There has never been a more pressing need to travel across today’s ever-changing world. As certain regions become unstable, the need to secure a safe haven—and a reliable contingency plan—grows more acute. For many individuals, global mobility stands as the best solution: the capacity to traverse borders easily, which is made possible when one holds dual citizenship.
Exploring Dual Citizenship Opportunities Worldwide
Becoming a dual citizen of two nations means you can access more countries without visas, tap into a broader scope of legal rights, and embrace a higher standard of living. Most nations permit their citizens to hold more than one passport, though there are still exceptions that require applicants to renounce their original citizenship. Verifying your own country’s position on this matter is vital before pursuing any second passport.
A second citizenship is invaluable not only for crafting a viable Plan B but also for investment advantages. Savvy investors often utilise dual citizenship to diversify assets globally and shield them from political or financial unpredictability. Additionally, the best countries for dual citizenship at the top of the stability rankings—particularly in Europe—often feature robust infrastructures, from advanced healthcare systems to top-tier education. Several have instituted official Residency by Investment or Golden Visa pathways, offering a stepping stone to citizenship and a second passport.
What is Dual Citizenship?
A person becomes a dual citizen when they hold two or more passports and citizenship certificates issued by unrelated nations. Common ways of acquiring this status include investment, descent, naturalisation and marriage.
While most nations allow dual or multiple citizenships, there can be pitfalls or obligations involved—some places demand an oath of allegiance that might conflict with responsibilities in the applicant’s home country. On the plus side, dual citizens frequently gain full legal rights, including the ability to vote, own property freely, and live under local protections.
Types of Dual Citizenship
Many people begin life with a single citizenship, typically acquired through jus sanguinis (by blood) or jus solis (by land). However, there are multiple ways to gain a second passport:
- By Investment: known as a Residency by Investment or Citizenship by Investment programme, this route grants legal status in exchange for a determined capital contribution to the country (e.g., real estate purchase or business investment). These paths may also be known as Golden Visa and are particularly appealing for investors who want full control over how and where they gain a second passport.
- By Descent: Where a nation extends citizenship across multiple generations. Portugal, for example, permits individuals up to the third generation to claim Portuguese citizenship if they can prove descent.
- By Naturalisation: After meeting a residency requirement abroad, one may apply for citizenship. In Portugal, an expat can typically become eligible for naturalisation after 5 years of lawful residence.
- By Marriage: Certain countries expedite or offer direct nationality through marriage, though some impose residency or time requirements.
Many prospective applicants do not have the advantage of an ancestral link or a local spouse, nor the flexibility to reside abroad for extended periods. In those scenarios, investment migration stands out as the most direct and controllable option to secure a second nationality.
Which Countries Allow Dual Citizenship?
Over 100 countries embrace dual (or multiple) citizenship, spanning much of Europe, the Americas, and beyond. They enable both their own nationals to acquire an additional passport elsewhere and foreign nationals to gain their own. Below is an updated 2025 list indicating which countries allow dual citizenship—and those that strictly prohibit it. While we have compiled data from open-source reports, you should always check official resources or consult a legal advisor for any recent policy shifts.
These countries typically let individuals hold another passport without rescinding their original nationality. However, certain nations impose conditions like a formal oath or registration procedure.
These nations obligate foreign applicants to forfeit their prior citizenship or simply do not allow dual citizenship altogether.
» Disclaimer: While this aggregated data is current for Q1 2025, some nations have exceptions or particular allowances. Always seek updated government publications or professional guidance for the most accurate information.
Portuguese Dual Citizenship
Portugal remains one of the best European countries for those seeking dual or multiple citizenship, especially given the country’s open stance on citizenship matters. When foreign nationals ask, “Does Portugal allow dual citizenship?” the answer is unequivocally yes—Portugal does not require individuals to surrender their original nationality, making it an ideal route for those who value their birth right while striving for expanded global mobility.
Since Portugal belongs to the European Union, its nationals also enjoy EU citizenship privileges. These include the liberty to move, live, and work freely across 28 other Schengen Area countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Portugal’s Passport Ranking in 2025
Portugal consistently holds one of the world’s strongest passports. In 2025, its passport improved to 3rd place in many global indices, granting hassle-free or visa-on-arrival entry to approximately 178 to 179 countries. For those who see a second passport as a strategic safeguard or a lifestyle upgrade, Portugal’s ranking underscores its appeal.
Peace of Mind
Along with exceptional travel freedom, Portugal stands out for its peaceful and safe environment. In 2024, it ranked 7th in the Global Peace Index, remaining among Europe’s safest and most socially stable nations. This further supports the claim that Portugal is one of the most desirable destinations worldwide for acquiring dual citizenship.
FAQs
Which country gives free citizenship in Europe?
No European nation truly provides “free” citizenship solely for showing up. However, some countries apply lenient criteria—such as ancestry or extended legal residence—that require minimal fees. Still, administrative costs and processes are involved, even if it appears to be “free.”
What is the best country to have dual citizenship?
“Best” is subjective, but many people prioritise safety, economic opportunities, and global travel benefits. Portugal, for instance, ticks most boxes: it offers an EU foothold, stable governance, and a top-ranked passport.
Does Portugal allow dual citizenship?
Yes, Portugal does allow dual citizenship. Nationals are not required to abandon their birth nationality, which makes it straightforward for eligible foreigners to seek Portuguese citizenship without losing their original passports.
Does Portugal allow triple citizenship?
Yes, Portugal has no legal limit on how many nationalities its citizens may hold, assuming other involved nations also permit multiple citizenship.
