Citizenship is primarily a relationship between an individual and a country to which the individual owes allegiance and in turn, is entitled to that country's protection.

Each country determines the conditions where with it recognizes a person or people as it's citizens and the conditions under which that status can or will be withdrawn. Recognition by a country as a citizen generally carries with it recognition of civil, political, and social rights of which non-citizens are not entitled to. 

Dual citizenship or dual nationality means being a citizen of two countries at thesame time, sharing the rights and responsibilities of the citizens in each country. Not every country allows dual citizenship, and the rules vary among those that do. 

Obtaining a U.S. dual citizenship simply means that you are both a citizen of the United States and a citizen of another country. In the U.S., anyone who fulfills the requirements for naturalization may be able to become a U.S. citizen. However, Just because the United States does allow dual citizenship, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your country of origin does too. Some countries, such as China and India will not recognize your status as a naturalized American on their soil. You may even lose your citizenship automatically in those countries upon becoming a U.S. citizen. 

Hence, it is important to understand the dual citizenship rules in your country of origin before pursuing U.S. citizenship. 

So while the U.S. and some other countries allow dual citizenship, there are some countries who don't allow and some who operate restricted and highly selective eligibility criteria, such as Spain, which only permits dual nationality with selected Latin American countries. 

 

List of Countries that allow dual citizenship. 

The following countries allow dual citizenship but you must know that this list is subject to change, as such, there is no guarantee that the information below is accurate and/or current. You are advised to navigate through only the newly updated list that would best serve your present position. 

 

Armenia

Australia

Barbados

Belgium

Bangladesh

Canada

Czech Republic

Cyprus

Denmark

Egypt

France

Finland

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Iceland

Ireland

Iraq

Israel

Italy

Kenya

Lebanon

Malta

Mexico

Pakistan

Philippines

Poland

Portugal

Serbia

Sierra Leone

Slovenia

South Africa

South Korea

Spain

Sri Lanka

Sweden

Switzerland

Syria

Thailand

Tonga

Turkey

United Kingdom

 

List of Countries where dual citizenship is not allowed. 

The following countries do not allow dual citizenship but you must understand that this list is subject to change. As such, there's no guarantee that the information below is accurate and/or current. You are advised to navigate through only the newly updated list that would best serve your present position. 

 Andorra

Austria

Azerbaijan

Burma

Bahrain

Botswana

Brunei

Chile

China

Ecuador

Estonia

Fiji

India

Indonesia

Iran

Japan

Kuwait

Kazakhstan

Kiribati

Korea

Kuwait

Latvia

Lithuania

Malaysia

Mauritius

Myanmar

Nepal

Netherlands

Norway

Papua New Guinea

Peru

Romania

Singapore

Slovakia

Solomon Islands

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Venezuela

Vietnam

Zimbabwe

 

Rights of dual citizens in the U.S. 

The following are some of the significant benefits in having a dual citizenship with the United States. 

  • The priority to work in both Countries. 
  • You can travel without restrictions to both countries. You won’t need to apply for a visa to enter either country. You'll enjoy the right to enter the US without immigration restrictions but this requires you to enter the US as a US citizen, using your US passport. 
  • You can obtain green cards for your family. 
  • Ability to exercise your franchise in both countries. 
  • Ability to attend school without a student visa and without paying international student tuition rates.
  • You get to benefit from social programs and health care from both countries.
  • Ability to own properties in both countries. 
  • Your children automatically become U.S. citizens, even if they’re born abroad. You’ll simply need to report your child’s birth to a U.S. embassy or consulate. 

 

What are the obligations of dual citizens in the United States ? 

The following are some of the obligations required to be fulfilled as one having a dual citizenship with the United States. 

  • You must pay U.S. taxes for life. 
  • You must disclose any previous encounters with law enforcement. 
  • You must serve in the military if required by law. 
  • You must serve on a jury when summoned.
  •  

What Are the Drawbacks of US Dual Citizenship?

If you share dual citizenship with the US, you may come across several disadvantages such as: 

  • Lack of protection from US consular offices or embassy in your other country of nationality. 
  • Dual obligations or responsibilities.
  • Double taxation. 
  • The process of obtaining another citizenship can be arduous and lengthy.

 

What About Consular Protection?

Maintaining dual citizenship in the United States and another country can make things complicated – such as when you want consular protection. Consular protection is the term that refers to help a country provides to its citizens who are living or traveling abroad. That help can range from finding copies of your travel documents or a lost passport to providing temporary refuge when you’re in danger.

It may be difficult for the United States to help you if you need consular protection when you’re a dual citizen and that’s especially true if you’re in your home country. The U.S. may not be able to shield you or give you the physical protection you need if you’re also a citizen of the nation you’re in.

 

Does India Allow Dual Citizenship With the US?

Indian citizens who naturalize in the United States automatically lose their Indian citizenship but may register as an “Overseas Citizen of India” (OCI). OCIs receive a multi-entry permanent visa, they are exempted from registering as foreign nationals, and are entitled to all rights of non-resident Indians but will have no political rights in India. 

 

 

Does the Netherlands allow dual citizenship with another country ?

If a Dutch national over the age of 18 willingly obtains citizenship or naturalization from another country, he or she will lose Dutch citizenship. However, if you’re a citizen of another country and marry a Dutch national or a refugee, you may hold dual citizenship.

 

How do I get US Citizenship?

You can get US citizenship if you meet the requirements for one of the following: 

  • Citizenship by birth. The US is one of the few countries that allow citizenship by birth regardless of the nationality of the child’s parent. So, if you were born on US soil, then you can obtain citizenship.  
  • Citizenship by acquisition. If you were born abroad to parents who are US citizens, you are automatically a US citizen. But, this is valid only if one of your parents lived in the US for a specific amount of time.
  • Citizenship by naturalization. You can get US citizenship by naturalization if you fulfill the following criteria: 
  • You are 18 years old when applying. 
  • You are a permanent resident of the US. Lawful permanent residents – commonly called green card holders – can apply for naturalization as soon as they have met the requirements. 
  • You have been a permanent resident for at least five years.