How Many Passports Can You Have?
Most of us spend our time moving from country to country with our one and only trusty passport. As an identifier of which country we are a citizen of, our passport is usually a privilege but, in some cases, can be a hindrance. This is why many people opt for dual or multiple citizenship.
So, how many passports can you have? Well, there isn’t a limit that is globally recognised.
This is because some countries welcome dual citizenship and others reject it. For example, in the UK, we allow dual citizenship. In Austria, dual citizenship is forbidden, and you can only hold one passport. This means that should you wish to become an Austrian citizen, you’d have to renounce your citizenship from elsewhere.
There is also second citizenship, which is a little different.
In this blog, we investigate how many passports you can hold and where dual or second citizenship may or may not apply.
What does dual citizenship mean?
Dual citizenship means that you are legally recognised as a citizen of two or more countries at the same time. It gives an individual the ability to work, vote and take residence in either country they hold a passport for. It can only be granted when there is an agreement in place between the countries.
This means that you could be a dual citizen of the UK and USA, for example, but you may not be allowed to be a dual citizen of the UK and certain countries within Africa.
Dual citizenship is obtained through marriage, descent, investment and naturalisation. This is somewhat similar, but also distinctively different from second citizenship.
What is second citizenship?
With second citizenship, you can hold multiple passports but often find that neither country recognises the other citizenship. This means that a person holding second citizenship is seen only as a citizen of the country they are in at the time.
Some countries allow people to obtain second citizenship whilst not recognising the original citizenship, but others grant it without making them give up their primary citizenship.
Like dual citizenship, second citizenship can be granted via marriage, descent and investment but may also be issued by special exception.
Key differences between dual citizenship and second citizenship
Before we go any further, it’s important to clarify the key differences that may apply to those holding dual or second citizenship. Tax, legal obligations and social services can all be significantly different between the two.
| Obligation | Dual Citizenship | Second Citizenship |
| Taxes | You may be taxed by both countries, especially if both tax worldwide income (e.g. the US taxes its citizens globally). However, tax treaties may prevent double taxation. | You may be subject to taxes in the second country, but not necessarily in your primary country. It depends on the tax rules of each country and whether they have tax treaties. |
| Military Service | Some countries require mandatory military service (e.g. Israel and South Korea). You may be obligated to serve in both countries, depending on their laws. | If the second country requires military service, and it doesn’t recognise dual citizenship, you may be required to serve there. However, if your primary country doesn’t have mandatory military service, you may be exempt. |
| Voting and Civic Duties | You typically have the right to vote, serve on juries and perform other civic duties in both countries. | In some cases, if the second country doesn’t recognise dual citizenship, you may not have voting rights or other civic duties. You may be limited to rights in the second country depending on their recognition of your citizenship. |
| Legal Obligations | You are subject to the laws of both countries (e.g. civil laws, employment laws etc.). Some countries may not offer consular protection in third countries for dual nationals. | If the second country doesn’t recognise dual citizenship, you may not be fully subject to its legal protections or obligations, but you could still be required to follow local laws while residing there. |
| Social Services and Benefits | You are typically eligible for social services (e.g. healthcare and social security) in both countries, provided you meet the requirements. | You may only be eligible for benefits or social services in the second country if they recognise your citizenship. In countries that don’t recognise dual citizenship, this could be limited. |
How many countries allow dual citizenship?
At the time of writing, almost 50% of the globe offers dual citizenship, but as mentioned earlier, a country may offer dual citizenship only with a country it has an agreement with. Popular countries that currently allow dual citizenship include:
- Australia
- Barbados
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Croatia
- Denmark
- Egypt
- France
- Germany
- Ghana
- Italy
- Kenya
- Mexico
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Portugal
- Spain
- South Africa
- USA
It should be noted that even though dual citizenship is allowed in these countries, there are often specific criteria to fulfil. It might be that you can only obtain dual citizenship via marriage, investment or through descent. It would always be worth checking with an immigration specialist before proceeding with dual citizenship, as you may not match the criteria.
Which countries do not allow you to have dual citizenship?
Some countries only allow people to hold one citizenship, and while this number seems to be shrinking, it does contain countries that many wish to relocate to. At present, countries not allowing dual citizenship include:
- Austria
- Bahrain
- China
- India
- Indonesia
- Japan
- North Korea
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Monaco
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- UAE
- Ukraine
In the case of Austria, applications for citizenship are only available once a permanent resident has lived in the country for at least 10 years continuously. Once granted, any other citizenship must be renounced. Japan also has some very strict rules. While it does not allow dual citizenship, it may allow individuals born with it to retain it.
Why would I want to hold more than one passport?
Holding multiple passports can open many doors, although not just in terms of travel. It can help clear your path to academic or professional success, too. Furthermore, owning multiple passports can provide you with better access to healthcare and security.
- Freedom of movement: With dual citizenship, you can live, work and study in another country without the need for a visa. In 2024, passport holders from France, Germany and Spain could visit 194 countries without the need for a visa
- Access to services: If you are planning to relocate, you can choose the country that offers the best healthcare, education, transport, job prospects and more – all without the need for complex approval processes
- Voting rights: You can have your say in more than one place and try to make more of a difference
- Security: Should there be economic turmoil or conflict, dual citizenship may provide you with a support network that helps you move on easily
Why should I just stick with one passport?
There are clear benefits to having multiple passports, but at times, it can have drawbacks, too.
- Tax implications: In some cases, both countries may tax your global income, which could prove costly. The USA currently imposes income tax on global income, so if you have US citizenship and citizenship from another country that has the same tax rules, it could be very expensive if there is no tax agreement in place
- Military service: Some countries have conscription, and some may introduce it. It is often mandatory, and should it be in both countries, you may have to do it twice
- Political limitations: If you were looking to forge a career in politics, you’ll likely find it impossible if you hold dual citizenship
- Travel restrictions: Even though travel opens up by having access to more countries, it may also be limited. If sanctions are in place or there are strained relations between countries, and you happen to hold citizenship with one of them, you may not be able to travel to certain destinations
Along with these more serious concerns, you should also factor in that you’ll have to stay on top of renewing the passport and paying the relevant fees.
How do I apply for dual citizenship?
Each country may have specific ways to apply, so it would be worth checking with the relevant embassy or an immigration specialist first. Before you even reach that stage, though, it might be best to check if you are eligible.
In most cases, eligibility stems from you fulfilling one of the following criteria:
- Marriage
- Descent
- Birthright
- Naturalisation
- Investment (typically sums over £50,000-100,000)
If any of these apply, you’ll be in a good position to start your application. To do this, you’ll need to:
- Compile ID, proof of address, income, marriage certificates, birth certificates and any other documentation that may support your application
- Complete the application form
- Attend interviews or take exams. In some cases, you’ll need to pass tests or prove your suitability. This will likely be in face-to-face meetings and may require you to show you can speak the language and have an understanding of the culture
- Receive an approval or rejection
If successful, you now have another passport to add to the one you already have.
If you plan to live in another country for a long period, it may also be worth looking into expatriate health insurance. That way, you’ll get the best possible care should you fall ill. Whilst you may be entitled to healthcare in the country you are in, waiting lists and costs may be a little more than you are used to. Speak to our team to find out more.
