In some countries, citizens are allowed to have 3 passports at once. This status provides many advantages, such as visa-free entry to more countries, access to social and economic rights in different countries. Find out more about which countries allow triple citizenship

Triple citizenship is a more complex and rare phenomenon compared to dual citizenship. The process of obtaining citizenship of a third country when a person already has two citizenships is accompanied by numerous legal and bureaucratic challenges. Each state establishes its own rules and requirements for granting citizenship, which can vary significantly in complexity.

Typically, certain conditions must be met to obtain multiple citizenship, which vary from country to country. These conditions may include a certain period of residence in the country, investment, language proficiency, cultural integration, etc. In some cases, it may be necessary to renounce previous citizenship, although this is not always a prerequisite.

It is important to note that not all countries allow their citizens to hold triple citizenship. Some states set limits on the number of citizenships or even impose fines for violations of the relevant rules.

In the previous article, we told you which countries are the easiest to obtain dual citizenship in 2024 and which countries prohibit having a second passport.

What is multiple citizenship?

Multiple citizenship, also known as dual or triple citizenship, reflects the legal status of a person who simultaneously holds the citizenship of two or more states. According to the European Convention on Nationality of 1997, multiple nationality means that one person can hold more than one nationality at the same time. This phenomenon became much more widespread only in the second half of the 20th century, when the concept of citizenship began to change under the influence of globalization, migration and social change.

Traditionally, people had only one citizenship that defined their national identity. However, with the growth of international migration, driven by various factors such as employment, marriage, or political events, citizenship is no longer a purely one-dimensional concept. Many people now hold the citizenship of several countries, allowing them to enjoy the benefits of each.

Despite the growing global acceptance of multiple citizenship, there are significant regional differences in approaches to this issue. For example, countries in Oceania and the Americas have a high level of acceptance of multiple citizenship, while some countries in Africa and Asia have significant restrictions. Some states, such as China, India, and the United Arab Emirates, do not allow their citizens to hold another nationality at all.

There are countries that allow citizenship only of certain states. At the same time, smaller countries, such as the Eastern Caribbean islands, actively encourage multiple citizenship as a means of diversifying their economies and reducing dependence on tourism. For wealthy individuals, multiple citizenship can be a way to protect assets and ensure a legacy for their descendants.

As of 2024, 76% of the world's countries have adopted legislation allowing multiple citizenship. This is a significant shift compared to 1960, when only 38% of countries allowed their citizens to hold citizenship of other states. Leaders in the adoption of multiple citizenship are the countries of Oceania, America and Asia, while in Africa this figure is 70%.

Having multiple citizenship means that a person has to fulfill obligations to each country whose citizenship he or she holds. This may include paying taxes, serving in the military, or fulfilling other civic duties. In some cases, countries enter into agreements with each other on mutual recognition of citizenship, which makes life easier for people with multiple citizenships. 

Learn more about the 15 countries in the world that are the most difficult to obtain citizenship in.

Is it possible to obtain triple citizenship?

Multiple citizenship is allowed in 130 countries, including the United States, Canada, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and many others. However, the rules and procedures for obtaining dual or triple citizenship differ from country to country.

For example, some countries, such as Hungary and Cyprus, offer citizenship in exchange for investment. This makes it possible to obtain a second citizenship for a significant financial investment. In the United Kingdom, residents of colonies and overseas territories are required to renounce their previous citizenship in order to obtain British citizenship. At the same time, in Ireland, it is possible to obtain citizenship by descent, which is especially attractive for people of Irish descent.

In Germany, dual citizenship is allowed only for citizens of EU countries and Switzerland. Citizens of other countries must first renounce their previous citizenship to obtain German citizenship. Israel has its own rule, according to which any person of Jewish descent can obtain citizenship, regardless of their place of residence. In Peru, dual citizenship is only allowed for Spanish and Latin American citizens. 

Ways to obtain citizenship

There are several main ways to obtain dual or even triple citizenship, each of which has its own peculiarities. Some of these methods are affordable, while others may be more expensive but provide a faster process. 

