Dual citizenship (dual passports) is a topic of interest to many people for a variety of reasons. Some seek a backup legal status in case of restrictions or to gain access to banking and business opportunities in different regions. Others need 2 or more citizenships to enjoy greater freedom of movement. Sometimes, more flexible tax planning is important.
Fortunately, there are various options available for those looking to achieve these goals. For example, many entrepreneurs choose Vanuatu citizenship by investment to optimize their tax position, as the country does not impose personal income or corporate taxes, and businesses generally pay only VAT. For greater freedom of movement, you may be able to obtain dual citizenship, subject to the nationality laws of the countries involved. One popular option is St. Kitts and Nevis, whose passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 149 destinations worldwide.
In this article, we’ll explore the specifics of dual nationality and its options. We’ll also explain how to cross borders with 2 passports, how to maximize the benefits of multiple citizenships, and how to acquire dual citizenship quickly.
How many passports can you legally hold?
Multiple citizenship means holding several passports from different countries. It’s permitted if the laws of a particular country allow it or don’t explicitly prohibit it (as in Romania). Second citizenship is a special case of multiple nationalities, whereby a person can hold 2 passports from different countries. Dual citizenship is a special regime governed by international agreements.
Two internal passports
An internal passport confirms a person’s identity and citizenship in the issuing country. A person can only hold one internal passport at a time, and a new passport is issued when the previous one expires, is damaged, or is lost.
Each country determines the permitted number of international passports.
Every citizen is required to have a current internal passport. Failure to do so may result in warnings and fines. However, it is also in the individual’s best interest to obtain this document—without it, access to government services is denied, opening a bank account is impossible, and other legally significant actions cannot be performed. Obtaining a foreign passport is not mandatory. Damaging or losing a passport may result in administrative liability, while using forged documents may result in criminal liability.
Two passports from different countries
If a person holds dual citizenship from different countries, they are legally in possession of both passports. They can also obtain international passports from both countries if desired.
Notifying the authorities of your home country that you have acquired a passport from another country is required by law.
Multiple and second citizenship: important differences
According to the European Convention on Nationality, second citizenship is defined as holding multiple passports simultaneously. However, dual citizenship differs from formal second citizenship.
Dual citizenship is established by a treaty between 2 countries and means that you have the right to hold passports from those countries.
With formal dual citizenship, you can hold 2 passports from different countries, but you will only be recognized as a citizen of each country, and your dual citizenship status will be ignored.
Note that the right to dual citizenship depends on your country of origin and the country where you plan to obtain it. A country may:
- explicitly prohibit dual citizenship (e.g., China);
- allow dual citizenship but require you to notify the authorities of your new citizenship;
- only allow dual citizenship for certain categories of citizens (e.g., Austria and the Netherlands for citizens by descent).
Like adults, children can also be dual nationals. Citizenship-by-investment programs in Vanuatu, Grenada, and other countries allow you to include your children in your application, so they acquire a passport at the same time as you. Since most countries’ Citizenship Acts legally enshrine citizenship by right of blood, you can pass on your citizenship through inheritance. Certain countries also use the right of soil. For example, a child born in Chile automatically receives Chilean citizenship. Therefore, they can also hold 2 passports.
Two or more citizenships: how to maximize the benefits
Having 2 passports means having 2 sets of rights related to border crossing, residency, taxation, and more. However, to maximize the benefits, you need to fully explore the possibilities of each passport and know when to use each one.
For example, if you hold a Grenadian passport, you may be eligible to apply for an E-2 investor visa to the United States, as Grenada is one of the countries that qualify for this program. As a result, acquiring a second citizenship can significantly expand your global mobility, business opportunities, and legal rights. The easiest and most efficient way to acquire a second citizenship that best suits your personal and professional goals is to work with an experienced legal advisor.
Where can I get a second nationality now?
Standard naturalization programs are available in many countries. However, to qualify under the applicable citizenship law, you must typically reside in the country for several years on a temporary or permanent residence permit. In addition, applicants are often required to learn the local language and, in some cases, pass an integration exam. For example, the path to becoming a citizen of another country, such as France or Germany, generally requires at least 5 years of legal residence.
For many purposes, citizenship is not required, and a residence permit may be sufficient. For example, someone who wants to live and do business in the EU can obtain a residence permit in countries such as France or Spain by establishing a business. If your long-term goal is to apply for citizenship, choosing the right immigration pathway from the outset is important. To avoid navigating complex bureaucratic procedures on your own, it is advisable to seek professional assistance. Specialists can assess your circumstances and recommend the solution best suited to your needs and objectives.
Investment programs are the most popular among foreigners considering second citizenship. Unlike standard naturalization, they allow you to obtain a second passport in a few months with no requirement to reside in or learn the language of the host country. The main requirement is to invest a certain amount in a national fund, business, or real estate, depending on the program.
