A Background to Multiple Citizenship

Multiple nationality is another term for multiple citizenship. According to the 1997 European Convention on Nationality, “”multiple nationality” means the simultaneous possession of two or more nationalities by the same person.” Essentially, it’s the same as dual citizenship.

The fact that the definition came as late as the second half of the 20th century goes to show that the concept is a relatively modern one. Traditionally, people came from one nation. They represented their home country at the Olympics or World Cup.

However, growing immigration for a variety of reasons led to people moving away from their country of origin. Whether it is because of employment, marriage, or geopolitical developments, citizenship has become less one-dimensional and more multifaceted.

There is increasing global recognition that multiple citizenship is an acceptable aspect of internationalism. Yet there is still disparity with Africa lagging behind Oceania, North, Central, and South America, Asia, and Europe in its permitting of multiple citizenship. Still, the likes of Egypt, Morocco, and Nigeria allow you to hold multiple citizenships whereas China, India, and the UAE do not.

Certain countries allow you to be a multiple citizen, but only with specific nations and not all. Smaller countries such as Eastern Caribbean islands encourage multiple citizenship as a way of avoiding an over-reliance on tourism. HNWIs look to multiple citizenship as a way of protecting their assets and supplying a legacy plan for their offspring.

9.) Dominica

Passport Power: 153 Visa-Free Destinations

The Dominica passport is not what it was. In 2023, Dominica citizens lost visa-free access to the UK. A year later, they no longer enjoy visa-free travel to Ireland.

8.) St Lucia

Passport Power: 154 Visa-Free Destinations

Another of the Eastern Caribbean countries allowing multiple citizenship is St Lucia. Situated almost due south of Dominica, St Lucia is a similarly tropical getaway. However, the St Lucia passport is slightly stronger than the Dominica one.

7.) Grenada

Passport Power: 155 Visa-Free Destinations

Currently, the minimum investment you need to make to secure a Grenada passport is $150,000. This is $50,000 more expensive than in neighbouring Dominica and St Lucia. It does, however, buy you an extra visa-free destination.

6.) Antigua and Barbuda

Passport Power: 157 Visa-Free Destinations

Its 1981 constitution establishes Antigua and Barbuda as one of the 5 Eastern Caribbean countries allowing multiple citizenship. What’s more, the investment threshold is set at the same as Dominica and St Lucia. So, those Antigua and Barbuda passport extra visa-free destinations cost a mere $100,000.

5.) St Kitts and Nevis

Passport Power: 161 Visa-Free Destinations

Section 93 of the St Kitts and Nevis constitution recognizes dual citizenship. St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment is the world’s oldest Citizenship by Investment Programme. It has set up a route to a St Kitts and Nevis passport since 1984.

4.) United States of America

Passport Power: 174 Visa-Free Destinations

In our Passport Index, the US passport is in 8th place. Provider of the celebrated Green Card, your entry route is via the EB-5 Investor Visa. After 5 years of permanent residency in the States, you become eligible to apply for US citizenship. 

3.) Canada

Passport Power: 175 Visa-Free Destinations

The Canada passport is one of the most powerful passports in the world right now. The passport of the birthplace of modern Residency by Investment is in 7th position. With a Canada Start-Up Visa, you can navigate a well-trodden path to Canadian citizenship.

2.) United Kingdom

Passport Power: 177 Visa-Free Destinations

Occupying 5th position in our Passport Index, the UK passport is a classic travel document. It may come as a surprise to discover the UK is one of the countries to allow multiple citizenship. But given its cultural, educational, and quality of life advantages, the UK Innovator Founder Visa is a reassuringly straightforward way to qualify for British citizenship.

1.) Italy

Passport Power: 180 Visa-Free Destinations

Our Passport Index rates the Italy passport as the second strongest worldwide. If you can demonstrate Italian heritage, you can apply for Italian Citizenship by Descent. Italy is a favourite with expats, drawn to its laid-back lifestyle, sunny climate, and tasty gastronomy. 

Multiple Citizenship FAQ

1.) Does Canada Allow Multiple Citizenship?

Yes. Dual citizenship has been a right for all Canadians since 1977.

2.) Can You Have Multiple Citizenships?

Yes, you can have multiple citizenships. But dual citizenship is not available in every country. While the UK is one of the countries allowing multiple citizenship, Spain, for example, is not. So, if you wanted to become a Spanish national, you’d have to renounce your British citizenship.

3.) Does Australia Allow Multiple Citizenship?

Yes. You can be a citizen of Australia and another country. But not any country, as not all countries allow multiple citizenship.

4.) What Countries Allow Multiple Citizenship?

Many countries permit dual citizenship. Here are some of the main ones:

1. Italy
2. The UK
3. Canada
4. The US
5. St Kitts and Nevis
6. Antigua and Barbuda
7. Grenada
8. St Lucia
9. Dominica

5.) Does the US Allow Multiple Citizenships?

Yes. You can be an American citizen and the national of another country simultaneously. This means you can be an Italian passport holder as well as a US passport holder.

How to Get Multiple Citizenship in 2024

You might not know which route is the best one for you to take towards multiple citizenship. This is where you should consult an investment migration expert such as Latitude. So, don’t delay and contact us today.