The first method is naturalization, which is the most common method of obtaining citizenship. It involves establishing permanent residence in a country, living there for a certain period of time, fulfilling the relevant duties, and eventually becoming a citizen. For example, Canadians who are naturalized in the United States can retain their Canadian citizenship.

The second option is citizenship by descent. This is an opportunity to obtain citizenship of a country if you are eligible for it through your ancestors.

Economic citizenship is another way to obtain citizenship by making significant financial investments or donations to the country. This process is usually faster and allows you to get a new passport in a short time.

Exceptional citizenship can be granted in special cases determined by the country's leader. This is a rare but possible option.

Finally, citizenship by marriage is a way to acquire the citizenship of your spouse's country after a certain period of being legally married.

Find out more about the best countries that offer expats favorable conditions for obtaining citizenship for investment in 2024.

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For safe relocation to any country in the world, obtaining citizenship and employment, use the advice of an international lawyer. We help to solve complex and simple issues for your comfort and safety in any part of the world. 

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Visit World has compiled the TOP-15 countries where triple citizenship is legally allowed.

15. Dominica

Visa-free destinations: 142

Dominica offers expats a wide range of ways to obtain citizenship, including naturalization, marriage and investment. This Caribbean island is famous not only for its stunning natural scenery, but also for its high-quality healthcare and education. Dominica's citizens have the additional advantage of visa-free access to many countries around the world. An important aspect is that Dominica recognizes dual or even multiple citizenship, making it an attractive choice for those looking for new opportunities to live abroad.

14. Grenada

Visa-free destinations: 143

Grenada, a picturesque Caribbean island, offers many advantages for those seeking multiple citizenship. In addition to its spectacular natural beauty, Grenada provides tax exemption and visa-free travel to 143 countries, including the Schengen countries, China and Russia. Citizenship of this island can be acquired in various ways: by descent, birth, marriage, naturalization, or investment. 

Earlier we talked about Caribbean citizenship by investment, which Caribbean countries offer citizenship by investment in 2024 and what are their advantages.

13. Saint Lucia

Visa-free destinations: 143

Saint Lucia, one of the most beautiful Caribbean islands, offers an attractive program for obtaining a second citizenship without having to give up the existing one. For an investment of $100,000 or more, you can become a citizen of this country, gaining access to visa-free travel to 143 countries. This is an ideal option for those who want to increase their global mobility and enjoy a comfortable life in a tropical paradise.

12. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Visa-free destinations: 152

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is an attractive option for those seeking a third citizenship. The country is known for its popularity among millionaires, tourists and artists, and allows dual citizenship, which makes it even more attractive. Citizenship can be obtained through birth, descent, marriage, investment, or naturalization. An additional advantage is that the official language of the country is English, which makes adaptation much easier for expats from English-speaking countries.

11. Antigua and Barbuda

Visa-free destinations: 152

Antigua and Barbuda provides its citizens with the opportunity to have triple citizenship, which is enshrined in the 1981 Constitution. This allows citizens of the country to retain their primary citizenship and acquire others. The grounds for citizenship include standard options such as birth, descent, marriage, and naturalization. In addition, Antigua and Barbuda offers citizenship through repatriation, adoption, public service, and special services to the country. Visa-free travel is available to 152 countries, making the passport even more attractive.

10. St. Kitts and Nevis

Visa-free destinations: 154

Saint Kitts and Nevis allows dual citizenship, which is enshrined in Article 93 of the country's Constitution. This Caribbean island attracts expats due to its excellent medical and educational infrastructure, as well as various cultural events and attractions. One of the main reasons for the popularity of dual citizenship is the Citizenship by Investment program, which is the oldest in the world. It provides for obtaining citizenship for an investment of USD 250,000 or more.

In our previous article, we talked about the Citizenship for Investment program in Saint Kitts and Nevis.

