How many passports can you hold: two, three, or more?

The number of passports a person can hold depends on their country’s citizenship laws. Some countries, like China and India, do not permit dual citizenship. In these cases, individuals must renounce their original citizenship to acquire a new one, limiting them to just one passport.

On the other hand, countries such as the UK, Canada, Australia, and most EU member states allow dual or even multiple citizenships, enabling their citizens to hold more than one passport. This can be advantageous for travel, work, and access to healthcare, education, and other public services in different countries.

Countries offering citizenship by investment typically allow holding multiple passports. For instance, if someone gains citizenship in a Caribbean country, they would only need to renounce their original passport if their home country requires it.

It’s crucial to review the rules in your home country before applying for a second passport, as national regulations can vary and may change over time.

The number of passports a person can hold directly depends on the laws of their home country and the country whose citizenship they wish to acquire. Not all countries allow multiple citizenships.

For example, a Finnish citizen who wishes to obtain a Monaco passport would be required to renounce their Finnish nationality, as Monaco strictly prohibits dual citizenship. In this case, the individual could only remain a citizen of Monaco.

However, if a person holds Finland citizenship and wants to obtain citizenship in Dominica, a Caribbean country, they would not lose their original passport, as both countries allow multiple citizenships. In this case, they would hold two passports.

Some countries do not allow multiple citizenships, and some even consider having dual citizenship a criminal offence. These are some Asian states, African countries, and others.

People who obtain Dutch citizenship automatically lose their previous nationality. Similarly, Austrian citizenship law does not permit dual citizenship, except for persons who acquire two citizenships at birth. For example, a person born to Austrian parents in the United States automatically acquires both Austrian and American citizenship at birth.

Certain countries that do not prohibit multiple citizenships may still impose legal restrictions in various areas.

Travelling. US citizens with a second passport issued by another country must present their American passport when entering and leaving the US. Similar rules are also applied in Canada, Australia, Turkey, and other countries.

Legal jurisdiction. Some countries that allow having multiple citizenships do not legally recognise it. This means that when in the country, a person is treated as a citizen only of that particular country. For instance, in France, multiple citizens with French passports are not allowed to request consular help from another country of their citizenship.

In cases of conflict between two states, citizens holding passports from both countries may be required to choose which country to serve in. This could lead to legal consequences in the second country.

Right to hold public offices. In many countries, nationals with multiple passports cannot be elected to governmental positions, such as in parliament, ministries, or local administrations. This restriction applies in countries like Mexico, Australia, Colombia, Egypt, and others.

Certain countries, like Israel, require dual citizens to renounce other citizenships before taking positions in public office, such as in diplomatic services or parliament.

Taxation. If there is no double taxation agreement between two countries, individuals holding dual citizenship may face double taxation or higher tax rates. For example, dual citizens of the US and the UK must file US taxes, even if they live in the UK.

The process of obtaining citizenship from another country can be straightforward in some cases and more complex in others. There are several routes to gaining a second nationality.

Family ties. This option is relatively simple if you have a family connection to someone who has lived in another country and can prove it. Laws known as "citizenship by descent" allow you to obtain a second passport from your ancestral country. Citizenship by descent can be obtained in Greece, Ireland, Spain, Italy, and other states.

Marriage. You may apply for a second passport after marrying a citizen of another country. The time required to obtain citizenship varies by country. For example, you can become an Argentine citizen the day after you get married.

In the EU, there are strict rules to prevent fraudulent marriages. For instance, in Germany, couples must live together for at least three years before applying for citizenship. In Switzerland, you must be officially married and have lived together for at least six years to be eligible for a Swiss passport.

Naturalisation. Another way to gain a second citizenship is through long-term residence.

Obtaining citizenship by naturalisation is a lengthy process. Moreover, you must have a strong reason to live in a foreign country. Simply entering on a tourist visa and staying for 10 years does not qualify. On the contrary, studying or working abroad can lead to citizenship in the future if you meet the following conditions:

1. You must reside in the country for a certain period: two years in Argentina, five years in Portugal and Germany, and at least 30 years in countries like the Vatican or San Marino.

2. A clean police record in your home country and any other country of residence or citizenship is mandatory for all citizenship options.

3. Some countries, like Greece, require a language test and knowledge of the country’s history, including topics like Alexander the Great and the history of Athens.

There may also be additional requirements depending on the country. For example, German law requires applicants to have official employment, while to obtain Dutch citizenship, you must swear an oath of allegiance in the country.

Investing. Some countries offer the opportunity to obtain citizenship by investment in their economy. Countries such as Turkey, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, and Vanuatu are among those that provide such options.

