The COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult and confusing for those who are looking to travel. There are plenty of countries that have restrictions in place that prevent tourists from entering, and if tourists are allowed in, odds are that they’ll have to quarantine for a period of time before being able to explore. This has led to many Americans starting to look into the idea of obtaining dual nationality/citizenship so that they can potentially enter a country that’s currently closed to U.S. citizens.
If you’re someone who’s looking to obtain dual nationality/citizenship during the pandemic but are looking for more information, here’s what you should know:
What Can I Do With Dual Nationality/Citizenship?
When you obtain dual nationality/citizenship, you gain instant access into the country in which your passport was issued for. For example, if you obtain dual nationality/citizenship for Ireland, you cannot be denied entry into Ireland even if its borders are closed to U.S. citizens because you can use your dual nationality/citizenship to gain entry.
How Can I Obtain Dual Nationality/Citizenship?
There are multiple ways that you can obtain dual nationality/citizenship, with the most common being by way of marriage, residency, or simply by paying for dual nationality/citizenship. The rules and regulations of obtaining dual nationality/citizenship vary by country, so it’s important to do your research based on the country you’re interested in.
If you’re looking to obtain dual nationality/citizenship by way of residency, some ways that you may be able to become a citizen of a country include:
- Citizenship by Descent: You may be able to obtain citizenship in some countries if you can prove that you have ancestral roots there.
- Citizenship by Marriage: It may be easier for you to obtain citizenship to a country if you’re already married to someone who was born in that country.
- Citizenship by Investment: A country may consider granting you citizenship in exchange for you investing in the country or investing in a piece of real estate there.
How Can I Apply For Citizenship in Another Country?
If you’re interested in applying for citizenship in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, or Ireland, you can go here to read the list of requirements and learn more about how to get started. If you’re interested in obtaining citizenship for a country via investment, here’s a list of some of the countries where you can potentially buy citizenship.
How Much Does it Cost to Obtain Dual Nationality/Citizenship?
The cost of obtaining dual nationality/citizenship varies from country to country, but it’s typically not cheap. Believe it or not, it could cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars on average, or if you’re looking into buying citizenship in the United Kingdom, it could cost you up to a whopping two million dollars.
If you’re curious as to what it costs to invest in citizenship in other countries around the world, you’ll want to take a look at this list.
How Can I Apply For a Dual Nationality/Citizenship?
If you’re looking to apply for dual nationality/citizenship, you’ll want to visit the immigration website of the specific country that you’re interested in applying for. While there, you can find instructions on how to get started on applying for citizenship, and see if you’re eligible for dual nationality/citizenship.
Things to Keep in Mind When Applying For Dual Nationality/Citizenship
Though there are upsides when it comes to obtaining dual nationality/citizenship, there are also some challenges you could face. According to travel.state.gov, some potential challenges to holding dual nationality include:
- Exit Bans
- Entry and Exit Requirements
- Limited Assistance When You’re Abroad
- Military Service
- Notification and Access to Detained Dual Nationals
- Double Taxation
- Registration
One other thing that you should be aware of is that some countries may make you choose which country you want to have sole citizenship in. Take this story from CNN for example about a woman who had to decide between having citizenship in America or Japan by the age of 22.
Read more about the potential challenges to holding dual nationality here.
If you’re interested in finding out more about applying for dual nationality/citizenship, please don’t hesitate to contact Swift Passport and Visa Services. Our knowledgeable team would be happy to help answer any questions that you may have.
