Does the US Allow Dual Citizenship?

Can an American citizen have dual citizenship? 

The simple answer is yes, but the how is what makes all the difference.

While the United States doesn’t explicitly endorse dual citizenship, it doesn’t prohibit it either, leaving the door open for savvy individuals to expand their horizons.

And trust us, you want to expand your horizons – as far and wide as possible, especially if you are after enhanced global mobility, new investment opportunities and greater personal security.

Having a US passport with dual citizenship somewhere else allows you to live, work or retire across borders without restrictions. At the very least, it acts as a solid backup plan during times of economic or political uncertainty.

However, navigating the legal and practical aspects of dual citizenship requires a strategic approach. Tax implications, military obligations and local laws can complicate the process.

That’s why we’ve created this quick guide about what it means to have dual citizenship as an American, its benefits, and how to obtain it.

The Nomad Capitalist team has helped our high-net-worth clients obtain second citizenship in multiple jurisdictions. Apply to become a client, and we will help you to ‘go where you’re treated best’ through dual citizenship. 

Can a US Citizen Have Dual Citizenship?

Having dual citizenship means that you are a citizen of two different countries and enjoy the rights and responsibilities that come with each citizenship.

Not all countries allow dual citizenship, and rules and requirements vary from country to country.

Interestingly, the United States does not, in fact, formally recognise dual citizenship.

However, when you have obtained second citizenship in another country, you are not required to renounce your original citizenship or give up your passport.

You can renounce your US citizenship if you wish. However, this comes with its advantages and cautions. 

But thanks to dual Citizenship, US citizens can access excellent benefits, including the:

• Ability to work, study and live in both countries
• Right to travel to hundreds of countries worldwide
• Ability to access healthcare and social programs in another country
• Ability to own property in another country
• Chance to take advantage of economic and investment opportunities as well as favorable tax jurisdictions.

So, if you already have a Tier A passport, why would you want another? For quite a few reasons, actually.

Why Are Americans Leaving the United States?

If US dual citizenship rules allow you to have US citizenship alongside another, why would you leave the United States or renounce your American citizenship?

Unfortunately, the US passport is losing its value. Between 2021 and 2024, the travel score of the US passport dropped from 185 to 172 on the Nomad Passport Index.

Dual citizenship offers protection for American citizens and access to new opportunities. It serves as an insurance policy in case of unwelcome new laws and regulations or government instability, as well as granting access to overseas markets. 

Dual citizenship can also help investors and high-net-worth individuals reduce taxes, particularly US citizens obligated to pay taxes on their worldwide income. 

How to get EU citizenship as an American? Keep reading to find out more about your best options. 

Where Can US Citizens Get Dual Citizenship?

Does the US allow dual citizenship anywhere? No, but the following US dual citizenship countries allow Americans to retain their US citizenship while also getting a second one. 

Europe

Albania, Armenia, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovenia, Sweden, Turkey, UK

Americas

Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Mexico, Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, Jamaica, Peru

Africa

Algeria, Angola, Benin, Egypt, Malawi, Nigeria, South Africa

Asia

Bangladesh, Israel, Pakistan, Philippines, Syria

Oceania

Australia, New Zealand, Vanuatu.

Some other countries not listed above also allow dual citizenship with the US, but only under particular circumstances. 

For example, Germany only allows dual citizenship to a child born to an American parent and a German parent. Regardless of the place of birth or country of origin, these individuals are dual citizens of both Germany and the US. 

Countries American Citizens Should Avoid

When considering the downsides of dual citizenship, certain types of countries should be avoided, including: 

• Countries that prohibit renouncing citizenship
• Countries citizenship-based taxation (currently just two, but that could change sooner than you think)
• Countries with mandatory military service
• Countries with sanctions and reputational issues 
• Countries that impact job and security clearance.

For example, if you obtain citizenship in Turkey for yourself and your family, your male children may be automatically required to complete service in the military when they turn 18.

How Can an American Obtain Dual Citizenship?

There are several ways for Americans to obtain dual citizenship, including investment, naturalisation, marriage, descent and, of course, birth. 

Dual Citizenship by Investment

Caribbean countries offer US citizens some of the best options for obtaining dual citizenship and passport through investment. 

Unlike other programs, certain countries in the Caribbean don’t require a minimum duration of residency, providing citizenship within as little as three to six months.

In addition to a fast process, these countries offer other benefits, including access to hundreds of countries with their passports and physical proximity to the US. 

European citizenship-by-investment programs offer even greater travel freedom, but their availability is severely limited, and this particular path to citizenship may be closed off sooner rather than later.

Two countries that have excellent citizenship by investment programs include:

Malta

While once Europe’s most famous citizenship-by-investment program, Malta’s golden visa has now been replaced by the Maltese Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN) program.
The minimum investment requirement starts at €600,000, and depending on the type of investment you make, you can get citizenship in as quickly as 12 months, offering a fairly quick route to the world’s 14^th-best passport.

Saint Lucia

The benefits of investing in St. Lucia’s citizenship by investment program include its safe and stable environment, high standards of living and access to modern infrastructure and healthcare. 

CBI programs usually offer a real estate investment choice, and Saint Lucia is no exception. 

