Turkey, and several Caribbean nations like St. Kitts and Nevis.
  

• Golden Visa Programs (Residency by Investment): Golden Visa programs are highly sought after by high-net-worth individuals seeking residency through investment, particularly in Europe. Portugal Golden Visa, for instance, remains an attractive option, allowing investors to apply for citizenship after five years of residency.

 As of late 2023, Portugal has reformed its program by removing real estate investments and focusing on investments in scientific research, culture, and business development.

Advantages of Dual Citizenship

Dual citizenship offers several benefits, including:

• Travel Freedom: Dual citizens often have greater flexibility for visa-free travel using either of their two passports and enjoy access to additional consular services abroad.

• Access to Benefits: Dual citizens can enjoy social services, educational opportunities, and healthcare in both countries.

• Business Opportunities: Being a citizen of two countries can facilitate international business ventures and investment opportunities.

• Cultural Exchange: Dual citizenship allows individuals to immerse themselves in and benefit from two different cultures, languages, and traditions.

• Property Ownership: In some countries, only citizens are permitted to purchase property. Dual citizenship may provide the necessary legal rights to own real estate in both countries.

Disadvantages of Dual Citizenship

However, dual citizenship also has potential downsides:

1. Dual citizens may be subject to taxation in both countries, although tax treaties often mitigate this burden.
2. Dual citizens must adhere to the laws of both countries, which can sometimes conflict, especially regarding military service and law enforcement.
3. Navigating the legal and bureaucratic requirements of two countries can be complex and time-consuming.
4. In times of political tension or conflict, dual citizens may face challenges, such as travel restrictions or questioning of their loyalties.
5. Some countries do not recognize dual citizenship and may require individuals to renounce one of their citizenships, which can lead to loss of rights and privileges in that country.

List of Countries That Allow Dual Citizenship in 2025

Here is the complete list of countries that allow dual citizenship in 2025:

List of countries that do not allow dual citizenship

The following countries do not recognize or permit dual citizenship:

Countries That Allow Dual Citizenship Only by Descent

Certain countries offer citizenship by descent if you can provide evidence that your ancestors were citizens of that nation. These countries include:

Dual Citizenship with the US

Dual citizenship is allowed in the United States. A naturalized U.S. citizen is not required by U.S. law to relinquish their other citizenship. However, if you have dual citizenship and intend to travel to or from the U.S., you must use a U.S. passport to enter and exit the country. This requirement ensures that U.S. citizens are subject to U.S. laws and regulations when they are within the country’s borders. While dual citizens enjoy the benefits of both nationalities, they must also adhere to the responsibilities and obligations of holding U.S. citizenship, including abiding by U.S. travel and identification rules.

List of Countries That Allow Dual Citizenship with the US

Benefits of US Dual Citizenship

1. Freedom of movement: Dual citizens can live, work, and study freely in either country without visas.
2. Property ownership: Citizenship may allow you to buy property in countries where foreigners face restrictions.
3. Safety net: In crises, you have the option to relocate to your second country.
4. Broader travel access: A second passport can help bypass visa requirements in countries that restrict U.S. travelers.
5. Healthcare benefits: Some countries offer affordable, quality healthcare that dual citizens can access.
6. Social benefits: Citizenship makes it easier to access public services like healthcare and social support.
7. Business growth: Dual citizenship supports international business and entrepreneurial expansion.

Process of Obtaining Dual Citizenship

The process of obtaining dual citizenship typically involves proving eligibility through ancestry, marriage, residency, or investment, depending on the country’s laws. Applicants usually need to submit official documents, meet residency or language requirements, and pass background checks. Some countries offer streamlined processes for investors or descendants of citizens.

Requirements for Dual Citizenship

General Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet basic conditions such as having ancestral ties, marrying a citizen, residing legally for a certain period, or making a qualifying investment. A clean criminal record, good moral character, and language proficiency may also be required.

Documentation and Paperwork

Typical required documents include passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates (if applicable), proof of ancestry or residency, police clearance certificates, and sometimes financial statements. All paperwork must be official, valid, and often translated and legalized.

Investment Requirements

For citizenship by investment, applicants must contribute a specific amount to the country’s economy, often through government funds, real estate purchases, or business investments. Minimum amounts vary, usually starting around USD 100,000, depending on the country.

Residency Requirements

Some countries require applicants to live there for a certain period before applying for citizenship. Residency periods range from 2 to 10 years, during which applicants must maintain lawful status and demonstrate integration into society.

Drawbacks of US Dual Citizenship

Individuals holding political or government positions may face legal or professional restrictions. Some countries prohibit dual citizens from serving as military officers, judges, ministers, or members of parliament.

Additionally, dual citizens may be subject to double taxation if their other country does not have a tax treaty with the United States. The U.S. taxes its citizens on their worldwide income, regardless of residency. For example, even if you live in the Cayman Islands for 10 years, you are still required to file U.S. taxes.

