Numerous people are staying in the UK for a long time who wish to become British citizens. But, does that mean that you will need to give up your current citizenship? Or, for those who are currently British citizens but staying in a different country for a long time. Do they need to renounce their British citizenship if they want to become citizens of the country they are currently residing in? That’s where the topic of dual citizenship arises.
Let’s explore the nuances of British dual citizenship and how it affects the British citizenship application process.
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What is Dual Citizenship?
Dual Citizenship is also called dual nationality. It means a person is a citizen of two countries. They can follow the rules, enjoy their rights, and perform the duties of both countries. People with dual citizenship can have dual passports and live or work in either of those countries without needing any special permission. Having dual citizenship can be helpful. It allows people to hassle-free travel between countries, study or work in either country without visas, and have homes in both countries.
British Dual Citizenship Rules
When it comes to dual citizenship, the issue isn’t with British citizenship. You will need to know if the other country allows dual citizenship if you are already a British citizen, or planning on becoming one. Some countries make you choose one nationality and give up the other. So, If you want to become a British Citizen and want to keep other nationalities as well, you should have clear knowledge about the rules of the other country first.
Within the UK, the rules are pretty simple. You can keep your British citizenship and apply for another country’s citizenship as well. Or, if you have the citizenship of another country, you can still become a British citizen without having to renounce the citizenship of the other country. But, before you walk on that path, you must first consult with the consulate of the other country and make sure that it will be allowed by the second country.
How To Become a British Citizen and Have Dual Citizenship
If you are not already a British citizen and want to become one, you can do so through one of the available options. This is the same, whether you are going to keep your current citizenship or have to renounce it. There is no special requirement if you are going to get dual citizenship after obtaining British citizenship. You will have to fill up the British citizenship application similar to anyone who wishes to become a citizen of the UK. You will have to select the criteria based on which you will be eligible for British citizenship. Here are a few most common means by which you can become a citizen of the UK:
- Citizenship based on staying in the UK
- Citizenship based on marriage
- Citizenship by birth in the UK
- Citizenship based on ancestry
- Citizenship based on other schemes
You can explore each one of these separately to know under which category you will be able to apply for British citizenship. Once you have satisfied all the criteria and have paid for the citizenship application, you will be given British citizenship.
Now, at this point, if the country where you are currently a citizen allows dual citizenship, you will be able to keep your current citizenship and also become a British citizen. Thus, you will have dual citizenship.
Marriage and Dual Citizenship in the UK
In the UK you do not automatically become a citizen of the UK by marrying someone with British nationality. You will still have to apply for British nationality to become a British citizen. At this point, you will need to discuss with the consulate of the country you are currently a citizen of to know about dual citizenship rules in that country.
Also, some countries automatically consider that after marriage the married person assumes the nationality of the partner. If that’s the case, and you will have lost your current nationality by marrying someone of British nationality, then you will need to consult with your country’s consulate. It might be a special case and under such circumstances, you will have to check your eligibility to apply for British citizenship.
Benefits of British Dual Citizenship
British dual citizenship will come with the same benefits as anyone who becomes a British citizen by applying through the regular British citizenship application form. However, the added benefit is in the form of enjoying these benefits in addition to the ones that you already have as a citizen of the other nation.
As a British citizen, you will be allowed to work, study, and do business within the UK without any restrictions. You will be able to live in the UK and travel at will. There is freedom to own properties in the UK. Moreover, you will be able to enjoy the Government benefits and also medical facilities in the UK. Moreover, you will be able to pass on your citizenship to your children as well. However, whether they will also hold dual citizenship or not is a matter that you will need to clarify with the consulate of the other country in which you hold citizenship.
Limitations with Dual Citizenship
While there are not many limitations when it comes to dual citizenship, there is one that you will need to remember. You cannot get consulate service from the UK consulate when you are in the country where you are also a citizen of. That is, suppose, you are a citizen of France and also a British citizen. So, when you are in France, you will not be able to get help from the British consulate.
Should You Apply For Dual Citizenship?
This is a personal choice. If you have the option, you can opt to become a citizen of two countries. It gives many benefits in terms of owning properties and traveling. Moreover, with two passports, you will be able to claim the benefits of Visa-free travel to many more places. However, you will also be subject to taxation laws and other laws of both countries. So, consider carefully the merits before going ahead with this plan.