What Are The 11 Disadvantages Of Dual Citizenship?

Do you want to know what are the disadvantages of Dual Citizenship? I do have dual citizenship, British – Filipino. Let me share with you some of the usual disadvantages of having dual nationality.

Being a citizen of another nation is a possibility that many people find pretty interesting. The ability to vote, access to free or low-cost healthcare and college education are just a few examples of the privileges only available to residents of several nations; hence, it is simple to comprehend why dual citizenship is an appealing alternative. But there are drawbacks to consider as well. There are a few drawbacks, some of which may be more significant to you than the benefits.

Read more about the benefits of dual citizenship.

Again, the concept of dual citizenship is likely to sound quite appealing to the majority of expatriates. However, before you make a final decision, it is essential to consider all the drawbacks.

Some of the drawbacks of having dual citizenship include, among other things, the possibility of being subject to double taxation, the lengthy and expensive process required to obtain dual citizenship, the responsibilities and obligations that you are required to complete, and the fact that you become bound by the laws of two different countries.

My research has led me to carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks of the time-consuming and difficult procedure of getting dual citizenship status. The residents of each nation will be subject to the laws and guidelines exclusive to their country. Therefore, understanding them and receiving suitable direction from appropriately trained professionals will save you from financial hardship.

Allow me to assist you with that right now.

What is Dual Citizenship?

When a person possesses citizenship in two different nations simultaneously, they are said to have “dual citizenship” or “dual nationality.” On the other hand, as we will see, this is illegal in many countries. It is crucial to keep in mind that citizenship comes with both rewards and responsibilities.

Even if a person can have citizenship in several countries and enjoy the advantages of each, they may still be required to comply with the tax laws of one of those nations or perform national service if they hold more than one citizenship.

You will likely find it encouraging to learn that, according to the immigration laws of the UK, you can apply for dual citizenship in that country even if you are a citizen of another country. As a result, the United Kingdom has no limit on the number of citizenships an individual can have simultaneously.

Similarly, a citizen of the United Kingdom who applies for and is granted citizenship of another country does not need to renounce their British citizenship to keep their new citizenship.

In the United Kingdom, applying for dual citizenship is entirely voluntary.

Disadvantages of Dual Citizenship

1. Taxation

It is essential to take your time and plan well before making a move overseas. For example, there are double taxes.

As was mentioned up top, holding dual citizenship is an appealing proposition. You can travel freely between your old country and the one you live in now. Depending on where you decide to move, you and your kids can enjoy full legal rights in both nations. This might include anything from the ability to vote to the opportunity to get free health care and college education.

However, there are problems associated with it.

If you are a full citizen of two different nations, you can be subject to the tax rules of each of those countries. The United States is one of only two countries in the world, the other being Eritrea, that taxes its inhabitants globally, regardless of where they live. 

This is in contrast to most countries, which base their taxes on the location of the taxpayer’s primary residence. No matter where they live or what they do for a living, US citizens and permanent residents are required to file and pay taxes on their income.

Tax treaties have significantly reduced the incidence of double taxation in various nations, including Australia. However, despite a tax treaty, the Internal Revenue Service still compels you to submit a tax return in the United States each year (and no, you cannot renounce your citizenship in the United States for tax reasons!).

2. National Service

You are entitled to some national responsibilities if you have multiple citizenships. Suppose you are a legal citizen of a country with mandatory military service. In that case, you may lose your other citizenship if you are engaged in combat with a foreign military of a country in which you hold citizenship. 

This, however, is a rare situation and will most likely depend on the countries in which a person has citizenship. In the U.S., most dual citizens can fulfil their military obligations abroad without threatening their citizenship status.

On the other hand, the country’s legal system may ask you to serve as a jury member. Though it may not be necessary, you cannot say no if you are chosen to do it.

3. Multiple Passports

You can be subject to additional passport requirements when you hold dual citizenship. Anyone considered a “national” in the United States, which can mean they are a citizen or someone who owes permanent loyalty to the country, is required to have a passport to enter or exit the country. If you do not have access, you will not be able to travel outside of the United States.

Because of this, it could be challenging for some tourists to enter another country since the receiving nation might need them to provide evidence that they have used their other passports for travel purposes. Before pursuing dual citizenship, it is essential to consult an experienced legal professional to go through all of the duties associated with passports.

