If you're spending the same amount of time in another country as you are in the US, the travel back and forth can be time consuming, especially when you have to deal with visa applications and other traveler documents. When your time will be divided this way for the foreseeable future, such as is if you're launching and running companies in both places, you might want to consider applying for dual citizenship. It grants you citizenship status in the other country without having to give up your citizenship in the US. Here's a look at some of the things you should know before deciding.
It Gives You More Travel Flexibility
Having dual citizenship will make it easier to travel between the two countries. You won't have to complete a visa application or obtain any other legal approval to travel to or from the other country. It does, however, mean that you will have to carry dual passports. You'll have to make sure that you exit the country on the same passport that you traveled in with every time, and one country may not be able to access the passport information from the other. Give careful thought to the accessibility of your passport when choosing which one to travel on.
It May Permit Easier Property Purchase
In some countries, you cannot purchase property unless you are a citizen. This may mean being unable to buy a house even if you're in the country extensively and will be for the next 20 years. Becoming a dual citizen would permit you the status required to buy property in the country. It is important to note, though, that property ownership often leaves you subject to the local jurisdiction's tax laws. That may lead to paying taxes in both countries if you hold dual citizenship and property in both places.
It Might Simplify Your Work Situation
In some countries, you cannot legally work in the country if you are not a citizen or you don't have property and a work permit. If you own a business with offices in a country like this as well as the US, you might have to obtain dual citizenship to be able to travel to and work out of that regional office.
It Grants You More Rights to Access Benefits
As a dual citizen, you'll typically be granted all of the same rights of any other citizen in the country. This means that you'll have easier access to things like medical care, state benefits and even voting rights. If you're a dual citizen working with the government, you should even have access to a government pension.
Although some countries don't permit dual citizenship, many do allow it. If you're thinking about applying for dual citizenship status in another country, talk with an immigration attorney like Carmen DiAmore-Siah Attorney At Law right away. He or she can help you explore the requirements and develop a path to move forward.
