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Many Individuals move abroad in search of better work opportunities, income, or quality of life. Over time, they may choose to settle down and seek citizenship in their new country. At this point, the concept of dual citizenship becomes relevant, where a person is legally recognised as a citizen of two countries at the same time.

This article covers dual citizenship meaning, benefits, and procedures and also explores how many countries allow dual citizenship and whether India allows dual citizenship or not.

What is Dual Citizenship?

Dual citizenship, also known as dual nationality, means that an individual can simultaneously possess citizenship of two different countries. Such individuals must share the rights and obligations of citizens of both nations whose citizenship they hold.

Essentially, dual citizenship allows you to hold passports of two countries and makes you obligated to follow the laws of both countries.

Benefits of Dual Citizenship

Dual citizenship offers individuals the unique advantage of being legally recognized as a citizen of two countries, giving you benefits in terms of personal freedom, security, and economic opportunities.

Security – Offers a safety net during political or economic instability, with access to social services and consular support in both countries.

Global Mobility - Holders often enjoy visa-free or easier travel across dual citizenship countries, improving work and travel flexibility.

Business and Investment - Enables ownership of property, easier business setup, and tax benefits in both nations ideal for investors and entrepreneurs.

Tax Optimisation - Holding dual citizenship can help reduce tax liabilities by accessing favourable tax regimes and using double taxation treaties.

Quality of Life - Grants access to better healthcare, education, and living standards along with the freedom to residence of your choice.

Is OCI equal to dual citizenship?

 The OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) is a lifelong visa and residency status for foreign nationals of Indian origin. The OCI card is not equivalent to dual citizenship, but it provides several benefits:

• Visa-free travel to India
• The right to reside, work, or study in India
• Permission to own property in India (subject to certain restrictions)
• OCI cardholders do not have political rights in India, such as voting or holding public office.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Dual Citizenship

When opting for dual citizenship, its important to understand that being a dual citizen can give you certain advantages as well as limitations. This comparison will highlight all the key factors to help you decide on dual citizenship.

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Process of Getting Dual Citizenship in Different Countries

Below are the different ways you can obtain dual citizenship in different countries.

• By Birth

  Non-resident individuals could gain citizenship of a nation if their parents were born in that country. However, this does not apply to every country. For instance, a child born in Canada can gain US citizenship if their parents are US-born. However, a child born to an Indian couple based in the UAE will continue to hold Indian citizenship.

• By Naturalisation

  To be eligible for dual citizenship by naturalisation, you must live in a country for a certain number of years as a permanent citizen. E.g., a British person living in Canada can file for dual citizenship after living there for six years.

• By Marriage

  Many countries allow you to become permanent residents if you marry a citizen of their country. E.g., an Australian married to a French citizen can apply for French citizenship, while the French citizen can also obtain Australian citizenship.

• By Investing

  You can acquire multiple citizenships in different countries by investing in that country and gain permanent residency. This is a route high-net-worth individuals typically take to obtain dual citizenship.

Countries that allow Dual Citizenship

Many people seek dual citizenship (also known as dual nationality or multiple citizenship) for greater freedom and opportunity. Numerous dual citizenship countries worldwide allow individuals to be legally recognized as citizens of two or more nations at the same time.

Below is a list of countries that allow or accept dual citizenship:

Nearly half of all countries globally permit dual or multiple citizenship, though the rules and eligibility may vary. Always check the specific requirements for each country, as some dual citizenship countries have restrictions or only accept dual nationality under certain circumstances

Does India Allow Dual Nationality?

India does not allow dual citizenship or dual nationality. According to Indian law, if an Indian citizen acquires citizenship of another country, they are required to surrender their Indian passport and citizenship.

Conclusion

NRIs with Indian citizenship, as well as PIO and OCI holders, can invest in India via DBS Bank. You can open NRE account, NRO account and fixed deposits and continue managing your income sources and expenses in India with these accounts. The NRI accounts allow you to seamlessly comply with your financial obligations in India and manage your Indian finances effortlessly.

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*Disclaimer: This article is published purely from an information perspective and it should not be deduced that the offering is available from DBS Bank India Limited or in partnership with any of its channel partners.

The purpose of this blog is not to provide advice but to provide information. Sound professional advice should be taken before making any investment decisions. The bank will not be responsible for any tax loss/other loss suffered by a person acting on the above.