Read more about travelling with two different passports as a dual citizen. 

4. Citizen Protection

Although it is possible that an individual will not require consular protection while travelling outside of their home country, holding dual citizenship may cause some issues. Consular protection ensures that U.S. citizens can access the protections of their native state in the event of an emergency when travelling outside the country.

You may require assistance from an embassy. If:

• You either don’t have your identity card with you, or it gets stolen, possibly both.
• There is a severe disease or accident that occurs.
• In the event of your passing, they are obligated to inform your family.
• If there is a need for relief or emergency travel, often known as repatriation if a natural disaster or armed war occurs.

On the other hand, this can make things more difficult for individuals who hold dual citizenship. According to the Home Office, they cannot assist dual nationals in the country associated with their other nationality. For instance, Hong Kong has announced that it will no longer recognize dual nationality due to new regulations passed on the Chinese mainland.

When an individual with dual British and Chinese citizenship visits Hong Kong, they are solely considered to be of Chinese citizenship by the local government. Because of this, the British embassy would’ve been unable to support the travellers.

5. Security

People who have earned dual citizenship may be ineligible to serve in specific roles or offices within their respective governments. There are rules in place in many countries that restrict the issuance of security clearances to individuals with dual citizenship. Even though this problem won’t affect most public or private employment prospects, it might make it more difficult for people to run for political office.

In some instances, it has even required candidates for public office to renounce their dual citizenship to be eligible for election.

6. Complicated processes

On occasion, the procedure is simplified, while on other events, it is not. The process might take several years and be costly for individuals with dual citizenship. It is in your best interest to determine whether you require the services of an immigration lawyer and how much those services will cost.

Getting a second nationality is a good idea if you are considering staying in the country you are studying abroad or if you desire to find work in a number of different countries across the world. Check to see that your professional goals are compatible with the requirements for citizenship, as well as whether or not it is financially prudent to have the obligation of holding two nationalities.

In addition, you should investigate whether or not your host country permits dual citizenship in the first place. But it’s an option worth contemplating with accessibility to political and social rights, ease of travel, property rights, and infinite exposure to a fascinating culture.

7. Limited Assistance from Your Native Country

Those who hold citizenship in more than one nation are subject to both nations’ legal systems. A citizen of both countries has the right to be subject to the laws of either country. 

Identifying which country will have jurisdiction over your case can be difficult and time-consuming if you have done something wrong or are accused of having committed one. For example, if you are an original United States citizen and choose another country as your second citizenship and then get sued there, the United States government may provide you with limited support or almost no assistance at all.

8. Career Issues

You may face challenges if you pursue a profession in a government office that gives you access to confidential information because you have dual citizenship. There is a possibility that you will not be granted a security clearance to work in such sectors. On the other hand, if you are born into a family with dual citizenship, you may have to deal with fewer challenges than if you independently obtained dual citizenship.

9. Violations

When you apply for dual citizenship, checking your background is one of the most important things you require. Countries tend to do comprehensive background checks, which often include investigating your prior interactions with law police.

They look into your past to see if you have a criminal record, looking for substance abuse, visa fraud, domestic violence, and other offences. If it is discovered, it may result in expulsion.

10. Cost

When you hold two passports, you are responsible for paying the fees associated with both passports. The process of applying for citizenship in the United States costs approximately $3,000 in total expenses, and there is no assurance that the application will be approved. This is true even for people who already have dual citizenship. 

Many people choose to get legal assistance throughout the procedure, which further drives up the expense. There are advantages to incurring these costs, even if some believe the rewards may not justify the effort required to hold dual citizenship.

11. Political Access

The procedure of obtaining citizenship in the Philippines has undergone many recent modifications that have made it more challenging for specific individuals. The capacity to hold dual citizenship in a country may alter as a result of political shifts inside that country. You may be asked to renounce either one of your nations. 

It’s possible that you won’t be able to travel. If you have more than one citizenship in a given country, you will likely be unable to exercise all of the rights afforded to citizens of that country.

Even if both countries are in a secure political position, maintaining this status is never without its share of political complications.

Read more about how to apply for dual citizenship in the Philippine embassy.

What’s The Best Thing to Do?

