Pros and cons of having two citizenships
The complicated legal situation of a person who is a citizen of two nations at once comes with benefits and drawbacks. One benefit of dual citizenship is that a person may travel with two passports instead of one; however, this benefit comes with a possible cost in the form of double taxes.
Nuances of dual citizenship
- The rights of a dual citizen include the freedom to live and work in two countries, the right to own property in both nations, and the capacity to move about freely between the countries.
- Because certain nations do not permit dual citizenship, you may be required to renounce your birth citizenship before applying for citizenship in another country.
- There are several disadvantages associated with holding dual citizenship, such as the possibility of double taxation, the length, and expense of the procedure required to gain dual citizenship, and is subject to the laws of two countries.
- Although many migrants may become naturalized citizens upon moving to a new nation or marrying a foreign spouse, birth is the most straightforward route to acquiring dual citizenship.
- The application procedure for dual citizenship may be lengthy and costly, so you may want to consult with an immigration consultant before you start the process.
Dual citizenship benefits & drawbacks
The countries listed below are examples only. They may differ, and the rules, respectively, too, meaning that different pros and cons of dual citizenship may appear. Consider this before choosing a country where you can have two passports. To make the right choice, consult with experts such as Migronis. They will give you all the information you need on citizenship and residency through investment programs and help you find the best option for your case.
Advantages
- Rights in politics — A person with dual citizenship can vote and hold elected positions in whichever nation they are a citizen of. Several democratic liberties fall under this category.
- Mixing work and vacation — When traveling to any of their two home countries, dual nationals need neither a visa nor permission to remain for as long as they desire. They may legally look for employment in either country without the hassle that non-citizens have while trying to get a work visa. They are not subject to the same rules as their international counterparts when doing business.
- Welfare and related assistance — People with citizenship in more than one nation are entitled to all those countries’ advantages and protections. They may go abroad to get medical services unavailable in their nation of dual citizenship. They may study for the exact cost as local students.
- Separate passports — If you are a dual citizen, you may use both passports to travel. If you have dual citizenship in the United States and New Zealand, you’ll find it much simpler to travel back and forth between the two nations. Having a citizen’s passport eliminates the need for long-stay visas and any questioning about the purpose of your trip during the customs process.
- Possession of property — It is another advantage of dual citizenship. Some nations only allow their residents to own land. You would be entitled to acquire real estate in either — or both — of the two nations as a dual citizen. This may be particularly helpful if you regularly move between the two nations since owning property may provide a more affordable means of maintaining two residences.
- Education in culture — You will gain from being fully engaged in the two nations’ cultures as a dual citizen. Dual citizenship is also favored by certain government representatives, who view it as a means of enhancing the nation’s reputation as a top tourism destination. People with dual citizenship can study the histories of both countries, pick up two (or more) languages, and experience life in a new manner.
Disadvantages
- Dual responsibilities — You are subject to the laws of both nations if you have dual citizenship. When serving as an officer in a foreign military fighting a war against the United States, for instance, you risk losing your citizenship if you are a citizen of both the United States and the nation in question. US policy generally acknowledges that dual citizens may be lawfully required to carry out military duties overseas, and many may do so without compromising their US citizenship. However, it is vital to examine each circumstance thoroughly.
- Multiple taxes — You can owe taxes to the US government and the government of the nation where the income was produced if you live in your country of dual residence, a country other than the United States. However, to prevent double taxation, income tax treaties between the United States and other nations effectively lower or eliminate an individual’s tax burden. For instance, a treaty between the United States and New Zealand supersedes each nation’s income tax regulations to prevent double taxation.
- Some employment forms face barriers — The disadvantages of dual citizenship might vary depending on your work choice. Dual citizenship may prevent you from obtaining the security clearance you need for this kind of employment if you are looking for work with the US government or your position needs access to material that the US government considers classified. There may be fewer issues for persons born with dual citizenship than those who deliberately sought it out.
Complex procedure — Dual citizenship may sometimes occur automatically (for example, when a child is born in the US to foreign parents). The process may sometimes be time-consuming, costly, and challenging. Some individuals may be discouraged from obtaining dual citizenship because of this.
