Anyone a dual citizen? Is it worth getting?

[bank5]

Does anyone have dual citizenship? What would you say are the pros and cons?

My DW is a US citizen but my FIL was born and raised in Sweden (he currently lives in Norway). Since citizenship in Sweden is based on jus sanguinis, my DW could apply for citizenship in Sweden correct?

 

[ziggy29]

Does anyone have dual citizenship?

Sort of. I'm a U.S. citizen as well as a citizen of the tribal nation in which I'm enrolled. That's sort of a special case, though, and I think it might be the only form of "dual citizenship" recognized by the U.S. government.

 

[TromboneAl]

DW and DD are both dual (American & Swedish). No downsides that I've seen.

 

[Texas Proud]

US State Department Services Dual Nationality


Doesn't seem to be much of a downside... but they do say there could be...

The only problem is this statement

"However, a person who acquires a foreign citizenship by applying for it may lose U.S. citizenship. In order to lose U.S. citizenship, the law requires that the person must apply for the foreign citizenship voluntarily, by free choice, and with the intention to give up U.S. citizenship. "

It would seem that she would meet the first two but probably not the third... but why chance it IMO unless there is some benefits she might get if she moves over there...

 

[MichaelB]

My wife, our children, her 5 brothers and sisters, their spouses and children are all duals. Two nephews are triples. Two of our children married citizens of other countries and will be duals, as will their SO's. My recently born granddaughter is a dual.

Dual citizenship is handy when there are significant differences between countries and the dual citizen can choose one over another without that choice being permanent or mutually exclusive. These might be

- political stability
- the economy
- social benefits
- taxation

Multiple passports can also come in handy. Dual citizenship is usually "free" - as in it costs nothing except documentation fees.

Since citizenship in Sweden is based on jus sanguinis, my DW could apply for citizenship in Sweden correct?

Depends on Swedish law. Usually yes, but not always.

 

[Arif]

I'm a dual citizen. One of the obvious benefits is there are no time limits on how long you can stay in country. You could also go to Cuba with you "other" passport but not sure that is a benefit.

 

[hogtied]

MY DW has dual citizenship, US & British. She started collecting her British state pension at 60 and will collect SSI in January. We paid into Voluntary Class 3 British state pension contributions in order that she receive a higher monthly benefit. After 2.5 years of receiving those benefits we will get all the those class 3 contributions back and were even. After those first 2.5 years it's all gravy. I'd advise all who are elligible to do it to do it. No wonder the British bonds are being downgraded by S&P and Moodys. Is the US next?

 

[FIREd]

I will be seeking the US citizenship in a few years which will make me a dual US/EU citizen (assuming I am worthy enough of the US citizenship!). I also qualify for the Swiss citizenship based on lineage.

 

[NW-Bound]

The more the merrier. I wonder if there are tax complications though.

 

[FIREd]

The more the merrier. I wonder if there are tax complications though.

Indeed. Having multiple citizenships is not all fun and game. It comes with extra duties as well, such as financial, administrative and military duties. Many people ignore those extra-duties but it doesn't mean that they are not there.

 

[lets-retire]

As I understand it Texas Proud is correct. As long as you had your other citizenship first you can be a dual citizen. If you are a US citizen then you apply for foreign citizenship you lose you US citizenship, for the simple reason the US does not recognize dual citizenship. Obviously American Indians are a special case.

In your wife's case it would make sense that she is actually a dual citizen by birth so she shouldn't lose her US citizenship (I would check with a lawyer first though). Some countries put a time limit on claiming citizenship. So if Sweden is one of those you wife would have to claim her Swedish citizenship prior to say the 21st birthday or she loses all rights to citizenship by birth and has to apply the same way any other immigrant would apply.

 

[donheff]

As I understand it Texas Proud is correct. As long as you had your other citizenship first you can be a dual citizen. If you are a US citizen then you apply for foreign citizenship you lose you US citizenship, for the simple reason the US does not recognize dual citizenship. Obviously American Indians are a special case.

I am eligible for Irish (EU) citizenship since my grandparents were born there. I checked out the requirements and impact some years ago but haven't followed through. Lots of Americans of Irish ancestry have done this with no ill effect. You do not lose your citizenship by applying for Irish citizenship unless your stated intent is to renounce US citizenship.

 

[lets-retire]

Donheff--In your situation it doesn't look sound you are applying for Irish citizenship, you are claiming it. There is a big difference. I will admit immigration law is not my forte, I'm more of a trade guy.