9. Canada

Visa-free destinations: 188

Canada is one of the developed countries that allows multiple citizenship. This provides ample opportunities for travel, as a Canadian passport opens the door to 188 visa-free destinations. In addition, Canada is known for its high standard of living, access to quality healthcare, education, and rich cultural heritage. The country also offers significant investment opportunities, making it an attractive destination for those seeking economic prosperity and dual citizenship. The standard methods of acquiring citizenship, such as naturalization, marriage, or investment, apply here as well.

8. Australia

Visa-free destinations: 188

Australia allows dual or multiple citizenship. In addition to the right to vote and participate in political life, Australians can access wider employment opportunities, including government positions. In addition, Australian citizenship provides the opportunity to freely move and reside in New Zealand. The ways of acquiring Australian citizenship include birth, descent, investment or naturalization.

7. United States of America

Visa-free destinations: 188

The United States of America, as one of the most influential countries in the world, is an attractive destination for citizenship. Thanks to its highly developed economy and many opportunities, the United States attracts millions of immigrants from all over the world. The country is also known for its diverse culture, which makes it easy for newcomers to adapt. Obtaining dual citizenship in the United States is becoming a desirable option for many expats. The main ways of acquiring citizenship include birth, descent, marriage, investment, and naturalization.

6. Switzerland

Visa-free destinations: 190

Switzerland allows for multiple citizenships, which is a significant advantage for many expats. This country is known for its high standard of living and offers many opportunities for comfortable and luxurious living. In addition, Swiss citizenship provides access to travel throughout Europe. Switzerland provides several ways to obtain citizenship, including birth, descent, marriage, naturalization and investment.

5. Luxembourg

Visa-free destinations: 191

Known for its strong economy and favorable investment climate, Luxembourg is also an attractive destination for multiple citizenship. As one of the richest countries in the world, Luxembourg offers numerous advantages, including low tax rates and global mobility thanks to visa-free access to 191 countries. 

Learn more about the procedure for obtaining citizenship in Luxembourg in 2024.

4. United Kingdom

Visa-free destinations: 192

The United Kingdom is one of the most attractive countries for citizenship due to its high quality of life, access to quality healthcare, education and numerous employment opportunities. One of the key advantages is that the UK allows for multiple citizenship, which means that you do not need to renounce your previous citizenship. The procedures for obtaining British citizenship include birth, descent, marriage, naturalization, and investment. Other options are also available, such as EU settlement, registration, and adoption.

In the previous article, we talked about the procedure for obtaining British citizenship in 2024.

3. Finland

Visa-free destinations: 192

Finland is constantly ranked high in terms of quality of life, healthcare, education and human rights. Therefore, the country attracts many immigrants. Finland allows multiple citizenships, which makes it even more attractive to foreigners. Finnish citizenship can be acquired in various ways, including birth, adoption, descent, naturalization or investment.

2. France

Visa-free destinations: 193

As a member of the European Union, France offers its citizens invaluable access to visa-free travel to a large number of countries. The high standard of living, including access to quality education, healthcare and economic prosperity, makes French citizenship even more desirable. France allows for multiple nationalities. French citizenship can be acquired in various ways, including through birth, adoption, descent, marriage, naturalization or investment.

1. Italy

Visa-free destinations: 193

Known for its rich cultural and historical heritage, Italy is becoming increasingly popular among those seeking citizenship. The high quality of life, wide mobility and diverse employment opportunities make this country extremely attractive for expats. One of the key advantages is that Italy allows for multiple citizenships without requiring renunciation of the existing one. Citizenship of this country can be obtained through birth, marriage, naturalization or investment.

We remind you! The Italian authorities have simplified the procedure for obtaining citizenship for foreigners who are descendants of Italians. In particular, the changes affected the requirement to have a birth certificate. Read more about what opportunities the new rules open up for expats.

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Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

To ensure a safe move to a new country, I advise you to consult a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with a legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration.

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Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Travel guide for 200 countries;

Legal advice from a local specialist on visa and migration issues;

Travel insurance around the world (please select the country of interest and citizenship to receive services);

Medical insurance all over the world.

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