The Easiest Way to Get Dual Citizenship

1. Citizenship by descent: Based on ancestry; usually the easiest and cheapest route if you can prove lineage (e.g., Italy, Ireland).
2. Citizenship by investment: Requires large financial contributions; available in Caribbean nations and Malta.
3. Citizenship by naturalization: Gained through long-term residency; requires meeting residency, language, and legal criteria.

Read more: Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship and Passports

Which Countries Grant Citizenship by Investment

Several countries offer citizenship by investment programs, providing individuals with the opportunity to acquire citizenship through investment in the country’s economy. Here are some programs: 

• St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment program 
• Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program
• Dominica citizenship by investment program
• Grenada citizenship by investment program
• Saint Lucia citizenship by investment program
• Egypt citizenship by investment program
• Turkey citizenship by investment program
• Malta citizenship by investment program
• Vanuatu citizenship by investment program

Each program has its own specific requirements, investment options, and benefits

Read more: List of Caribbean Countries Offering Citizenship by Investment Program

Benefits of Citizenship by Investment

• Citizenship by investment offers fast-tracked citizenship.
• It provides global mobility with visa-free travel.
• Investors can contribute to the host country’s economy.
• Some countries offer favorable tax regimes for citizens.
• Access to social services like healthcare and education is granted.
• Citizenship ensures security and stability.
• Family members can also obtain citizenship.

Which Countries Grant a Residence Permit Or Permanent Residence By Investment

What Duties And Rights Arise When Obtaining A Second Citizenship

Key Takeaways About Countries That Allow Dual Citizenship

• Dual citizenship allows individuals to legally hold two nationalities, offering expanded rights, mobility, and access to social services.
• Over 60 countries worldwide permit dual citizenship, including Portugal, Ireland, Canada, and Italy.
• Citizenship by descent, investment, and naturalization are the primary pathways to obtaining dual citizenship.
• Countries like St. Kitts and Nevis, Vanuatu, and Dominica offer the fastest dual citizenship through investment programs.
• Dual citizens must fulfill legal duties in both countries, including taxes, military service (where applicable), and civic responsibilities.

What is the Difference Between Citizenship and Permanent Residency?

Citizenship grants full rights in a country, including holding a passport, voting, and receiving full diplomatic protection abroad. Citizens owe permanent allegiance to the country and have unrestricted rights to live and work there.

Permanent residency, on the other hand, allows individuals to live, study, and work in a country indefinitely but without holding a passport, voting rights, or full political participation. Permanent residents must usually renew their status and may lose it if they violate residency conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which country offers the simplest path to obtain dual citizenship?

Various nations have different regulations, but some of the most straightforward countries to acquire dual citizenship through investment include Turkey, Vanuatu, Grenada, and Dominica. These nations offer citizenship by investment programs, enabling individuals to secure citizenship within a span of 2 to 8 months.

2. Does Portugal offer dual citizenship?

Yes, Portugal permits dual citizenship, although obtaining it involves meeting specific criteria, such as residency requirements and basic Portuguese language proficiency.

3. Which countries offer the fastest citizenship?

Vanuatu offers the fastest citizenship by investment, often in just one month. Argentina also provides a quick path via naturalization after only two years of residency.

4. Does Algeria allow dual citizenship?

Yes, Algeria permits dual citizenship.

5. Does the Netherlands allow dual citizenship?

The Netherlands typically prohibits dual citizenship, but exceptions exist—for example, for those born with multiple nationalities, married to a Dutch citizen, or unable to renounce their original nationality.

6. Does Belgium allow dual citizenship?

Yes, Belgium permits dual citizenship.

7. Does Egypt allow dual citizenship?

Yes, Egypt allows dual citizenship, and investors are not required to renounce their original nationality.

8. Does Sweden allow dual citizenship?

Yes, Sweden allows dual citizenship. Swedish citizens can hold one or more foreign citizenships alongside their Swedish citizenship.

9. Does France allow dual citizenship?

Yes, France allows dual citizenship. French citizens can acquire another nationality without losing their French citizenship.

10. Does Russia allow dual citizenship?

Yes, Russia allows dual citizenship. However, Russian citizens must formally notify the authorities if they acquire another nationality.

11. Does Italy allow dual citizenship?

Yes, Italy allows dual citizenship. Italian citizens can hold multiple nationalities without losing their Italian citizenship.

12. Is the UAE passport powerful?

Yes, the UAE passport is one of the world’s strongest, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries. See the following: A Complete List of The Strongest Passports in the World (2025).

13. Does the UAE allow dual citizenship?

Yes, the UAE allows dual citizenship in limited cases, primarily for investors and highly skilled professionals.

14. What is the easiest country to become a dual citizen of?

Vanuatu and Dominica offer some of the easiest and fastest dual citizenships through investment.

15. Does Pakistan allow dual citizenship?

Yes, Pakistan allows dual citizenship with select countries, including the US, UK, and Canada.