If a passport can give you power, two passports offer double the power.
People with dual citizenship already know this. Having a second citizenship offers several benefits, from travel perks to safety.
You can reap these benefits, too, by obtaining a second citizenship. Learn nine reasons why it’s worth it to have more than one citizenship and how to become a member of the multiple passports club.
1. Work Opportunities
Working in a country other than your country of citizenship typically requires a special visa or work permit. And those visas and permits can be time consuming to apply for and aren’t guaranteed.
Then, even if you do get working permission in a new country, you’re often required to leave right when you quit a job.
This can limit work opportunities and make it difficult to find new jobs in a different country. But by having citizenship in two countries, you can look for work freely in either one.
If one country has poor working conditions or a high rate of unemployment, you have the right to search for work opportunities in your second country of citizenship. This eliminates some risk of being left unemployed or with a low-level job that doesn’t pay enough.
2. More Investment Options
Aside from employment, many people may seek dual citizenship to earn money from investing.
With the help of a financial advisor, you may find that another country offers significant tax benefits that your home country doesn’t. If you’re a business owner or investor, this can be motivation enough to get a second citizenship.
Not only can you save money on taxes, but you can also protect your business and wealth if one country’s economy fails.
Another consideration is the opportunity to invest in multiple properties. It’s common for a country to restrict land and property ownership to citizens only. But if you’re a dual citizen in that country, you have the right to invest in property like the locals.
You can even keep a property in both countries, which you can use for personal use when traveling. Then, if one local economy suffers, you have the option to sell the property and return to your second country.
3. Easier Travel
One of the fun advantages of dual citizenship is the ability to freely travel between the two countries.
When you have a passport in both your departure country and destination country, airport procedures are much easier. There is typically no questioning about the purpose of your trip, no need for a return ticket, and no restrictions on long-term stays.
If you have a favorite home-away-from-home spot, gaining citizenship in that country can make visiting there regularly a breeze.
4. Access to Social Services
Different countries offer different social services, and if you have two citizenships, you can access both.
You may be able to access services like health care, parental leave, and education. And if one country offers certain social services that benefit you more at different times, such as public child care or retirement benefits, you can relocate during those times as needed.
5. Double Voting Rights
Your vote counts, and you can make it count in two countries with dual citizenship.
Participate in national and local elections in your country of residence, while voting in the other through electronic or mail-in ballots (according to the voting procedures of that country).
In some cases, you may even be able to run for office in either country.
6. Choice of Education
Education is important to many families, and a second citizenship gives you and your family broader access to education.
Study in either country, without the high cost of tuition required for international students. And if the quality of education is low in one country, you can choose to find schooling in your second country instead.
7. Cultural Awareness
Education is important, but some lessons must be learned outside the classroom. One of those lessons is cultural awareness.
If you want to learn about a different country, nothing compares to actually living there. As a dual citizen, you can expose yourself to two different countries and their unique cultures.
Learn about local practices, lifestyles, and languages, and truly become a citizen of the world through your diverse experiences.
8. Safety
The world can be an unpredictable place, with political unrest, security issues, and economic changes. Some countries experience these problems more than others.
For citizens of countries with instability and conflict, moving to a new country with safer conditions may be the most practical option. Without a second citizenship, though, you will likely be required to change your country as your visa expires. Then, it may feel like no place is truly home.
But if you acquire a second citizenship, you can settle down in a second country that offers more safety and predictability.
9. Family Benefits
If you have dual citizenship, depending on the countries, you may be able to pass down your citizenships to your children too.
Then, all the benefits you have can also be extended to your family. They can have access to more social services, education options, work and financial opportunities, and more.
This can help improve the quality of life of your family for generations to come.
How to Have Dual Citizenship
Obtaining a second citizenship depends on the rules of each country. Some countries don’t allow a second citizenship, and becoming a citizen of a new country may require you to give up your first citizenship.
If you are able to have dual citizenship in your country of choice, there are a few common methods:
- Citizenship by descent
- Gaining citizenship after marrying a citizen
- Citizenship by investment (check out the 8 Easiest Citizenship by Programs)
- Becoming naturalized by being a long-term resident
- Gaining citizenship for a skill you can offer your new country
No matter which option you choose, becoming a dual citizen is often a lengthy and expensive process. It’s important to learn the requirements for each country. To simplify this process, an immigration lawyer consultant may be necessary.
Reap the Benefits of a Second Citizenship
A second citizenship can offer a variety of opportunities and benefits, from fun perks to practical needs.
Dual citizens get to experience greater freedom and flexibility when planning their ideal lives. To start planning your ideal life, consider becoming a dual citizen, and make your passports work for you.
For more tips on making your dream life a reality, read our latest lifestyle articles!