How to Benefit From Dual Citizenship

A person who is a citizen of 2 countries is considered to have dual citizenship and has rights associated with this status. Attained in various ways, dual citizenship offers many benefits to the citizen. Learn how to gain dual citizenship and legally benefit from each country.

Instructions

1. Understand that you can attain dual citizenship in different ways. Babies born in a country to parents who are citizens of another country have dual citizenship. A person born in a country who becomes legally naturalized in another country has dual citizenship. Some countries bestow citizenship on a person because of the person's parents or grandparents.

2. Know that generally, a person with dual citizenship can vote in elections in both countries where he is a citizen and even run for office in those countries. As long as the two countries are friendly, citizenship is generally not jeopardized.

3. Expect to receive healthcare benefits from both countries of citizenship, unless stipulated.

4. Own property in the countries where you have citizenship and easily travel back and forth between each country. Obtain a passport for each country and travel with both passports. You generally won't be assessed tax by both countries; tax is usually based upon legal residence.

Tips & Warnings

• Understand that not all countries recognize dual citizenship. When you are in a particular country, don't talk about being a citizen of another country. Always refer to yourself as a citizen of the country that you are in.

• Some countries have mandatory military service. If you obtain dual citizenship in a country like this, you might be obligated to perform mandatory military service.

• Always check the consulate offices of the countries in which you are a citizen for rules and regulations. Confirm that the countries don't make you renounce the citizenship of the other country.