What is Dual Citizenship? Definition & Guide
The legal status of being a citizen of two countries simultaneously, holding passports from both.
Dual citizenship means a person holds citizenship in two countries at the same time. Each country considers the individual a full citizen with rights and obligations including the right to vote, work and access public services.
The United States permits dual citizenship. Americans who obtain a second citizenship through investment do not lose their US citizenship, and the US government does not require them to choose one or the other. However, US citizens remain subject to US tax obligations on worldwide income regardless of where they live or how many citizenships they hold.
Not all countries allow dual citizenship. Some require renunciation of the previous citizenship as a condition of naturalization. China, India, and several Gulf states do not permit dual citizenship. Most EU countries now allow it, though rules vary.
For investment migrants, dual citizenship provides optionality: the ability to live in either country, travel on whichever passport provides better visa-free access, and access healthcare, education and business opportunities in both jurisdictions. The second passport also functions as a contingency in case of political instability or policy changes in either country.
Why It Matters for Golden Visa Applicants
Dual citizenship gives Golden Visa holders maximum flexibility. A US citizen who obtains Portuguese citizenship after five years of Golden Visa residency can live and work anywhere in the EU, travel on whichever passport provides better access to a given destination, and access public healthcare in both countries. The second passport also functions as insurance against policy changes, political instability or restrictive travel rules that may affect one country but not the other. US citizens retain all US rights and obligations, including worldwide tax filing requirements.
Example
"After five years of maintaining his Portugal Golden Visa, he applied for Portuguese citizenship and now holds both US and Portuguese passports."