Dual Citizenship: US Rules, Descent Routes and Investment Options
Dual citizenship means holding two nationalities at the same time. The United States allows it, so Americans can add a second passport without giving up US citizenship, as long as the other country also allows dual nationality. There are three main routes. Citizenship by descent is usually the cheapest if a parent, grandparent or ancestor qualifies. Citizenship by investment is the fastest, with Caribbean and other programmes starting from about US$130,000 for a single applicant in our Cost Index. Residence followed by naturalisation is the slowest but can lead to an EU passport. Start with our guide to US dual citizenship, then compare costs in the Cost Index or price your own family with the calculator. Rules change often, especially in Europe and the Caribbean, so the latest changes below are worth reading before you apply.
Compare 14 programmes side by side in our Citizenship and Golden Visa Cost Index 2026.
Latest changes
- Italian Citizenship by Descent 2026: The Two-Generation Rule Explained
In 2025, Italy introduced a two-generation limit for citizenship by descent. Learn about the new rules, who is affected and what your options are now for claiming your Italian heritage.
- German Citizenship by Descent 2026: Who Qualifies and How
Many people with German ancestry can claim citizenship. Discover the main routes to German citizenship by descent, including for those affected by past gender discrimination or Nazi persecution.
- From Portugal Golden Visa to Citizenship: The 10-Year Rule Explained (2026)
Discover the 2024 roadmap from Portugal's Golden Visa to citizenship. Learn about the 5-year timeline, investment options, and new legislative changes.
- Caribbean Citizenship by Investment in 2027: What Is Changing
What is confirmed, planned and possible for Caribbean citizenship by investment in 2027, from ECCIRA to visa access changes.
- US Gold Card Visa 2026: Cost, Process and Status
The US Gold Card is a new immigration pathway to a green card, established by executive order in 2025. It requires a significant financial contribution and uses existing employment-based visa categories.
- Citizenship and Golden Visa Outlook for 2027
A roundup of confirmed 2026 changes to golden visas and citizenship programmes and what to watch in 2027.
Compare guides
| Programme or topic | Minimum investment | Timeline | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citizenship by Investment 2026: Every Programme, Cost & Timeline Compared | US$200,000 | Not listed | Read guide |
| Does the US Allow Dual Citizenship? How Americans Get a Second Passport (2026) | Vanuatu from about US$130,000 for a single applicant (our Cost Index). | Not listed | Read guide |
All guides
17 published guides
Start here: US dual citizenship
Citizenship by descent
- Canadian Citizenship by Descent 2026: Bill C-3 Rules Explained
- EU Citizenship by Descent 2026: Which Countries, Who Qualifies & How
- German Citizenship by Descent 2026: Who Qualifies and How
- Irish Citizenship by Descent 2026: Foreign Births Register Guide
- Italian Citizenship by Descent 2026: The Two-Generation Rule Explained
- Polish Citizenship by Descent 2026: Eligibility and Process
- Spanish and Portuguese Citizenship by Descent in 2026
Citizenship by investment
Dual citizenship rules
Frequently asked questions
Does the US allow dual citizenship?
Yes. US law does not require Americans to give up US citizenship when they acquire another nationality. Citizenship is only lost by a voluntary act done with the intention of giving it up.
What is the cheapest way to get dual citizenship?
Citizenship by descent is usually the cheapest because it involves documents and application fees rather than an investment. It is only open to people whose family line qualifies.
What is the fastest way to get a second passport?
Citizenship by investment is the fastest route. Caribbean programmes now include interviews and a 30-day presence rule is planned, so allow for those steps.
How much does citizenship by investment cost?
In our Cost Index the cheapest route for a single applicant starts at about US$130,000 in Vanuatu and about US$210,000 in the Caribbean, before professional fees.
Do dual citizens still pay US tax?
Yes. US citizens are taxed on worldwide income wherever they live, so a second passport does not end US tax filing.
Which countries do not allow dual citizenship?
Some countries require new citizens to give up other nationalities. Our list of dual citizenship rules by country shows where this applies.
Can I get EU citizenship as an American?
Yes, through descent in countries such as Ireland, Italy, Germany or Poland, or by living in an EU country and naturalising. Portugal now requires 10 years of residence for most applicants.
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