The Person with the Most Citizenships in the World

Do you yearn for a borderless existence?

It’s what drives Nomad Capitalist.

As a boutique firm on a mission to redefine borders for high-net-worth individuals, the notion of holding multiple citizenships has captured our imagination for years – it’s our speciality.

Anyone who has worked with us understands the allure of increased travel freedom, enhanced security and a wealth of diverse opportunities.

That is, in essence, what having multiple passports is all about.

Among this backdrop emerges a fascinating narrative: the person with the most citizenships in the world – a true pioneer of global living, if you will.

This individual represents the ultimate embodiment of a modern nomad, someone who has embraced the possibilities of a borderless lifestyle and redefined what it means to be a global citizen. 

While some might view their journey as simply collecting passports, we see it for what it truly is: someone expanding their horizons, challenging conventional boundaries and living a life full of true freedom from the ‘norm’ in every sense of the word.

For those of us driven by the desire to explore, learn, and thrive beyond geographical confines, the story of this extraordinary person offers inspiration and insight into the potential of a multifaceted global identity. 

So, how many citizenships does the person with the most citizenships in the world actually have?

Let’s take a look.

Can Someone Have More Than One Citizenship?

Yes, you can have more than one citizenship. In fact, not only is it becoming more fashionable to get a second passport, it’s also strategically advantageous. 

The ability to possess multiple citizenships depends mainly on the respective countries’ regulations. 

For instance, while Spain does not permit dual citizenship for those holding a US passport, a Colombian citizen can acquire Spanish citizenship simultaneously, illustrating the varied legal landscapes.

Generally, though, it is allowed – in fact, Nomad Capitalist champions the pursuit of multiple citizenships.

We recognise the profound benefits it brings in terms of personal freedom, travel flexibility and economic opportunities, mainly in the form of beneficial tax incentives. 

As we’ve seen both within our team and with those we’ve helped over the years, embracing the concept of multiple citizenships is not just about expanding one’s passport portfolio.

It’s about opening the door to going where you’re treated best, wherever that may be and whatever that means to you personally.

So, Who Has the Most Citizenships in the World?

How can we say this?

We don’t know their name. 

However, the person with the most diverse passport portfolio in the world has gained citizenship from eight countries: Canada, the UK, Ireland, Belize, Grenada, Dominica, Saint Kitts and Cape Verde. 

See what Nomad Capitalist Founder and CEO Andrew Henderson had to say about the ‘octa-citizen.’

What gives? Why eight? 

It was likely a very strategic move that seems to have been accomplished through various strategic avenues such as citizenship by descent, investment and naturalisation.

All of which highlights the various unique ways one can expand their global footprint (yes, even you).

For example, we know those eight passports specifically allow you to enter numerous countries with minimal restrictions and offer access to new economic opportunities like zero income and inheritance taxes.

Such a lifestyle holds immense appeal to high-net-worth individuals and global citizens who seek to live without the confines of traditional borders, all while protecting their assets and reducing their tax liability.

And, honestly, it is a lifestyle that isn’t too hard to attain.

Benefits of Multiple Passports

Multiple passports open a world of possibilities for those who dream of a borderless lifestyle, the key ones of which we list below. 

Global Mobility

For most, having more than one passport is about opening the doors to opportunity and freedom of movement.

With several passports, you can easily traverse international boundaries (okay, a bit easier), avoiding the labyrinthine visa requirements that might otherwise stifle your wanderlust or business pursuits.

For example, obtaining Grenada Citizenship by Investment allows you to apply for an E-2 Investor Visa in the United States. This is a huge perk if your original citizenship is in a country with restricted access to the United States.

This freedom facilitates spontaneous travel.

And that’s great. 

However, for the entrepreneurs we work with, it also makes it much easier for you to expand your business operations strategically around the world.

Tax Planning

For high-net-worth individuals, holding multiple passports can also make or break a financial strategy.

As you likely know, and have been subject to for years, different nations have distinct tax regulations. You can significantly optimise your tax liabilities by strategically selecting a country of residence. 

For example, Dominica is one of many Caribbean nations with no wealth, gifts, inheritances or capital gains taxes. The same countries also boast notable corporate tax incentives, as well as tax relief benefits and export allowances.

In this case, adding a Dominican passport to your portfolio could lead to substantial economic benefits, safeguarding and enhancing wealth through tax-efficient strategies.

If you’re smart about which passports you choose and how you set up your finances, you can distribute your assets globally and mitigate potential risks associated with any single country’s economic policies.

There’s no-one better placed to help you achieve this than the team at Nomad Capitalist, so if you’re interested in financial freedom and protecting your wealth, reach out to us.

Security

Political and economic climates shift rapidly and it feels like this is happening faster than ever before.

