What is Dual Citizenship?

Dual Citizenship simply means that a person is a citizen of two countries at the same time. In order to become a dual citizen, both countries must allow dual citizenship. In addition to this, you must follow the laws set forth by each country in order to qualify for dual citizenship.

Some countries, such as China and India do not recognize dual citizenship, while many like the United States and Germany do. In order to be a dual citizen, the individual must obey and be subject to the responsibilities of both countries and both countries have the right to enforce their laws.

Being a Dual Citizen in the United States

US law does not require a person to choose between the United States or the other country and may allow the person to be a citizen of both. The individual may also reside in the other country without the risk of losing their US citizenship.

Being a dual citizen often comes with many benefits that are not afforded to non-citizens like permanent legal residents. Having citizenship in the United States allows you to vote in US elections, attend US schools without a student visa, apply for public benefits (if you meet the requirements), obtain green cards for your family, and more.

Other requirements of being a dual citizen in the United States include the potential of being taxed by the United States and the other country that you’re a citizen of (double taxed), jury duty, and registering for the US Selective Service System (only males between the ages of 18 and 26).

Becoming a Dual Citizen 

If you are a German citizen and want to apply for dual citizenship in the United States, reach out to Reinhard von Hennigs, the German Honorary Consul of Charlotte, North Carolina. You can find the contact information for Charlotte’s Honorary Consul team here.