Dual Nationality: The advantages and disadvantages

What is Dual Nationality?

Also known as dual citizenship, dual nationality refers to the possession of two or more nationalities by one person. This means you may have acquired one either by birth or descent and the other by choice.

Is Dual Nationality Allowed in United Kingdom?

Dual nationality is allowed in the United Kingdom. This means that once you acquire British citizenship, you do not risk the loss of your first nationality. Whilst many countries in the world still impose stringent rules as holders of dual citizenship are required to renounce their first nationality, you are spared from this worry in the UK.

But problems may arise if your first nationality does not recognize dual citizenship. Two circumstances may arise from this situation: first, you may be regarded as having renounced your first nationality upon acquiring British citizenship; or second, the authorities from your home country will refuse to recognise your second nationality.

So before you apply for British citizenship, it is imperative that you make enquiries as to your status with the authorities of the country where you are a national should you succeed in becoming a British citizen.

Advantages of Dual Nationality

Political Rights

As part of the UK community, you are vested with the right to engage in public life and affairs. This means you are to exercise your political rights as a British citizen where you can vote and be voted for in the UK national elections as well as any European Parliament.

Right of Abode

As a full-fledged member of the United Kingdom, a British citizen with dual nationality status enjoys the same rights and privileges granted to all citizens of UK. One special right that you will enjoy is to reside in UK permanently. As a permanent resident, you may leave and re-enter the country at anytime.

As a British citizen, you are encouraged to be a productive member of the society and this means that you will help contribute to the UK economy by joining the labour force.

British Passport

Having British citizenship as your second nationality grants you the privilege of acquiring a British passport. But there is more to possession of a British passport; acquiring one is equivalent to a European Union (EU) passport. This means having a British passport as your second grants you access to other countries forming part of the EU. This also implies you are spared from visa applications and fees as far as these countries are concerned; thereby reducing your travel costs.

European Union Access

Not only do you have the privilege of easily travelling to other European countries but you also are granted the access to residential, educational, and employment opportunities in these places as well.

Disadvantages of Dual Nationality

International laws restrain the exercise of dual citizenship. The United Kingdom government cannot afford you protection once you are in a country where you are also a national. This is certain when you have become a British citizen and you plan to visit your former country.

To ensure your status and protection, contact the mission office of your national country while in the UK and enquire if your newly acquired citizenship has substantially affected your original nationality. Do this before making any travel arrangements to visit your old country.

Another disadvantage is when you travel to non-coalition countries of UK. You may be regarded as a hostile visitor being a British citizen and this will endanger your stay. So better enquire from the proper British authorities if the country you plan to visit does not have friendly relations with UK before you set your course.

Applying for Dual Citizenship

If you are a foreign national and you want to acquire British citizenship, you must undergo the standard process of applying for the same. The guidelines are available here at In Brief and on the Home Office Border Agency web site.


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