 

[MichaelB]

US citizenship does not conflict with any other if you qualify by birth, marriage, length of residency or other passive mean. The determining factor is the passive nature of the non-US citizenship qualification.

People eligible for EU citizenship because of their ancestry are not in conflict with US citizenship laws.

 

[Rambler]

As a US citizen, you must file a tax return on your worldwide income regardless of other country of citizenship or residence. It could become complicated if the other country of citizenship also requires you to pay tax on your WW income. There are exclusions or course, but you could end up paying double tax on part of your income. That said, as of right now, I know of no other country with the requirement to report income you made outside of that country even if you are a citizen. Laws change though...especially tax laws.

R

 

[donheff]

Donheff--In your situation it doesn't look sound you are applying for Irish citizenship, you are claiming it. There is a big difference. I will admit immigration law is not my forte, I'm more of a trade guy.

US citizenship does not conflict with any other if you qualify by birth, marriage, length of residency or other passive mean. The determining factor is the passive nature of the non-US citizenship qualification.

People eligible for EU citizenship because of their ancestry are not in conflict with US citizenship laws.

Yes, I think you are right. I would be documenting a claim to Irish citizenship, not asking that it be granted.

 

[Bestwifeever]

How does dual citizenship work when one travels--do you carry two passports, would you show (for example) the Irish passport when you travel to Ireland and the US passport when you return? Do both countries know of your dualness or of your application for it? Does Homeland security automatically put you on a list for applying post-9/11?

(Someone I know looked into this about three years ago and these questions arose--ultimately they dropped the idea.)

 

[Texas Proud]

How does dual citizenship work when one travels--do you carry two passports, would you show (for example) the Irish passport when you travel to Ireland and the US passport when you return? Do both countries know of your dualness or of your application for it? Does Homeland security automatically put you on a list for applying post-9/11?

(Someone I know looked into this about three years ago and these questions arose--ultimately they dropped the idea.)

Read the link I provided.... it says each country is different, but in general yes, you would need to use your passport of a particular country to enter that country....

 

[Bestwifeever]

Thanks, TexasProud.

 

[FIREd]

How does dual citizenship work when one travels--do you carry two passports, would you show (for example) the Irish passport when you travel to Ireland and the US passport when you return?

Yes that's usually how it works. I think that the US requires you to use your US passport when you return from overseas. When visiting a country other than the US or Ireland, you can decide who you want to be...

 

[Ed_The_Gypsy]

The US used to be very anal retentive over dual citizenship.

These days, they don't care what other country you have citizenship in as long as you do not serve in their armed forces.

 

[CuppaJoe]

I knew a guy in college who had dual citizenship with two adjacent countries; his parents had property in both places. Apparently he was in a political protest in one of them and got out by the skin of his teeth on the other passport. Thought he would be killed if he went back. Some years went by, political situation reversed and a few months later I received a postcard from the first county, he went back to introduce his wife to his family. Some upside!

 

[itsmyparty]

How does dual citizenship work when one travels--do you carry two passports, would you show (for example) the Irish passport when you travel to Ireland and the US passport when you return? Do both countries know of your dualness or of your application for it? Does Homeland security automatically put you on a list for applying post-9/11?

(Someone I know looked into this about three years ago and these questions arose--ultimately they dropped the idea.)

I immigrated from Canada to US and hold only a US passport - which specifies where I was born. That's the only one I carry. I don't see the need for a Canadian one....and it might be difficult to get anyway since I don't live there...but maybe not. I haven't had any reason to see if there is any advantage to dual citizenship....but can only think that I probably could move back to Canada with no problem or stay over the specified visit length of time that other US citizens are allowed....but my spouse who doesn't have dual couldn't do those things as easily. Homeland Security doesn't keep track (unfortunately) of those with green cards or visitors permits, etc., so can't imagine they keep track of legitimate citizens - but you never know. If the Canadian government didn't know before where I was they know now, because I've just started getting a very small Canada Pension Plan check (sent in US funds)...there is a reciprocity agreement between the 2 countries for tax purposes...but that's based on country of residence not on citizenship. This is my first year receiving it...and would appreciate hearing from any others who receive social security like $ from other countries...and how you handled it on your income tax.

 

[bssc]

Thanks to Uncle Sam, the US Embassy and the US Army, I hold dual citizenship in both the US and Iran (back when the Shahanshah was our buddy). I cannot go visit Iran again since I am a draft dodger (I could have fought against Saddam). But I understand that I could get out of this by paying a tax. Needless to say some dual citizenships are more equal than others.