You can purchase real estate with a minimum investment of US$300,000, but it must be selected from the list of officially pre-approved real estate investment options. 

Or you can donate US$240,000 to the National Economic Fund (SLNEF) – a price that includes an application for you and up to three qualifying dependents.

Golden Visas for Dual Citizenship 

Golden visas become incredibly popular over the past few years as a fast way to obtain temporary residency in another country. 

Currently, a number of programs are being slashed, including popular options like Ireland, which ended its golden visa program in early 2023, and Spain, which will discontinue the Spanish golden visa program as of April 2025.

If you are wondering how to get EU citizenship as an American, the remaining golden visa options are the answer to getting EU citizenship and all the benefits that come along with it. 

Dual citizenship through a golden visa program in one of these European countries gives you membership in the EU, including:

• EU citizenship rights
• Visa-free travel in the Schengen zone
• The right to live, work and study in any EU country
• Favourable tax treatments
• Tax exemptions
• Access to national healthcare services and educational opportunities.

These golden programs grant you temporary residency in return for an investment in the country. After fulfilling the required residency conditions, you can obtain permanent residency or even citizenship if you wish. 

If you are interested in obtaining a golden visa and access to Europe, now is the time to apply. 

The golden visa programs of Europe are quickly disappearing, thanks to pressure from the EU to shut down.

Contact our team at Nomad Capitalist to explore your options before it is too late.

Citizenship by Descent

Obtaining dual citizenship by descent allows you to acquire citizenship in two countries through your family heritage, regardless of your country of birth. You may even be eligible for multiple citizenships.

Dual Citizenship by Naturalisation

Naturalisation can be one of the more drawn-out and complex avenues to obtaining dual citizenship.

Becoming a dual citizen through naturalisation means that you can become a citizen when you fulfil a country’s specific requirements. 

This process normally involves obtaining temporary residency first, followed by permanent residence, which then means you are eventually eligible for citizenship.

Dual Citizenship Through Marriage

When an American marries someone from another country, they may be able to obtain dual citizenship status through marriage. 

It’s important to note that becoming a dual citizen through marriage is only achievable in some countries.

For example, in Brazil, citizenship automatically passes to spouses and children. 

Those married to a Brazilian citizen can apply for citizenship after just one year of residence. Close family ties (including adoption or having a child) can also lead to Brazilian citizenship. 

Pros and Cons of Dual Citizenship Status

Let’s take a quick look at some of the benefits and potential pitfalls that come with multiple citizenships. 

Business and Investment Opportunities

Getting a second citizenship and a second passport grants entry into untapped markets and offers a vast amount of investment and business opportunities, including emerging markets like Colombia, Costa Rica, or Paraguay. 

Gaining full citizenship of your country of choice will provide unrestricted access to the country’s market and put you on the ground floor of an emerging market. 

Ease of Travel 

Obtaining a second passport can greatly simplify your travel, boosting your visa-free travel options. 

It’s important to note that obtaining citizenship doesn’t automatically come with a passport; you will have to take further steps to get your hands on your new country’s travel documents. 

This benefit has been highlighted by the events of the last few years (including travel bans), and having two passports can provide a solution. 

Getting your dual citizenship can significantly improve your ability to travel and conduct business worldwide – for example, with a Saint Kitts and Nevis passport, you can gain visa-free entry to Brazil, where citizens of the United States need to apply for a visa.

Privileges and Social Benefits 

Would you like the added benefit of accessing social services provided by a foreign country?

One of the most attractive social benefits of other countries is healthcare. Sadly American healthcare services have become unsatisfactory and extremely expensive. 

Getting citizenship in a country that offers top-notch health, social, and education is desirable to many Americans, especially those with young families. 

Freedom 

Having dual citizenship can give you freedom during uncertain times. 

Whether you decide to relocate or simply keep a second passport as a backup plan, the benefits of having more options in today’s turbulent world cannot be overstated. 

A backup plan can not only give you a better quality of life but also provides safety and security. 

At Nomad Capitalist, we are dedicated to helping our clients get the freedom they desire, creating holistic strategies, and helping them go where they are treated best.

The potential downsides of dual citizenship, if not approached with the right strategy, include the following: 

• The potential for double taxation
• Voting and political restrictions
• Losing a citizenship.

Firstly, having dual citizenship doesn’t exempt you from tax obligations or laws. Attempts to avoid FATCA by opening bank accounts with second citizenship will not work, as the US government will always consider you a US citizen for financial reporting and tax purposes. 

Secondly, you cannot simply choose which passport to use for financial purposes: If you have accounts around the world, they must be reported in the same way as someone without dual citizenship. 

Can a US Citizen Have Dual Citizenship: FAQs

Have a US Passport and Want Dual Citizenship?

So, what if you get dual citizenship and you want more? 

Thankfully, it is possible to acquire triple citizenship or more as a US citizen. In most cases, we suggest obtaining it after gaining your second citizenship in another country, as it helps build a passport portfolio.

We refer to this as our trifecta strategy, which serves both as a life planning and tax reduction tool. 

Want to see what a personalised trifecta strategy could look like for you? Apply to be a Nomad Capitalist client today and join the ranks of other Americans who have obtained dual citizenship as a pathway to greater freedom – in all senses of the word.