Planning to obtain a second passport but unsure whether it’s allowed in your country? Not all states treat dual citizenship the same way. In some, it is fully legalized, while in others, it may lead to the loss of your first passport and legal risks.
Our lawyers will help you verify whether dual citizenship is allowed in your country and the chosen jurisdiction, select a reliable investment program without the risk of losing your status, assess tax implications and obligations of holding two passports, and safely obtain a second passport or residence permit in compliance with all international regulations.
What is Dual Citizenship and Why Do Investors Need It
Dual citizenship is a legal status in which a person is simultaneously a citizen of two or more countries. This means that they hold passports from several nations, have rights and obligations in each of them, and can benefit from the advantages of both citizenships. This allows them to:
- Use two passports for travel;
- Reside in both countries without a visa or additional permits;
- Have the right to work, do business, and purchase real estate in both jurisdictions;
- Access healthcare and education services in both countries.
At the same time, you retain certain obligations to both states: paying taxes, performing military service, and others.
A second passport can significantly expand opportunities for those who manage assets, develop international business, or simply want to secure their future:
- Freedom of movement. One of the most obvious benefits is visa-free access to dozens of countries. For example, the passport of Saint Kitts and Nevis provides access to more than 150 countries worldwide, including the United Kingdom and the Schengen Area;
- Financial flexibility and tax planning. Having a second citizenship allows you to choose a jurisdiction with a favorable tax regime and legally minimize your tax burden. For example, Vanuatu citizenship or UAE residency helps reduce or completely avoid income tax;
- Asset protection. If there are political or economic risks in your primary country of citizenship, a second passport provides the ability to quickly relocate assets, move your business, and protect your family.
If you are considering obtaining a second citizenship, our legal team will help you assess all legal and tax aspects, choose the right program, and safely guide you through the entire process from start to finish.
Types of Attitudes Toward Dual Citizenship: Full Prohibition, Limited Permission, and Full Acceptance
The issue of dual citizenship is regulated at the national level, and approaches vary from country to country. Broadly, all states can be divided into three categories.
- Full Permission
In such countries, citizens are free to acquire a second passport without losing their first one. This is the most liberal regime, particularly popular among countries with citizenship-by-investment programs. Examples: France, Canada, Saint Kitts and Nevis. - Permission with Restrictions
These countries allow dual citizenship under certain conditions. For example, obtaining permission, mandatory notification of the authorities, or automatic loss of citizenship upon voluntary naturalization in another country. Examples: Germany, South Korea, India. - Full Prohibition
In these countries, acquiring a second citizenship automatically results in the loss of the original one. This approach is based on the idea of exclusive state loyalty. Examples: China, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine.
Dual Citizenship Considerations for Investors
The main question an investor should ask before obtaining a second citizenship is: how will this affect my tax status? From a legal standpoint, dual citizenship itself does not automatically mean double taxation. Everything depends on the country of tax residency, not citizenship. Many countries tax the worldwide income of tax residents, but not of citizens residing abroad. However, there are exceptions. For example, the United States is one of the few countries where tax obligations apply regardless of place of residence.
If you obtain a second passport in a country that does not tax foreign-sourced income, this allows for legal tax optimization. It is also important to consider whether a double taxation avoidance agreement (DTA) exists between your home country and the jurisdiction of your second citizenship. These agreements help allocate tax obligations between countries and avoid the double taxation of the same income.
Let’s look at a few countries investors should consider:
- Caribbean countries (Saint Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Dominica)
These countries are among the countries that allow dual citizenship and offer citizenship-by-investment programs without requiring the renunciation of your existing passport. Benefits include:
- No income tax on foreign-sourced income;
- Fast processing (2–6 months);
- Visa-free access to more than 140 countries.
Especially beneficial for investors seeking mobility and tax neutrality.
- Turkey
Offers citizenship through real estate investment starting at $400,000.
Pros:
- Compatible with other citizenships (dual citizenship is allowed);
- No tax on global income if you are not a tax resident;
- Participation in business programs and access to Middle Eastern and European markets.
Suitable for those planning active investment and residence at the crossroads of regions.
- Portugal
Although the Golden Visa program changed in 2024, Portugal recognizes dual citizenship and offers naturalization after 5 years of legal residence. Advantages:
- EU membership and access to the single European market;
- NHR tax regime (for new residents) with partial exemptions on foreign income;
- A flexible approach to retaining previous citizenship.
Ideal for long-term investment strategies and planning a life in Europe.
Countries Offering Citizenship by Investment and Allowing Dual Citizenship
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Kitts and Nevis offers one of the most reputable citizenship-by-investment programs in the world, operating since 1984. A passport can be obtained through a non-refundable donation starting at $250,000 or the purchase of approved real estate from $400,000. The process takes on average 4 to 6 months, does not require physical residence, and imposes no tax obligations on foreign income. Dual citizenship is fully recognized without restrictions. Investors may keep their current passports without notification or renunciation.