Foreigners and their families can apply for participation in investment programs and get a second passport.

There are several investment options available:

• buying property;

• making a non-refundable contribution to a state fund;

• purchasing government bonds;

• investing in a local business.

This route is straightforward and suitable for wealthy individuals. Investors usually receive their passports within 6—10 months of submitting the application. Many programs allow the investment to be recovered after a certain period. For example, St Lucia allows the sale of purchased property or redemption of bonds five years after obtaining citizenship.

When applying for citizenship by investment, applicants must undergo a Due Diligence check to verify the legitimacy of their income source.

Certain countries do not directly grant citizenship to investors but offer a residence permit that may serve as a quicker path to obtaining a national passport.

Under the Italy Golden Visa program, foreigners who invest €250,000 or more in the country’s economy can apply for citizenship 10 years after residing in Italy.

A similar residency program is available in Greece. The minimum investment amount is the same as in Italy, €250,000, but participants can apply for Greek citizenship after living in the country for 7 years. They must also demonstrate knowledge of the Greek language, history, and geography.

Cyprus grants investors permanent residence with an investment of €300,000 in one of four options: purchasing residential or commercial property, investing in Cypriot fund units, or investing in local companies. Investors can apply for Cyprus citizenship after eight years of residence.

In Hungary, a residence permit can be obtained with an investment of €250,000 or more. Foreigners can choose between two options: investing in local real estate funds or making a donation to a higher education institution. After living in Hungary for at least three years, investors become eligible for permanent residence. After an additional eight years, they can apply for citizenship.

Portugal offers a residence permit to non-EU investors through the Golden Visa program. The minimum investment amount is €250,000. Applicants can invest in various options, such as purchasing investment fund units, supporting local art and culture, opening a company, or investing in research or business. After five years, Golden Visa holders can apply for citizenship.

1. Ample opportunities for business development. Entrepreneurs can explore new sales channels abroad and expand their businesses. It is possible to open accounts in reliable banks and work with partners without currency controls. In the Caribbean, such as in St Lucia, there are opportunities to invest in local businesses, obtain citizenship, and enjoy a good return on investment.

2. Visa-free travel. A second passport of Caribbean countries, like Grenada, allows visa-free entry to more than 145 states. European citizenship opens visa-free access to more than 170 countries.

3. Better education. Second citizenship allows studying at the best universities without a student visa or extending the job search time abroad. As a rule, international students must find a job within a certain period of time to legally remain in the country. For example, it is limited to just four months in the UK. With a second passport, you have more time to get a better offer.

4. More choice and freedom. Multiple citizenships allow one to live in a country with a better ecology, a pleasant climate, and a better health care system. Those having a passport in the Caribbean, for example, in Saint Kitts and Nevis, can spend winter in a warmer place with attractive views. With access to European countries, travelling to the world’s best attractions like the Eiffel Tower or the Colosseum will be easier.

5. Tax benefits and financial flexibility. Some countries offer tax advantages to dual nationals, such as lower income tax rates or tax-free capital gains, while others provide greater financial privacy or access to international banking services.

For example, Caribbean countries do not impose taxes on capital gains and inheritance. Antigua and Barbuda and St Kitts and Nevis do not charge income taxes. In Grenada, Dominica, and St Lucia, foreigners pay taxes only on income earned within the country.

1. Tax obligations. In countries such as the United States, people are taxed based on citizenship, not residence. Having two passports might lead to extra tax liabilities, reporting requirements, or penalties, even if a person does not live in that country.

2. National service or government jobs. Holding more than one citizenship may be a problem if a person wants to work in government, join the military, or take a position that requires loyalty to one country. Some positions do not allow dual nationals.

3. Passing citizenship to children. Rules on passing citizenship to children differ between countries. Dual nationality can create confusion or prevent automatic transmission of citizenship. Children may end up with limited rights or obligations in more than one country.

1. The number of passports a person can hold depends on the laws of each country. While many allow dual or multiple citizenship, some countries strictly prohibit it. Among them are China and India.

2. Citizenship by investment programs provide a legal path to a second passport in countries that allow multiple nationalities, often without requiring residence or language exams.

3. Dual or multiple citizenships can offer greater freedom of movement, better living standards, and business opportunities, but may also come with tax or legal obligations.

4. Some countries, such as Austria or Singapore, automatically cancel citizenship when a new one is acquired, even without a formal renunciation process.

5. Before pursuing a second citizenship, it is essential to consider legal restrictions, long-term commitments, and possible consequences in both countries involved.