Does holding dual passports double your rights everywhere?
Dual citizenship grants each passport's rights IN THE ISSUING COUNTRY. In third countries (where you're entering as a foreigner) you choose ONE passport per trip — and some countries don't recognise dual nationality at all.
The truth
Holding two passports gives you full rights of each citizenship in its own country — you can vote, work, live, claim healthcare, etc. in both. In third countries, immigration treats you as the nationality of the passport you present at the border; you can pick the most favourable for each trip (e.g. a UK / Iranian dual national enters the EU on the UK passport because Iran requires Schengen visas). But several countries do not recognise dual nationality at all — Japan, China, India (which created the OCI 'overseas citizen' status as a workaround), Saudi Arabia, North Korea, Singapore, the Netherlands (with exceptions), Indonesia, Andorra, Argentina (until recently). For these countries: acquiring another citizenship may force you to renounce yours OR mean the dual citizenship isn't legally recognised in either state. Practical implications: tax residency rules apply per-jurisdiction regardless of citizenship; conscription obligations can apply (e.g. some countries require military service from male dual nationals); visa-free lists vary widely between passports of dual nationals (a strong + weak passport combo gives you the union of both visa-free destinations, but only by choosing the right one per trip).
Why this rumour persists
Dual citizenship is increasingly common and increasingly accepted, but the nuances around third-country treatment and non-recognition jurisdictions get glossed over in marketing material from CBI sellers and immigration consultants.
What to actually do
- Before acquiring a second citizenship, check whether your CURRENT country recognises dual citizenship — if not, you may auto-lose the original
- Travel with the appropriate passport: enter your home countries on the home passport, enter third countries on the strongest passport
- Some countries (US, Eritrea) tax citizens on worldwide income regardless of residence — dual citizenship doesn't escape this
- Conscription rules can follow you: some countries (Israel, South Korea, Turkey) impose military service on male citizens regardless of their other nationalities
- Renouncing US citizenship: only via the US Embassy + significant exit tax for high-net-worth individuals
Country-specific notes
- India: Does not recognise dual citizenship. Acquiring foreign citizenship requires surrender of Indian passport. OCI card provides similar (but lesser) rights.
- China: Does not recognise dual citizenship. Acquiring foreign citizenship technically renounces Chinese citizenship automatically.
- Japan: Requires choice of one nationality by age 22. Enforcement is uneven but the law is clear.
- Netherlands: Restricted — exceptions for marriage to a Dutch citizen, certain dual-nationality-at-birth cases.