Is it possible to have two citizenships? Mundo analyzes the best way to acquire a second passport

A person with two citizenships has rights in both countries. These people can live, travel in and out of the jurisdiction, work, conduct business, and even vote. In other words, they have full rights in both places. 

Why should this matter to the international entrepreneur and why would Mundo choose to write about such a topic? When acquiring a second passport the question “Is it possible to have two citizenships” arises and with a good reason. It’s important to consider what happens in your relationship with your old country once you decide to become a citizen of the world. Quite often, the connection with the previous nation can change but it can also remain the same. If you're wondering “Where can I have two citizenships” and what to do in such a case, keep reading.

Is it possible to have two citizenships?

Before even asking ourselves these types of questions we need to have a second citizenship or a third or a fourth one. These can be achieved either through naturalization processes or citizenship by investment programs. Let's analyze the two options.

Getting two citizenships after a naturalization program

Countries like Panama, Portugal, Argentina, and the US don't have citizenship by investment programs. This means that the only way to become a citizen is through naturalization. For this, the applicant must have lived in the country under a legal residency status for a certain number of years depending on the country's requirements.

Mundo chooses Panama as an example of citizenship laws since we have ample experience in this jurisdiction. Also, this is a great example to learn from because Panama offers an easy path to residency. Simply speaking you can become a Panamanian resident in any of the following ways:

By investing

There are several options allowed by different programs. The lowest investment possible is $100,000 in teak land which will give you a temporary permit. By putting in another 200,000 you can access a permanent status. This is what Panama calls the Reforestation Program.

Real estate options are also available. Right now, any person with an impeccable background and excellent reputation can access permanent residency by investing $300,000 in a real estate property. If the applicant is eligible for the Friendly Nations Visa, then he or she can access a two-year permit (not yet permanent) for a real estate investment of $220,000. These are the Qualified Investor Visa and the Friendly Nations Program.

By getting a work contract in Panama

If a local company hires you 100% legally and with a contract registered in the Ministry of Labor, you can access a two-year permit which can later be upgraded to a permanent status. A great option, which we actually strongly recommend, is to create one's own company and to hire oneself. The downside is that this is only viable through the Friendly Nations Visa which only citizens of 50 countries can access. But, if your country is on the list, here is an article that explains the option of acquiring residency through your own company. 

Having two citizenships: naturalization processes and citizenship laws

The Panamanian law establishes that after five years of living as a permanent resident in Panama, the person can become a Panamanian citizen. Applicants must undergo history, geography, and language tests. Other countries establish similar conditions which can vary in terms of years and requirements, but in all cases, it involves the person living legally in the country for a certain period. 

More info here

Simplifying your possibilities of getting two citizenships: citizenship by investment programs and their benefits

The above-mentioned process is safe and accessible, but it is quite long. That's why some countries, usually small island nations or countries that don't have other types of resources, simply offer a straight path to citizenship for those willing to invest in their economies. These investments can be through government donation or an investment per se on bonds or real estate. This is the example of a country like Saint Kitts and Nevis, which was actually a pioneer in this approach, being the first country to establish such a program in 1984.

Thus, in Saint Kitts and Nevis, you can obtain citizenship through a donation of 250,000 dollars or through a real estate investment of 400,000. What are the advantages in this case? The process is much simpler and faster as a person accesses citizenship directly, avoiding long years of waiting and tiresome processes. Naturally, it’s more expensive too so, whatever option you choose depends on your priorities and possibilities.

Now that the essence of acquiring a second nationality has been described let's see what countries allow individuals to maintain two passports.

Where can I have two citizenships?

The possibility of having two citizenships depends on each country and each particular case. At the end of the day, there's no one-answer-fits-all solution because some nations don't accept double nationality in their citizenship laws but they do make exceptions based on historical or cultural reasons. Let's see some examples to understand how the mechanism works.

What to do if I have two citizenships: Germany

This country stipulates restrictions when it comes to getting two citizenships. Those who have been born in Germany must renounce their citizenship if they want to become citizens of another country. However, this doesn't apply when the other country is a member of the European Union or Switzerland. 

Citizenship laws in France

Like most of the EU members, France has accepted double citizenship since 1973. Nonetheless, in 2009 the authorities established an article with the objective of limiting the acquisition of multiple nationalities. 

Can I have two citizenships if I’m Swedish?

Until 2001, Sweden had a similar approach as Germany, however, since that year, the country has allowed Swedish people to obtain a second passport without losing their original nationality. We can also see what happens in neighboring countries, for example, in Denmark. Here double citizenship has been accepted since 2014 and, in Finland, since 2003. On the other hand, Norway allows two citizenships but with some exceptions.

Let’s see what happens beyond the Nordic countries. In Poland, for example, Polish nationals can't be recognized as citizens of another country, but they can have a second passport. In Ukraine, Holland, Norway, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, individuals must renounce the original citizenship when acquiring a new one and they must do it within a 2-year period.

On the other hand, Spain brings an example of a mixed approach to having two citizenships. Is it possible to have two citizenships in Spain? It is if the second nation is a Latin American country, Portugal, Equatorial Guinea, and the Philippines. If a person would want to get any citizenship beyond the ones named above, they will have to inform the local authorities within a three-year period. 

Finally, in The Americas, countries like Bolivia, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Chile allow for double citizenship. 

Disclaimer: this article was written only for editorial purposes and as a means of providing general information on the mechanisms of having two citizenships. However, citizenship laws may vary depending on the case and the changes in the legislation. Therefore, this article should not be taken us professional advice on migration, citizenship, or double citizenship requirements.

What to do if I have two citizenships? How can Mundo help

With a strong team of lawyers and agents who are experts in second residencies and citizenships, we can help you achieve your financial migration goals. Naturally, they will be with you throughout the process, and they can get you the best advice if you're wondering “where can I have two citizenships” or what possibilities you have in that regard.

From residency in Panama to citizenship in the Caribbean and Vanuatu, combined with all the financial services that a modern businessperson needs (trusts, companies, investments, and accounts), Mundo can help you in your journey towards getting the ever-sought-after financial freedom. In such a plan, having two citizenships can be the key to success. Contact us and let's design a scheme that's right for you.

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