Citizenship refers to the legal status or bond between an individual and the country/government, where the person owes allegiance to the state and is entitled to certain legal rights and protections.
It also comes with certain legal rights, freedoms, duties, voting rights, and responsibilities that may not be fully granted to non-citizens residing in the country.
In most states, full government and political rights, such as the right to vote and hold public office in the political community, are only given to citizens.
The typical responsibilities that come with being a citizen include showing loyalty to the state, obeying the law, paying taxes, and serving in the military.
On the other hand, your nationality is a broader concept that doesn’t necessarily extend to political rights but implies other benefits, such as protection abroad. Although in recent years, when in crisis, even a country like Australia shut its borders to its citizens.
The primary and traditional ways by which one can become a citizen are through birth within a specific territory, descent from a citizen parent, marriage to a citizen, and naturalization.
When determining citizenship based on birth, this is approached in two ways:
jus soli: being born within the territory of a state, regardless of where the parent is a citizen
jus sanguinis: if their parent is a citizen, regardless of their birthplace
Until after World War I, the nationality of the wife and children was tied to the husband and father as the head of the family. However, during the 1920s and onwards, influenced by women’s suffrage and the idea of gender equality, a new system emerged where women were not impacted by their marital status.
This change meant marriages between people of different nationalities led to complex situations regarding children’s nationality. As a result, various mixed systems have since been introduced, all emphasizing the freedom of choice.
At Nomad Capitalist, we are all about freedom, especially the freedom to acquire a second passport in a country of your choice and help you go where you are treated best.
History of Citizens
It may not come as a surprise that the concept of citizenship first came to fruition in ancient Greece. These new Greek Citizens were made up mostly of property owners, who had the right to vote and were subjected to taxes and military service.
The Romans, on the other hand, introduced citizens as a way to differentiate between residents of Rome and those of conquered lands. As the Roman Empire expanded, citizenship was extended to their allies in Italy and eventually to individuals in other Roman provinces.
Eventually, in 212 CE, Roman citizenship was granted to all free inhabitants of the empire, giving them important legal privileges.
Differentiating citizens from residents is still as important to governments and still causes some confusion to this day.
During the Middle Ages, the idea of being a national citizen practically vanished in Europe and was substituted with a feudal system of obligations and rights.
Later, citizenship became a safeguard for merchants and other privileged individuals in Italy and Germany during the late Middle Ages and Renaissance. The contemporary concept of citizenship took shape during the 18th-century American and French Revolutions.
Benefits of a Second Citizenship
At one time, a western country, including the United States, Canada, and Australia, once stood for something great but have become more reminiscent of the Phoenician empire, enforcing heavy taxes and making it more and more difficult for businesses and entrepreneurs. In the words of Doug Casey, “good taxpayers are like milk cows.”
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Go Where You Are Treated Best
There are, of course, pros and cons of expatriating from your home country. When your government or citizenship doesn’t work for you anymore, thankfully, you have options.
A second passport offers an ultimate backup plan and exit strategy, helping high-net-worth individuals reduce tax reduction and asset protection. There are numerous ways to obtain a second citizenship. We look at passports, citizenship by investment, citizenship by descent, international investment, and more.
Become a Nomad Capitalist client, and we will work with you as the architects and general contractors of your holistic strategy to explore the best citizenship for you, taking you where you are treated best.