But having alternative citizenships provides a safety net, offering the assurance that, no matter what happens (as we saw during the pandemic), you can relocate swiftly to a more stable environment, ensuring the safety and prosperity of yourself and your family.

Access to diverse economic markets and unique cultural experiences simply enriches your life, both personally and professionally.

With the ability to live and work in multiple countries, you can tap into new business opportunities and foster cross-cultural understanding of those you work with.

This aligns seamlessly with the aspirations of most global citizens who seek to transcend traditional boundaries and fully embrace the myriad of opportunities a global perspective provides.

How to Build a Passport Portfolio

Ready to diversify your portfolio? Not your regular one; your passport portfolio.

As with any large investment or venture, building a passport portfolio is a strategic endeavour that requires careful planning and informed decisions. 

As Mr Henderson advised in the video above, the key is to diversify your citizenships to maximise benefits as they relate to your specific financial, professional and personal situation.

Here is how to do just that.

Begin with Strategic Research

Start by researching potential countries that offer citizenship advantages aligning with your goals. 

Focus on regions with strong economic prospects and political stability, such as Malta and Portugal, which provide not only EU citizenship but also access to a thriving market and a high quality of life. 

While fairly politically stable, tax policies in both countries are constantly evolving, meaning pursuing citizenship in either would require careful financial planning (but more on that in just a bit). 

Caribbean nations like Grenada and Dominica offer streamlined citizenship-by-investment programs, which are ideal for swift acquisition if time is of the essence or you are looking to renounce American citizenship.

Diversify by Region

Each passport should serve a distinct purpose, whether it’s enhancing travel freedom, providing tax relief or securing residency rights.

Aim to include at least one European and one Caribbean citizenship in your portfolio as this approach will allow you access to the benefits of the European Union and the Caribbean’s favourable tax regimes. 

Assess Financial Implications

Next, we recommend evaluating each citizenship’s investment requirements and potential financial benefits. 

Some countries require significant investments in real estate or government bonds, so it’s important to weigh these costs against the possible tax savings and economic opportunities. 

For instance, Portugal’s Golden Visa program no longer includes the property investment route but does grant residency with minimal taxation on foreign income if you donate €250,000 to the arts.

Assuming a Portuguese passport makes sense for you long-term, a €250,000 investment – €200,000 in a low-density area – isn’t a bad trade-off for eventually obtaining what is currently the third-strongest passport in the world.

Prioritise Application Efficiency

If you can, choose countries with straightforward application processes to avoid bureaucratic delays. 

The Caribbean programs are renowned for their efficiency, often granting citizenship within a few months. 

However, if you engage with experienced advisors to navigate the nuances of each application process, you can further significantly speed things up.

While our case managers at Nomad Capitalist can’t do much to speed up the due diligence process or make local government officials work any faster, they can help you collect the right documents swiftly and ensure you are making the right investment in the right country – the first time around.

Plan for Long-Term Benefits

Think ahead about how each passport will serve your future needs. 

While having eight passports might sound like something James Bond would do (and, yeah, that is pretty appealing), it’s likely that’s not necessary for most people, at least if you are looking at it from a strategic point of view.

Whether it’s offering a backup residency option, facilitating business expansion or providing education opportunities for your family, each citizenship should be a stepping stone towards your broader lifestyle aspirations.

To learn more about how to expand your horizons into multiple citizenships, view our playlist, Second Passport Strategies: Adapting to a Changing World.

The Person with the Most Citizenships in the World: FAQs

Diversify Your Passport Portfolio with Nomad Capitalist

While you don’t have to try to collect eight passports, holding multiple citizenships is a powerful strategy to enhancing personal and financial freedom. 

With diverse passports, you gain significant mobility, allowing seamless travel and the ability to navigate global opportunities with ease. 

Tax advantages, especially for high-net-worth individuals with global footprints, can be substantial. Choosing countries with favourable tax regimes, can offer potential savings and financial growth. 

More than anything, though, having more than one citizenship provides a safety net of sorts in a world that is constantly changing politically and economically.

If your home country suddenly decides to implement a massive wealth tax, or if your business strategy changes and you need access to a country your current citizenship doesn’t provide you with, you’re going to want that second citizenship.

That is exactly what we can help you with.

At Nomad Capitalist, we specialise in helping individuals like you strategically diversify their passport portfolio. Our expert guidance ensures you make informed decisions, selecting citizenships that align with your unique goals and aspirations. 

By leveraging our experience, you can unlock the benefits of a global identity, positioning yourself to thrive in an interconnected world. 

Embrace the possibilities of a borderless lifestyle and let us help you redefine the boundaries of where you can live, work and prosper.

Apply to join our exclusive list of clients who have done the same.