Antigua and Barbuda
The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship-by-investment program allows obtaining a passport through a contribution of $100,000 to the national fund or the purchase of real estate from $200,000. The passport is issued within 4 months. The law allows dual citizenship without restrictions. The only requirement is to visit the country for at least 5 days within the first 5 years after obtaining citizenship.
Grenada
Grenada has offered citizenship by investment since 2013. Investors can choose between a government fund donation starting at $150,000 or the purchase of approved real estate starting at $220,000. The passport is issued within 4–6 months. Grenada officially recognizes dual citizenship and does not require renunciation of the original nationality. A key advantage is the ability to apply for the U.S. E-2 investor visa and visa-free access to China.
Dominica
Dominica is one of the most affordable countries with a citizenship-by-investment program. The minimum contribution is $100,000, and the second passport can be obtained in 3–5 months. The country fully allows dual citizenship, requires no notifications, and permits full retention of original status. There is no requirement to reside in the country.
Saint Lucia
Saint Lucian citizenship can be obtained through a donation to the National Economic Fund starting at $100,000 or investments in real estate, government bonds, or business projects. The process takes 3–6 months. Dual citizenship is recognized by law without additional restrictions. The country actively promotes its CBI program as a tool for global investors and does not require residence or visits.
Turkey
Turkey offers citizenship by investment through the purchase of real estate starting at $400,000 or a bank deposit of $500,000. The process takes 3–6 months. The law permits dual citizenship, but requires notifying the Turkish authorities of a second passport. Turkish citizenship provides access to regional markets, business in the Middle East, and investor opportunities in European countries. It also allows for business visas to the U.S. and the UK.
Vanuatu
Vanuatu is the only country in Asia and Oceania offering such a fast and direct citizenship-by-investment program. A passport can be obtained within 1–2 months with a donation starting at $130,000 to the national fund. Dual citizenship is allowed, and the country does not require renunciation of an existing passport or impose residence obligations.
Malta
Malta offers citizenship by investment through a naturalization procedure based on exceptional services, requiring investments starting at €600,000 and mandatory residence of 12 to 36 months. The country recognizes dual citizenship, provided it does not conflict with the investor’s country of origin. A Maltese passport grants access to all EU countries and offers broad business opportunities in Europe, as well as a favorable tax regime with proper structuring.
If you are planning to invest in citizenship, our legal team will help you choose the optimal jurisdiction, prepare documents, pass due diligence, and complete the entire process safely.
How to Choose a Country for Second Citizenship: Lawyer’s Recommendations
Before selecting a jurisdiction for second citizenship, it’s important to understand whether your home country allows dual citizenship. In some countries, holding a second passport may lead to loss of current citizenship, fines, or even criminal liability for concealing the status. Therefore, before choosing a jurisdiction, it’s essential to analyze your country’s national legislation to avoid unwanted consequences.
An experienced lawyer is more than just someone who helps fill out forms. This is a specialist who:
- Assesses the legality of dual citizenship in the context of your personal situation;
- Conducts a legal analysis of the chosen jurisdiction, including migration and tax risks;
- Reviews the terms of Citizenship by Investment (CBI) or Residency by Investment (RBI) programs for compliance with your goals;
- Assists in the procedure from document preparation to obtaining a passport or residence permit;
- Helps properly arrange an exit from tax residency, if needed, to avoid double taxation.
The complexity of such procedures requires full legal compliance. Mistakes or misunderstandings can lead to denial of the passport, account freezes, or issues with tax authorities.
Let’s look at the most common mistakes to avoid:
1. Choosing unofficial or “grey” programs
Some online offers promise to deliver a “passport” within a few weeks without government involvement. These are typically scams or programs not recognized under international law. Using such documents can result in arrest during travel, visa cancellation, or criminal charges for forgery. Always verify whether the program is government-registered and published in official sources.
2. Ignoring tax consequences
Holding a second citizenship may impact your tax status. If you earn income from different countries, it is crucial to understand in which jurisdiction you remain a tax resident. Without properly exiting tax residency, you may face a situation where tax authorities from both countries demand payment on the same income.
3. Not knowing residency requirements
Some countries only grant citizenship upon meeting physical presence requirements. If you fail to meet these conditions, citizenship may be revoked, or you may never be eligible. For example, in Portugal, applying for citizenship requires five years of legal residence, even with a Golden Visa.
How We Help Investors Choose a Country with Suitable Citizenship
Our lawyers assist investors in assessing which programs best suit their goals: tax optimization, asset protection, expanding freedom of movement, or entering new markets. We carefully check whether your country allows dual citizenship, analyze migration and fiscal risks, and eliminate conflicts with international law.
We support the client at all stages: from choosing the jurisdiction to obtaining the passport. We help select a program with a solid reputation and transparent conditions. We conduct legal due diligence of the documentation, organize a background check (due diligence), and ensure all government requirements are met. If needed, we coordinate with tax advisors and banks.
Our goal is not just to arrange a second passport for you, but to do it safely, legally, and with your long-term interests in mind. We work with trusted programs in the Caribbean, Turkey, Europe, and Vanuatu and are ready to find the best solution for your case.
Contact us today and receive a personalized strategy for obtaining second citizenship with legal guarantees at every stage.
