It is important to understand the difference between dual and a second citizenship. Despite appearing to be similar concepts, they offer different legal rights and status to the holder.

Dual citizenship assumes that a treaty on dual citizenship has been concluded between the two countries. Dual citizenship holders can choose the country in which they want to perform compulsory military service (if applicable) and their children inherit their dual citizenship at birth.

Dual (multiple) citizenship implies that a single person is legally recognized by the relevant authorities as a citizen of two (or more) countries at the same time and shares the rights and responsibilities of the citizens in each country.

Some countries do not allow dual citizenship and the rules vary among those that do.

Second citizenship. This is when a person holds passports of two (or more) countries without the mutual recognition by the relevant authorities of the rights or obligations of the person in relation to the other state (or states). Each of the countries recognizes only the citizenship issued by it and not the one issued by the other country (or countries). Often the authorities of the original country of citizenship are not even aware that their citizen also has another citizenship as long as their laws do not require such disclosure.

A second citizenship can be obtained, for example, through investment programs, whereas stricter conditions are imposed on dual citizenship. We have listed below some of the requirements that may need to be met for dual citizenship.

• the child’s parents have different citizenships
• the borders of the state have changed
• the person migrated
• a child is adopted by a foreigner
• naturalization
• repatriation

Dual citizenship is based on bilateral treaties between specific states.

Benefits of dual citizenship

A person with dual citizenship has all the rights of both states, but he cannot use these rights at the same time: they apply only in the country of residence. For example, dual citizenship does not entitle the holder to receive a pension or other benefits in both countries, only in the country of their current residence.

However, there are other rights that can be exercised in both countries simultaneously, for example, participating in elections. At the same time, dual citizens usually cannot hold elective offices or serve as a judge, in the police, in the security services or the prosecutor’s office.

The advantages of a dual citizen include the right to move freely between the two countries without visas, to conduct business in both countries, and seek diplomatic assistance from representatives of both countries while they are present in a third country.

As for their obligations, they apply in relation to both states and come into force in the country of residence. For example, a dual citizen of Russia and Tajikistan who is resident in Russia must pay taxes and serve in the army. If the dual citizen then moves to Tajikistan, they will then no longer pay taxes in Russia, but will start paying taxes in Tajikistan. However, they will be excused from compulsory military service if they completed compulsory military service in Russia.

Differences between dual and a second citizenship

Millions of people have obtained a second citizenship for a wide range of benefits, including those listed below.

• travel freely around the world
• work and study in countries that have signed the relevant treaties with the person’s country of origin
• have a fallback in case of instability in their country of origin
• be able to choose citizenship for their children
• enjoy social security benefits in both countries
• open accounts and conduct business abroad
• make investments and plan their tax strategy according to the laws of the country of second citizenship

The disadvantages of a second citizenship include the possibility of having to enroll in compulsory military service in both countries (depending on the countries involved) and restrictions on career opportunities, as most countries do not allow second citizenship holders to hold high government offices.

Which countries recognize second citizenships

Most countries in the world allow second citizenships. Countries throughout the world can be divided into 3 groups regarding a second citizenship:

• Countries where a second citizenship is allowed
• Countries that allow a second citizenship in exceptional cases
• Countries that do not recognize and prohibit a second citizenship

Consequences of obtaining a second citizenship: rights and obligations

Countries that grant a second citizenship usually do not inform the authorities of the person’s country of origin. If a person decides not to disclose the fact that they have a second citizenship the authorities of their country of origin are unlikely to become aware of it. However, if they were to find out, they could impose a fine or launch a criminal prosecution against the second passport holder.

Holders of a second passport are obliged to comply with the laws of the country of second citizenship and pay taxes there. Compared to the taxes payable in their country of origin, the charges applicable in many EU countries may be lower or may even not exist. Under such conditions, it makes sense to register or open a business in the country of second citizenship.

In order for a second passport holder to avoid double taxation, they need to choose the country where they prefer to pay their taxes, register their residence there, contact the contact authorities in their country of origin, provide proof of their new country of residence for tax purposes, and ask to update their status as a taxpayer.

Holders of second citizenships have almost all the rights of citizens of the chosen country. They can work, send their children to local schools, use the country’s healthcare services and travel visa‑free (depending on the country of second citizenship) throughout the EU and many other countries. Second citizenship of certain countries enables the holder to spend 90 days in Europe without registering with the migration service or the police.

Countries that allow second citizenship and how it can be obtained

There are several options for obtaining a second citizenship. A foreign citizen can live in their selected country for several years on a residence permit, followed by another 5–7 years as a permanent resident, and then apply for citizenship.

The best way to expedite the process of obtaining a second passport is by participating in a citizenship by investment program. In this case, citizenship is granted in return for a contribution to the economy of the selected country. In some countries the contribution is non‑refundable, while in others most of the contribution can be recouped over a period of about five years.

There are numerous countries that offer such programs.

Generally, the Caribbean countries offer the most attractive terms: the shortest processing times for obtaining citizenship with the minimum investment starting at $ 100,000.

Citizenship of a country in the Caribbean

The following 5 Caribbean countries offer the use of government programs to obtain a second passport:

• St Kitts and Nevis
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Grenada
• St Lucia
• Dominica

Vanuatu, in the south‑western Pacific Ocean, also has a citizenship by investment program.

Benefits of Caribbean passports:

• visa‑free travel to more than 120 countries, including the Schengen countries, UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, and China;
• US visa (valid up to 10 years)
• foreign currency accounts can be opened easily
• low or zero tax rates, depending on the income category
• easy asset registration
• simple and quick procedure when applying for citizenship by investment
• opportunity to recoup investment in real estate approved for the citizenship by investment program and annual income from the real estate investment
• holidays in a beautiful country with a wonderful climate.

Maltese citizenship

Malta is also a very attractive choice for a second citizenship, although the due diligence procedure to obtain a Maltese passport is more thorough and takes longer to complete than in many other countries. The country’s authorities ensure that the investor has no criminal record, they are not a member of criminal groups, and all their capital originates from legitimate sources.

The Maltese citizenship by investment program is based on the following three compulsory investments: government bonds of Malta, a non‑refundable contribution to the state, and the purchase or lease of real estate. The minimum investment starts at € 690,000 and it can be partially recovered after 5 years without affecting the status of their citizenship .

The benefits of the program include those listed below

• EU citizenship in a short time period: a Maltese passport can be obtained in just 12–16 months without the applicant having to live in the country
• passports for all family members: spouse, minor children (including children from previous marriages), financially dependent adult children under the age of 26 years, and financially dependent parents of the investor or spouse who are at least 55 years old can participate in the program together with the investor
• choice of place of residence: a Maltese passport holder can live in any EU country and travel to more than 160 countries without a visa.

We hope our article helped you understand all the intricacies of the concepts of second and dual citizenship. It is important to understand the different legal rights and status they offer and avoid confusing these similar‑sounding terms.

The most important difference is that only a second citizenship can be obtained through the investment programs of some European countries.

If you decide to purchase a passport of an EU member state, please contact us and we will find and prepare a solution that suits you, including selecting the country and citizenship program, and we will assist you through the entire application process.

Frequently Asked Questions