Dual citizenship can bring real benefits for business and global access, so if having two is good, is having several even better? Here is how many citizenships you can actually hold, and what to weigh before pursuing multiple passports.
Multiple Citizenships Through Investment
In general there is no limit on how many citizenships you can hold at the same time, but specific circumstances change this. Some countries restrict their nationals from holding multiple citizenships, so where you are from, and what you already hold, determines your options.
At the time of writing, countries that generally do not permit dual or multiple citizenship include: Vietnam, the Netherlands (with exceptions), Thailand, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Panama, Nepal, Myanmar, Malawi, Laos, Kuwait, Japan, Indonesia (with exceptions), Haiti, China and the Bahamas.
For most other countries, dual or multiple citizenship is fine, with some notable procedural rules. The US, for example, requires citizens to enter and exit the US on their US passport, even if they hold others; Canada, Turkey and Australia have similar rules.
Obtaining Multiple Citizenships
There are several routes to additional citizenship, but the fastest and simplest is citizenship by investment, which offers a clear, defined framework from choosing a country to receiving the documentation and status you want.
Things to Consider
- Tax. Multiple citizenships can raise the risk of income being taxed more than once. This can usually be mitigated with proper cross-border planning, but it becomes more complex with each additional citizenship.
- Consular rules. Some countries (France, for instance) require their citizens to use their own consulate abroad even if they hold other nationalities.
- Political office. Many countries prevent dual or multiple citizens from standing for political office.
For most people there is no limit on how many citizenships they can hold, and given the mobility, access and optionality that dual and multiple citizenship provide, investment routes can be an efficient way to build them. The key is to plan the tax and practical implications properly before you apply.
