Citizenship refers to the legal bond between an individual and a sovereign state. It grants certain rights, benefits, and responsibilities to the citizen. Some countries allow dual or multiple citizenships, while others restrict citizenship to a single nationality.
What is single citizenship?
Single citizenship, also known as sole citizenship, refers to the possession of citizenship and nationality of only one country at a time. Individuals with single citizenship owe their allegiance to only one state. They cannot simultaneously hold citizenship of two or more countries.
Countries that allow only single citizenship require a person to renounce citizenship of other countries when obtaining citizenship. They do not recognize or permit dual/multiple nationalities for their citizens.
Why do some countries restrict citizenship?
There are several reasons why some nations mandate single citizenship:
- National identity – Single citizenship promotes stronger patriotism and national cohesion.
- National security – Preventing dual allegiances reduces risks of treason or espionage.
- Sovereignty and jurisdiction – Clearer legal jurisdiction over citizens with sole nationality.
- Administrative simplicity – Easier to ascertain citizenship status for governance.
- Avoid dual taxation – Prevent complexities of taxing dual citizens.
Which countries allow only single citizenship?
Here is an overview of major countries that restrict citizenship to just one nationality:
Austria
Austria permits dual citizenship only in exceptional cases. Regular citizens must opt for single Austrian citizenship.
Bahrain
Bahraini citizenship law does not recognize dual nationality. Citizens are required to surrender other nationalities.
China
China does not allow dual citizenship. Naturalizing as a Chinese citizen requires renouncing previous citizenship.
Estonia
Estonian citizens cannot legally hold dual citizenship, except for a few exceptional circumstances.
India
India restricts dual citizenship, although allows Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) status along with a foreign nationality.
Indonesia
Indonesia permits only single nationality. Adults must renounce existing citizenship to naturalize as Indonesian citizens.
Japan
Japan requires applicants to relinquish existing citizenship before granting Japanese nationality.
Lithuania
Lithuanian citizenship law does not provide for dual nationality, except for citizens by birth.
Netherlands
Dutch citizens who naturalize in another country lose their Dutch nationality.
Peru
Peru recognizes their citizens as having a single nationality. Peruvians may not retain Peruvian citizenship after acquiring a second nationality.
Singapore
Singapore does not allow dual citizenship, with few exceptions. NSmen (reservists) have to renounce other citizenships.
Venezuela
Venezuela prohibits its citizens from holding other nationalities, unless special permission is granted.
Countries that used to restrict dual citizenship
Some nations that previously disallowed dual citizenship have relaxed their laws in recent years:
- Colombia allowed dual nationality starting 1991.
- India permitted dual citizenship in 2005, with the OCI program.
- South Korea began recognizing dual citizenship starting 2010.
Countries that permit dual citizenship
Many countries around the world allow their citizens to hold dual or multiple nationalities. Some examples are:
- United States
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- New Zealand
- France
- Germany
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Italy
- Ireland
- Portugal
- Spain
- Mexico
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Chile
- Israel
- South Africa
Advantages of dual citizenship
Allowing dual citizenship has several benefits:
- Economic opportunities – Citizens can live and work freely in multiple countries.
- Travel flexibility – A second passport facilitates visa-free travel and residency rights in more nations.
- Tax optimization – Citizens can strategically choose locations with lower tax rates.
- Diplomatic benefits – Holding multiple nationalities provides greater consular support when abroad.
Challenges of dual citizenship
Dual citizenship also comes with some potential complications:
- Divided loyalties – Citizens may lack allegiance to any one country.
- Tax complexities – Complying with taxes in multiple countries can be difficult.
- Military service obligations – Citizens may have mandatory service duties in two nations.
- Entitlement to social benefits – Unclear if citizens can avail benefits from both countries.
How to acquire dual citizenship
There are several ways to obtain a second passport:
- Birthright citizenship – Being born in a jus soli country where citizenship is conferred by birthplace.
- Descent – Deriving citizenship from parents or grandparents born in another country.
- Naturalization – Fulfilling residency and other criteria to naturalize in a second country.
- Marriage – Marrying a foreign spouse and acquiring citizenship through them.
- Investment – Investing in business, real estate or government bonds in countries that offer citizenship by investment programs.
Conclusion
While most countries allow dual citizenship, some still restrict citizenship to just one nationality due to concerns over divided national allegiance and administrative complexities. However, the global trend is moving towards permitting dual citizenship because of greater transnational movement and economic integration.
Individuals interested in acquiring a second passport must check the relevant citizenship laws before applying. The requirements and eligibility criteria for dual citizenship vary across countries.