What Is Dual Citizenship and How Does It Work?

Dual citizenship is what the name suggests; citizenship from more than one country. The phrase often comes into the limelight because of some Bollywood celebrities who were reported to have citizenship from different countries.

Young Indians sometimes consider pursuing a career in a different country, and while they are at it, they often want to apply for a permanent residence in that country, but they do not want to surrender Indian citizenship.

If you are in such a situation and want to know if you can get dual citizenship or you are just inquisitive about it, this article may be of help.

Here, we have discussed dual citizenship, who is eligible for it, and its benefits. Let us dig in!

What is Dual Citizenship?

The concept of dual citizenship says that a person is a permanent resident of two countries at the same time. Generally, people with dual citizenship hold valid passports from both countries. Many times, people become dual citizens by the laws of the country.

How Do People Get Dual Citizenship?

Different countries have different laws that dictate their citizenship policy.

• Many countries allow citizenship through birth, and this is probably the easiest way to get citizenship in a country.
• Other than this, if any or both the parents have dual citizenship, the child can become a citizen of his or her parent’s countries.
• You can also obtain citizenship of a country by marrying someone who is a citizen of that country. Some countries do not offer citizenship straightaway, but you can apply after spending a certain amount of time in that country.
• Some countries also offer citizenship based on ancestry. If you have lineage from that country, you can apply for its citizenship.
• Some countries also offer citizenship to investors. One has to invest in their economy through setting up businesses or investing substantially in existing businesses. This is also known as citizenship through investment.
  
  

It is important to know that not all countries allow dual citizenship. For example, if you are an Indian citizen who obtains citizenship in the United Kingdom, you have to surrender your Indian citizenship and passport.

Can Indians Opt for Dual Citizenship?

The constitution of India does not allow its nationals to have dual citizenship. You may get nationality from another country, but according to the Passports Act of 1967, Indian residents having acquired nationality from other countries must surrender their Indian passports to the nearest embassy.

In simple words, maintaining dual citizenship in India is not allowed. However, a Person of Indian Origin (PIO) who migrated to another nation and obtained citizenship can apply for Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) status. However, the PIO must not have citizenship in Pakistan or Bangladesh.

Under What Condition Can an Indian Become a Dual Citizen?

There are certain benefits of conceding the nationality of a developed first-world nation. Citizens of such a country get many social benefits that Indians do not get in India. However, if you reside in India and want to become a citizen of another country, you must surrender your Indian citizenship.

India is not a double citizenship country; its constitution does not allow its citizens to take up other countries' nationality.

However, a PIO can apply for registration as an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI).

Eligibility for OCI Status (Dual Citizenship in India)

You know that you can be a citizen of a different country and yet be able to reside in India as a domestic citizen if you are registered as an OCI or Overseas Citizen of India (OCI). But what does it take to get OCI status?
 

• A PIO or Person of Indian Origin with foreign nationality can apply to the Indian Mission or Post in the country of residence.
• The PIO must submit an OCI application form with every column duly filled.
• The applicant must affix a 35mm x 45mm photo on the form.
• The photo must have a white background with shoulders and ears clearly visible.
   

One must note that according to the bill passed in 2005 on Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI):
 

• Every time the foreign national (PIO) acquires a new passport, he or she must apply for re-issuance of their OCI card up to the age of 20 years.
• After completing 50 years of age, the OCI card is required to be re-issued.
• Re-issuance of OCI cards is not required between 21 and 50 years of age for every time they receive a renewed passport

Documents Required for Dual Citizenship

To collect the OCI card, which sort of doubles as dual citizenship in India, one must submit the following documents:
 

• A duly filled OCI application form
• Cancelled Indian passport
• The passport of the country of residence
• PIO card
• A copy of the receipt of the payment of fees

Countries that Allow Dual Citizenship

The countries mentioned in the following table allow dual citizenship:
 

*One must fulfil certain conditions to get a dual citizenship

Countries that Do Not Allow Dual Citizenship

The following countries do not recognise dual citizenship.

*Allow dual citizenship under certain conditions

Conclusion

Dual citizenship means being a permanent resident in two countries. You can freely enter both countries, stay for as long as you want, work, do business, and own property. Also, if country A is experiencing social unrest, you can move to country B, where you are also a citizen. You can also take refuge in a different country that has better bilateral ties with country B or vice versa.

With all that said, there are some nations that do not allow you to hold a passport of another nation at the same time. These countries do not allow dual citizenship.