The following options for acquiring a second passport by investment are available in 2026:
Dominica. The simplest option is to contribute at least USD 200,000 to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF). Alternatively, you can purchase real estate for the same amount, including resort projects, hotels, and premium residential complexes. In both cases, you can include an unlimited number of dependents, including adults (an additional fee applies). A Dominica passport allows for free or simplified travel to 136 countries, including those in the Schengen Area, as well as China, Brazil, and Argentina.
Antigua and Barbuda. To obtain a foreign citizenship, you can contribute at least USD 230,000 to the National Development Fund or purchase real estate from an approved development project worth at least USD 300,000. You can also invest in one of the selected enterprises (minimum of USD 1.5 million) or donate to the University of the West Indies Foundation (minimum of USD 260,000). Citizenship is also available for family members (spouse, children, parents, grandparents, and siblings). The Antigua and Barbuda passport has a mobility score of 145. With it, you can travel visa-free to the EU, China, South Africa, and other countries. You can also enter the UK with an electronic entry authorization.
St. Kitts and Nevis. The citizenship program requires a non-refundable contribution to a government fund that finances national projects, such as infrastructure, sustainability, and social programs. The minimum contribution is USD 250,000 per applicant or family of up to four people, and the amount increases for additional dependents. A similar amount can be invested in projects that benefit the country, such as developing a specific industry. Investments in government-approved real estate are also possible, starting from USD 325,000. With a St. Kitts and Nevis passport, you can travel to 149 countries visa-free, including those in the EU and South America.
St. Lucia. Citizenship can be obtained through investment in the National Development Fund (starting at USD 240,000), government bonds (starting at USD 300,000), real estate (starting at USD 300,000), or a business (starting at USD 250,000). All options allow for participation of relatives. Dual citizens with a St. Lucia passport can travel to 141 countries under a simplified procedure, including the EU, the UK, Brazil, and Argentina.
Grenada. Citizenship can be obtained by investing in the National Development Fund (starting at USD 235,000) or by purchasing approved real estate (starting at USD 270,000). An unlimited number of dependents may be included in the application for an additional fee. A Grenada passport allows for simplified travel to 141 countries. Citizens can also apply for an E-2 visa to the United States.
Egypt. The country offers 4 investment programs for citizenship. These programs include purchasing real estate (starting at USD 300,000), creating an investment project (starting at USD 350,000), making a three-year refundable deposit (starting at USD 500,000), and making a donation (starting at USD 250,000). The program allows children to be included in the application. An Egyptian citizen can have dual citizenship and retain their previous citizenship. They will receive all the rights of an Egyptian citizen, including free healthcare and education and free access to business and the real estate market.
Jordan. The country grants citizenship to foreigners who invest USD 1 million in government bonds or deposits, sponsor an investment project (USD 750,000 minimum), or purchase company shares worth USD 1.5 million. In addition to the investor, family members are eligible to participate in the program. A Jordanian passport allows you to live and do business in a country with a strategically advantageous geographic location (at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa) and a favorable business environment.
Nauru. The country offers one of the most affordable citizenship-by-investment programs. To obtain a passport, you must contribute a fixed amount to the Treasury Fund. At the time of publication, the amount was USD 90,000. Citizenship is available not only to the main applicant but also to their dependents and siblings. A Nauru passport allows visa-free travel to over 80 countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and South Korea.
Vanuatu. This country offers 2 options for obtaining a «golden passport». The Development Support Program (DSP) requires a donation of USD 130,000. The Capital Incentive Program (CIP) requires a contribution of USD 115,000, plus a USD 50,000 repayable investment. Both options allow family members to participate. A Vanuatu passport allows visa-free or facilitated travel to 94 countries.
Turkey. Turkey offers several investment options for citizenship. You can invest USD 500,000 in the local economy. Other options include purchasing government bonds or shares of real estate/venture capital funds for the same amount. You can also make a deposit of the same amount into a bank or a private pension system. Another option is to purchase real estate worth at least USD 400,000. You can include your spouse and children in your application. The Turkish passport has a mobility score of 121. With it, you can travel freely or under simplified conditions to almost all Latin American countries, as well as Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and other countries.
Sao Tome and Principe. This country offers one of the most affordable investment programs, with a minimum investment of just USD 90,000. For an additional fee, the investor’s spouse, children, and parents can obtain passports. With a São Tomé and Príncipe passport, you can travel to 70 countries under simplified conditions and enjoy tax optimization and simplified immigration to the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries.
Sierra Leone. This African country offers the «Go for Gold» program, which allows you to obtain second citizenship by investing at least USD 140,000. Another option is a contribution of USD 65,000 plus the purchase of at least 1 kilogram of gold. In this case, the investor is granted permanent residency and can immediately apply for naturalization. Relatives and one business partner can be included in the application. A Sierra Leone passport is ideal for individuals looking to develop a business in the region because the country is a member of ECOWAS. Investors also receive a discount on gold purchases.
There are many ways to obtain second citizenship, so it’s important to choose the option that best suits your plans and circumstances. are ready to provide detailed advice, assess your situation, and offer personalized solutions. Leave a request and we will contact you.
