British Dual citizenship

What is Dual Citizenship?

Dual citizenship, commonly referred to as dual nationality, is when an individual holds two citizenships at the same time. Each country has their own laws regarding dual citizenship, with some nations not permitting citizens to have more than one citizenship.

In the UK, dual citizenship is allowed so when you become a British citizen you can retain your original citizenship. Equally British citizens applying for foreign citizenship are not required to renounce their British citizenship.

To become a British dual national you must apply to naturalise as a British citizen, there is not a separate application for dual citizenship. When applying for citizenship you can opt to retain your current citizenship status from your home country if permitted.

Can you have dual citizenship in the UK? – Who is eligible?

You can be eligible for British dual citizenship providing that you meet the requirements for becoming a British citizen and that your original country permits you to retain your citizenship. To be eligible to naturalise as a British citizen you must:

• Have lived in the UK for at least 5 years
• Have settled status in the UK
• Pass the Life in the UK Test
• Meet the English language requirement
• Meet the good character requirement

The exact requirements will vary depending on your circumstances.

As not all countries allow you to retain your original citizenship when becoming a British citizen you may be required to renounce your original citizenship in order to become a British citizen.

Which countries allow dual citizenship with the UK?

Other countries have their own nationality laws when it comes whether their citizens are permitted to hold dual citizenship but there are many countries that do allow dual citizenship with the UK, including::

• Australia
• Canada
• France
• Greece
• Ireland
• Italy
• Pakistan
• Philippines
• Portugal
• Sweden
• United States

If you’re unsure whether your country permits dual citizenship then you should check with an immigration lawyer before making an application.

Which Countries Don’t Allow Dual Citizenship with the UK?

Some countries do not allow dual citizenship with any country and some only allow it for specified countries. Some examples of countries that do not permit British dual citizenship include:

• China
• India
• Indonesia
• Japan
• Malaysia
• Singapore

These countries require you to give up your citizenship if you intend to apply for British citizenship.

How Many Citizenships Can You Have in the UK?

The UK does not limit the number of citizenships a person can hold. This means British citizens can lawfully hold dual, triple, or even multiple nationalities without losing British citizenship. 

Similarly, if you hold dual or triple citizenship, you can obtain British citizenship as long as the citizenship laws in your other countries of nationality permit it. Some nations that require you to give up your original citizenship when acquiring another include Germany, Japan, and India. 

A few other countries that permit dual citizenship have multiple citizenship clauses. For instance, if you naturalise or register as a Nigerian citizen, you can retain your birthright citizenship from other countries but must forfeit your Nigerian citizenship if you acquire another citizenship by naturalisation or registration.   

It is essential to understand the citizenship laws of your other countries of nationality before obtaining British citizenship. 

What are the benefits of UK dual citizenship?

Being a dual citizen means that you will get the benefits that come with both of your citizenships. The main benefit to obtaining dual citizenship is that it will give you the right to live and travel between both countries.

As a British dual national you will have the same rights as any other British citizen, including the right to:

• Live, work and study in the UK permanently
• Apply for a British passport to travel freely in and out of the UK
• Vote in all UK elections
• Stand for office
• Access public funds and the NHS

Whilst being a dual citizen comes with many benefits it’s important to note that as a dual nation you could potentially be subject to double taxation and you must abide by the laws of both countries.

What are the Disadvantages of Dual Citizenship UK?

While dual nationality offers many advantages, its potential downsides may affect your tax obligations, travel freedom, and legal responsibilities in each country. Here are some of its disadvantages:

Double Tax Obligations 

Depending on each nation’s tax laws, dual citizens may be subject to tax requirements in both countries. 

The UK government only taxes citizens on income earned in the country. Whereas, certain countries like the United States tax individuals based on nationality rather than residency. This means if you hold US and UK citizenship even while living in the UK, you may need to file  double taxes. 

Cross-border taxation can become complex, especially if you have assets or income in multiple jurisdictions. It is even more challenging for individuals holding dual citizenship in countries that don’t have tax treaties to enable them to claim some form of tax relief. 

Risk of Mandatory Military Service

Some countries require all citizens to complete mandatory military service regardless of whether they reside abroad. If you hold citizenship in such a country, you may be legally obligated to serve or could face penalties for failing to comply, even if you primarily reside in the UK.

Security Clearance Limitations

Holding dual nationality may complicate your eligibility for certain government roles in the UK or abroad, particularly those involving national security. If you have dual citizenship in countries with mandatory military service, you may not be able to undertake military service in the UK or take up positions requiring strict security clearance and access to classified information.

Limited Diplomatic Assistance

As a dual citizen, the UK government may be limited in how it can assist you abroad if you’re in the country of your other citizenship. The British embassy or consulate will not intervene or provide protection if you encounter legal trouble, require emergency assistance, or face political unrest while in that country.

What is a Dual Passport and how is it Different from Dual Citizenship?

A dual passport refers to holding passports or travel documents from two different countries, which is often a common outcome of having dual citizenship. Holders of dual passports can choose which passport to use when entering a country, depending on which provides more favourable access.

You can be a dual citizen without a passport, particularly if you have not been issued a passport from your other country or have not yet acquired one. While you might legally be a citizen and have rights in both countries, it might be challenging to prove your status and enjoy travel benefits without a legal travel document. 

How to Apply for British Nationality

Naturalisation is the process used by most foreign nationals who wish to become a British citizens. You can apply for citizenship either online or by post.

The application process is complex, as well as completing the application form you will need to provide a substantial portfolio of evidence to prove that you meet the requirements, this includes:

• Your Biometric Residence Permit or eVisa if you have one
• A national identity document
• Evidence that you meet the English language requirement such as your SELT certificate
• Evidence of your continuous residence in the UK
• Evidence that you have passed the Life in the UK Test

You will also need to provide two eligible referees to prove your identity.

If your application is approved then you will be required to attend a British citizenship ceremony.

The application process for British citizenship is difficult to navigate alone and even the smallest mistake could result in your application being refused. It is highly advised that you seek the assistance of an immigration professional when it comes to your British citizenship application.

How can IAS help with dual citizenship UK applications?

Our immigration lawyers are highly experienced in making British dual nationality applications. We can assign you a lawyer who can work with you through each step of the British dual nationality application process. They will help you source and gather your evidence, into a bundle that suits the Home Office’s processing methods. They will also oversee your entire application process, liaising with the Home Office on your behalf.

As part of our application services, your lawyer will also write an in-depth Letter of Representation that supports your application. This letter will argue your case directly to the Home Office, strengthening your application. Alongside this, they will also prepare you for the compulsory ‘Life in the UK’ test and your English Language test to put you in the best possible position for a positive result.

If you need support, you can get in touch with our London, Manchester, or Birmingham immigration lawyers, or alternatively, use the office finder to find the closest branch to you. Contact us now on 0333 363 8577 or use our online contact form to speak with an immigration lawyer and help you take your first steps towards gaining dual citizenship.