Key Takeaways
• Dual citizenship allows legal citizenship in two countries with rights and responsibilities in both.
• U.S. naturalization fee is $760 as of July 2025, with possible reductions for low income or military service.
• Children born to parents from different countries may automatically have dual citizenship depending on laws.
Dual citizenship is an important topic for many people who want to connect with more than one country. Whether you are thinking about becoming a citizen of the United States 🇺🇸 while keeping your original citizenship, or you are a U.S. citizen interested in gaining a second nationality, it’s important to understand the rules, costs, and steps involved. This guide explains dual citizenship in simple terms, including who can get it, how much it costs, what the process looks like, and what it means for your everyday life.
What Is Dual Citizenship?
Dual citizenship, sometimes called dual nationality, means a person is legally recognized as a citizen of two countries at the same time. This gives you the rights and responsibilities of both countries. For example, you can have two passports, vote in both countries (if allowed), and live or work in either country without needing a visa.
The United States 🇺🇸 allows dual citizenship. This means you do not have to give up your U.S. citizenship if you become a citizen of another country. However, not all countries allow dual citizenship. Some countries may require you to give up your original citizenship if you become a citizen elsewhere. Always check the rules of both countries before starting the process.
Who Can Have Dual Citizenship?
U.S. Citizens
If you are already a U.S. citizen, you can usually become a citizen of another country without losing your U.S. citizenship. The United States 🇺🇸 does not force you to choose between your U.S. citizenship and another country’s citizenship. But, you must follow the laws of both countries.
Immigrants to the United States
If you are not a U.S. citizen yet, you can apply for U.S. citizenship through a process called naturalization. If your home country allows dual citizenship, you can keep your original citizenship and become a U.S. citizen at the same time.
Children Born to Parents from Different Countries
Children born in the United States 🇺🇸 to parents from another country may automatically have dual citizenship. The same can happen if a child is born abroad to U.S. citizen parents. The rules depend on the laws of both countries.
How Much Does Dual Citizenship Cost in the United States?
The main cost for dual citizenship in the United States 🇺🇸 is the naturalization fee. This is the fee you pay when you apply to become a U.S. citizen. As of July 2025, the naturalization fee is $760. This fee covers the cost of processing your application and the background check.
- Naturalization Fee: $760 (as of July 2025)
- Possible Fee Reductions or Waivers: Some people may pay less or nothing at all. For example, if you have a low income or serve in the U.S. military, you might qualify for a fee reduction or a fee waiver.
You can find the official application form, called Form N-400, on the USCIS website.
Other Costs to Consider
- Biometrics Fee: Sometimes, you may need to pay an extra fee for fingerprinting and background checks.
- Legal Help: If you hire an immigration lawyer, you will need to pay for their services. This is not required, but some people choose to get help with their application.
- Travel Costs: If you need to travel for interviews or to collect documents, you should plan for these expenses.
Cost for U.S. Citizens Getting a Second Citizenship
If you are a U.S. citizen and want to get citizenship in another country, the cost depends on that country’s rules. Some countries offer citizenship by investment, which can cost tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Other countries may have lower fees if you qualify through family ties or long-term residency.
Examples:
– Turkey 🇹🇷: Citizenship by investment starts at around $250,000.
– Dominica 🇩🇲: Citizenship by investment starts at about $100,000.
– Grenada 🇬🇩: Citizenship by investment starts at about $150,000.
– Vanuatu 🇻🇺: Citizenship by investment starts at about $130,000.
Always check the official government website of the country you are interested in for the most up-to-date costs.
Steps to Get Dual Citizenship in the United States
1. Check If Your Country Allows Dual Citizenship
Before you start, find out if your home country allows dual citizenship. Some countries do not allow it, and you could lose your original citizenship if you become a U.S. citizen. Contact your country’s embassy or consulate for the latest information.
2. Meet U.S. Citizenship Requirements
To apply for U.S. citizenship, you must meet certain requirements:
- Be a permanent resident (green card holder) for at least five years (or three years if you are married to a U.S. citizen).
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Show good moral character.
- Pass English and U.S. history/civics tests.
- Be physically present in the United States 🇺🇸 for at least half of the required residency period.
3. Apply for U.S. Citizenship
- Complete Form N-400: This is the official application for naturalization. You can find it on the USCIS website.
- Pay the naturalization fee: As mentioned, the fee is $760.
- Submit supporting documents: These may include your green card, passport, and other identification.
- Attend a biometrics appointment: You may need to provide fingerprints and photos.
- Go to an interview: A USCIS officer will ask you questions about your application and test your English and knowledge of U.S. history.
- Take the Oath of Allegiance: If approved, you will attend a ceremony and officially become a U.S. citizen.
The whole process can take up to 1.6 years from start to finish.
4. Getting a Second Citizenship as a U.S. Citizen
If you are already a U.S. citizen and want to get a second citizenship, the process depends on the other country’s rules. Common ways to get a second citizenship include:
- Citizenship by descent: If your parents or grandparents are from another country, you may qualify.
- Citizenship by investment: Some countries offer citizenship if you invest a certain amount of money.
- Citizenship by residency: Living in a country for a certain number of years may make you eligible.
Check the official government website of the country you are interested in for details.
Rights and Responsibilities of Dual Citizens
Rights
- Hold two passports: Travel more easily between both countries.