Dual citizens are eligible for more benefits, including the opportunity to live and work in both of their countries of citizenship. It makes travel across countries easier and may also make property ownership and commercial opportunities more accessible. On the contrary hand, there are occasionally going to be some drawbacks. The most crucial one is the payment of taxes twice.

Because the regulations and laws regulating citizenship differ from country to country, holding dual citizenship can be a complicated process. This is because every nation has its immigration and tax regulations. Your circumstances will determine how these laws influence you and your family in particular ways. Consult with an immigration lawyer and/or a tax specialist who can examine your circumstances to help you make sense of the complexities.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is Dual Nationality Allowed in the United Kingdom?

In the United Kingdom, citizens are permitted to hold more than one nationality. This implies that if you become a citizen of the United Kingdom, you do not risk having your previous race taken away from you (unlike elsewhere). However, this could become a challenge if the nation from which you originally obtained your citizenship does not accept dual citizenship.

When you become a citizen of the United Kingdom, you run the risk of that country considering you to have given up your previous nationality; conversely, the authorities in your native country may refuse to acknowledge your dual nationality, which includes your citizenship in the United Kingdom.

For all these reasons, if you are considering applying for British citizenship, you must inquire with the relevant authorities in your home country about the possible repercussions of your obtaining British citizenship.

What are the Countries That Allow and Don’t Allow Dual Citizenship

• Countries with good laws let citizens of both countries enjoy the benefits and rights. This means that these citizens can get help from both countries, such as social security services, learn about the customs and cultures of both countries, and buy or get property in both countries. Different countries have different rules about having more than one citizenship.
• While holding citizenship in more than one country is more accessible in certain nations, others have stringent rules that prohibit it.
• The United Kingdom allows a person to hold more than one citizenship. This indicates that a person can have citizenship in the United Kingdom and any other country in the world.
• Dual citizenship is permitted for those who are born and raised in Australia. Becoming a citizen of the country is the only way for a legal resident to obtain dual citizenship. It is possible for a person who is a citizen of Australia to get citizenship in another nation just by getting married.
• Under German law, if you get permanent residency from a country that isn’t Switzerland or the EU without permission, you usually lose your German citizenship. But there are a few exceptions to this law for people from Costa Rica, Brazil, and Bolivia, among other countries. In August 2014, the German cupboard gave the go-ahead for young people to keep both German and foreign citizenship.
• For foreigners, it is almost impossible to become a citizen of the Philippines. Residency is much easier to get than it used to be. Filipinos who choose to get a second citizenship, on the other hand, do not lose their Filipino passport.
• The United States Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) does not say you can’t have more than one citizenship. Under US law, this status has been recognized for a long time, and a person can have and use their rights as a citizen of two different countries. The laws also say that a person does not give up their rights as a citizen of another country just because they are a citizen of one country. 
• India does not let people have two nationalities. It has, however, started a program called Overseas Citizenship of India. Under this program, a document that looks like a passport is given out. However, it does not grant citizenship of the country and cannot be used in place of a passport.
• Japan offers one of the most challenging ways to get into the country. It doesn’t let people have two citizens.
• Most of the time, Norway doesn’t let its citizens or people who have become Norwegian through naturalization hold more than one citizenship.
• Pakistan only lets people with citizenship from the UK, Italy, France, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, the US, Belgium, Iceland, Switzerland, Canada, Egypt, Jordan, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Syria have dual citizenship.
• Russia lets people have dual citizenship, but they must tell the government about it.
• South Korea lets people with two passports live there. But citizens of more than one country have to tell the government about it within six months and follow the Nationality Act. North Korea, on the other hand, does not accept it.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Everything Zany

Travel Blog

Everything Zany Travel Blog exploring the UK and beyond. Sharing travel guides, tips, history and culture. Our travel media brand is founded by travel and hotel industry expert – Ryazan Tristram, a Dual Citizen (British – Filipina) based in Birmingham, UK. Everything Zany is a reputable and award-winning travel blog. Our work and contributions have been featured in Huffington Post, CNBC, Discovery Channel, GMA, Readers Digest, and Lonely Planet. Our missions are to build a great travel community and resource of travel tips, visas and travel guides for travellers. Join us as we travel around the UK and beyond with a mission to share the best of the world.