Is It Hard to Apply for Dual Citizenship?

The short answer? It can be. But let’s not stop there. The real question is: How much do you want it? For some, dual citizenship is the ultimate form of freedom—free to live, work, and travel across borders. But the path to obtaining it can be laden with bureaucracy, complex laws, and challenges that feel like they belong in a legal drama.

Let’s break it down.

1. Your Motivation is Everything Why do you want dual citizenship? This might seem like a trivial question, but it’s the very foundation of the process. Some seek it to reconnect with their ancestral roots, others want the economic or social benefits tied to a second passport. Maybe it’s about security—knowing that if things go south in one country, there’s always a backup.

But motivation isn’t just philosophical. In some countries, dual citizenship is only available under specific circumstances, like proving heritage, through investment programs, or marriage. Your reason will heavily influence the process you go through.

2. The Legal Labyrinth Before you even begin filling out forms or gathering documents, it’s crucial to understand the laws in both your home country and the country you’re aiming for. Not all nations allow dual citizenship. Countries like Japan or India, for instance, require you to renounce your existing nationality if you wish to become a citizen there. Others, like the U.S., don’t encourage it but also don’t formally prohibit it.

Pro Tip: Some countries offer a workaround called “multiple nationality” where you're technically a citizen of more than one country without officially acknowledging it. This can involve keeping things low-profile, but tread carefully—laws are complex, and playing fast and loose with citizenship rules can have serious repercussions.

3. The Paperwork Pileup Here’s where most people start to sweat. Bureaucracy. Forms. Documents. Certificates. Proof. Getting dual citizenship often means navigating a labyrinth of paperwork, and each country has its own set of requirements. From birth certificates, criminal background checks, proof of residency, or even language proficiency tests—the list can feel endless.

But if there’s one thing you learn from those who have successfully navigated the system, it’s this: patience and preparation are key. Get organized early, have multiple copies of everything, and expect delays. For instance, if you’re applying for citizenship in a country where you’re not currently residing, you’ll likely have to engage with embassies or consulates—adding time and, sometimes, frustration to the process.

4. Can You Afford It? The monetary cost of obtaining dual citizenship isn’t small. Some countries offer a “golden visa” or citizenship by investment program, where, for a sizable financial investment, you can essentially buy citizenship. While this may sound appealing, especially for those seeking fast-track solutions, be ready to invest anywhere from $100,000 to over a million dollars depending on the country.

If you’re not looking to spend that much, costs will still rack up in the form of application fees, legal services (especially if you hire an immigration attorney), and travel costs for required interviews or ceremonies. There’s no such thing as a “free” second citizenship—either your wallet or your time will pay.

5. The Emotional Rollercoaster No one tells you about the emotional side of applying for dual citizenship. The frustration of waiting for months (sometimes years), dealing with conflicting information, or just feeling like you’re spinning your wheels can take its toll.

A lot of applicants describe the process as stressful and draining, but in the same breath, they’ll tell you it was worth it. The key? Mental preparation. Expect setbacks and delays, but remember: if it were easy, everyone would do it.

6. Dual Citizenship Benefits Now, why go through all the trouble? The rewards can be immense. You’ll enjoy the freedom to live, work, and study in two different countries without the need for visas. You’ll have access to social services, healthcare, and education in both places. For business owners or digital nomads, it’s often a smart move—having multiple citizenships can offer more flexibility in terms of taxation, as well as a broader market for business opportunities.

In some cases, dual citizenship opens the door to global mobility. For instance, holding an EU passport gives you the right to travel and live in any of the 27 member states, a massive advantage for frequent travelers or those looking to retire in a scenic foreign locale.

7. The Flip Side: Drawbacks With all the benefits, it’s easy to think dual citizenship is a no-brainer, but there are potential drawbacks. For starters, you could be subject to double taxation. Both countries may require you to pay taxes on the same income, though many have tax treaties that prevent this.

Furthermore, you may find yourself caught in the legal crosshairs of both countries. Imagine being called for jury duty in two different places or being drafted into military service twice. While these scenarios are rare, they do happen. Being a dual citizen means understanding your obligations to both nations.

8. Case Study: The U.S. and Italy Take the case of dual citizenship between the U.S. and Italy. Italy is one of the few countries that allows descendants of Italian nationals to reclaim their citizenship, even generations later. The process, known as “jus sanguinis,” means you’re eligible if you can prove Italian ancestry.

But proving that ancestry often requires navigating Italian bureaucracy—translating birth, death, and marriage certificates into Italian, and dealing with long wait times at consulates. Is it difficult? Absolutely. But those who succeed describe it as a deeply meaningful connection to their heritage, not to mention the added benefits of EU citizenship.

9. The Growing Trend In today’s globalized world, dual citizenship is becoming more common. Countries like Canada, the U.K., and many in the Caribbean have streamlined their citizenship processes to attract skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and investors. Meanwhile, for individuals from nations with political instability or economic uncertainty, a second passport can serve as an insurance policy—an escape hatch if things go wrong.

10. The Bottom Line Is applying for dual citizenship hard? It depends on where you’re applying and why. Some countries have relatively straightforward processes, while others can seem like an endless maze. But for those who stick it out, the rewards are well worth the struggle. You’ll have access to more opportunities, greater freedom, and—perhaps most importantly—a sense of security knowing that you have options in an unpredictable world.