- Live, work, and study in both countries: No need for visas or permits.
- Vote in both countries: If allowed by both countries’ laws.
- Access to social services: Such as healthcare and education, depending on the country.
Responsibilities
- Follow the laws of both countries: You must obey the rules in both places.
- Pay taxes: Some countries, including the United States 🇺🇸, may require you to pay taxes even if you live abroad.
- Military service: Some countries may require you to serve in the military.
- Jury duty: You may be called for jury duty in the United States 🇺🇸.
Real-World Examples
Example 1: Maria from Mexico 🇲🇽
Maria moved to the United States 🇺🇸 and became a permanent resident. After five years, she applied for U.S. citizenship. Mexico 🇲🇽 allows dual citizenship, so Maria kept her Mexican citizenship while becoming a U.S. citizen. Now, she can travel easily between both countries and visit family without worrying about visas.
Example 2: John from the United States 🇺🇸
John’s grandparents were born in Italy 🇮🇹. He applied for Italian citizenship by descent while keeping his U.S. citizenship. Now, John can live and work anywhere in the European Union without a visa, thanks to his Italian passport.
Example 3: Aisha from Nigeria 🇳🇬
Aisha became a U.S. citizen but later learned that Nigeria 🇳🇬 does not allow dual citizenship for adults. She had to choose between keeping her Nigerian citizenship or becoming a U.S. citizen. After talking to both governments, she decided to keep her U.S. citizenship.
Practical Implications of Dual Citizenship
Dual citizenship can make life easier in many ways, but it also comes with extra responsibilities.
Benefits
- Travel freedom: With two passports, you can visit more countries without needing a visa.
- Work and study: You can live, work, or study in either country.
- Family connections: It’s easier to visit or live with family in both countries.
- Safety: If there is trouble in one country, you may be able to leave and go to the other.
Challenges
- Taxes: The United States 🇺🇸 taxes its citizens no matter where they live. You may need to file tax returns in both countries.
- Military service: Some countries require military service from their citizens.
- Legal issues: If you get into trouble in one country, the other country may not be able to help you.
- Conflicting laws: Sometimes, the laws of the two countries may not agree, which can cause problems.
Recent Developments and Policy Changes
As of July 2025, there have been no major changes in U.S. policy about dual citizenship. The United States 🇺🇸 still allows dual citizenship and does not require you to give up your U.S. citizenship if you become a citizen of another country. However, it is always a good idea to check the latest rules with both the U.S. government and the government of your other country.
VisaVerge.com reports that while the U.S. policy remains stable, people should always double-check the rules of both countries before making any decisions about dual citizenship.
Expert Advice
Experts recommend:
- Check both countries’ laws: Make sure both countries allow dual citizenship.
- Talk to a legal expert: If you are not sure, speak with an immigration lawyer or government official.
- Stay informed: Laws can change, so keep up to date with the latest information.
Comparing Dual Citizenship: United States 🇺🇸 vs. Other Countries
- United States 🇺🇸: Allows dual citizenship, does not require you to give up your U.S. citizenship.
- Canada 🇨🇦: Also allows dual citizenship.
- Germany 🇩🇪: Usually does not allow dual citizenship, except in special cases.
- Japan 🇯🇵: Does not allow dual citizenship for adults.
- India 🇮🇳: Does not allow dual citizenship, but offers a special status called Overseas Citizen of India (OCI).
Always check the official government website for the most accurate information.
Pathways to Dual Citizenship
There are several ways to become a dual citizen:
- Birth: Being born in a country or to parents from different countries.
- Marriage: Marrying a citizen of another country.
- Naturalization: Applying for citizenship after living in a country for a certain time.
- Investment: Investing money in a country that offers citizenship by investment.
- Descent: Having parents or grandparents from another country.
Where to Find More Information
For the most accurate and up-to-date information about dual citizenship and U.S. immigration policies, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. You can also find helpful details on the U.S. Department of State and USA.gov.
Final Thoughts and Next Steps
Dual citizenship can open many doors, but it is important to understand the rules, costs, and responsibilities. The naturalization fee for U.S. citizenship is currently $760, but other costs may apply depending on your situation. Always check if your home country allows dual citizenship before starting the process.
If you are thinking about dual citizenship, take these steps:
- Check both countries’ laws.
- Make sure you meet all requirements.
- Gather your documents and fill out the right forms.
- Ask for help if you need it.
- Stay informed about any changes in the law.
By following these steps and using official resources, you can make smart choices about your future. Dual citizenship can give you more freedom and opportunities, but it also means following the rules of two countries. Always plan carefully and get the right advice before making any big decisions.
Learn Today
Dual citizenship → Legal status allowing citizenship in two countries simultaneously with shared rights and duties.
Naturalization → Process of becoming a U.S. citizen by fulfilling residency and legal requirements.
Form N-400 → Official USCIS application form used to apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization.
Biometrics fee → Fee for fingerprinting and background checks during the naturalization application process.
Citizenship by investment → Obtaining citizenship from another country through qualifying financial investment.
This Article in a Nutshell
Dual citizenship lets you hold citizenship in two countries, enjoying travel freedom and work rights. U.S. naturalization costs $760 with possible fee waivers. Check both countries’ laws before applying to protect your citizenship status and comply with all legal requirements effectively.
— By VisaVerge.com
