Dual Citizenship: International Students' Complex Identity

Dual citizenship allows individuals to be citizens of two countries at the same time and enjoy the benefits of legal citizenship in both countries. This can include access to top educational institutions in either country. For example, a person with dual citizenship in the USA and another country can enrol in top business schools in the USA as a local student, provided they meet the university's requirements. However, the classification of dual citizens as international students or domestic students depends on the specific context and admission requirements of the educational institution.

Dual citizens can access more educational institutions

Dual citizenship can open doors to a wider range of educational institutions and opportunities. It allows individuals to pursue their dream university in their desired country as local students, with access to a variety of courses, degrees, and institutions that may not be available in their home country. For example, an individual with dual citizenship in the United States can enrol in top business schools such as Harvard Business School or Stanford Graduate School of Business as a local student. This also applies to countries in the European Union, where dual citizenship obtained through residency or investment programmes can grant access to universities across Europe, such as in Malta or Turkey, without the need for an EU work permit upon graduation.

In addition to increased access to educational institutions, dual citizenship provides other benefits that can enhance an individual's educational journey. It allows individuals to work freely in both countries, providing opportunities to gain work experience or fund their studies through employment. Dual citizens may also have the advantage of being bilingual and having cultural connections to two different countries, which can enhance their personal development and make them more attractive to universities and future employers.

It is worth noting that the process of obtaining dual citizenship can vary in complexity and cost, and there may be certain restrictions or obligations associated with dual citizenship, such as the potential for double taxation or conflicting laws between the two countries. However, the benefits of dual citizenship, particularly in the context of accessing more educational institutions, can be significant and provide individuals with a wider range of opportunities for their academic and professional pursuits.

Dual citizens may face conflicting obligations

One such conflict could arise from mandatory military service. Dual citizens may be subject to mandatory military service in one of their countries of citizenship, and this obligation may be imposed immediately upon arrival or when attempting to depart the country. This could potentially lead to legal or ethical dilemmas if the dual citizen is opposed to military service or if the countries in question are in a state of conflict with each other.

Another area of conflict could be in the realm of entry and exit requirements. When travelling to a country where they hold citizenship, dual citizens may need to comply with specific entry and exit regulations, which could include visa requirements or passport usage. For instance, U.S. nationals, including U.S. dual nationals, must use a U.S. passport to enter and leave the United States. Failure to adhere to these requirements may result in legal consequences or restrictions on mobility.

Additionally, dual citizens may encounter limitations in consular protections. They may face restrictions in the consular services provided by one country while they are in the other country of their dual citizenship. This could potentially impact their access to assistance and support in legal, financial, or emergency situations while abroad.

Furthermore, certain countries may have laws or policies that affect dual citizens in specific ways. For example, some countries may require the registration of multiple nationalities, while others may prohibit dual citizenship altogether, forcing individuals to renounce one of their nationalities. It is important for dual citizens to be aware of the specific laws and regulations in their respective countries of citizenship to avoid any legal complications or unintended consequences.

Dual citizenship through birthright

Acquisition of Citizenship by Birth

In many countries, being born in a country automatically grants citizenship. This is known as birthright citizenship. For example, in the United States, if you are born on US soil to two American parents, you are typically granted US citizenship. However, it's important to note that the specific criteria for birthright citizenship can vary between countries.

Dual Citizenship Recognition

Not all countries allow dual citizenship. Before pursuing dual citizenship through birthright, it's essential to verify that both countries involved recognize dual citizenship. Contacting the embassies or consulates of the countries in question is a recommended step to understand their specific policies and requirements.

Citizenship through Descent

Some countries, like Italy and the United States, allow citizenship through descent or the right of blood. This means that even if you are born abroad, you may acquire citizenship of the home country of your parent(s). However, certain eligibility requirements may apply, and it's important to check with the specific country's regulations.

Travel and Passport Considerations

Dual citizens travelling typically need to carry both valid passports when travelling between their countries of citizenship. For example, a dual citizen of the US and another country would need to use their US passport when entering or exiting the United States, and the other country's passport when entering or exiting that country.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Dual citizenship through naturalisation

Dual citizenship, also referred to as dual nationality, is when a person holds citizenship in two countries at the same time. This can occur by automatic operation of different laws, rather than by choice. For example, a child born in a foreign country to US national parents may be a US national and a national of their country of birth.

In the context of international students, dual citizenship can impact an individual's status when applying to colleges or universities. While there is no definitive answer, some sources suggest that having dual citizenship does not automatically qualify someone as an international student. For instance, a user on Reddit with dual US and German citizenship, who graduated from high school in the US, mentioned that they were advised to apply to US colleges as an American rather than an international student.

Now, regarding dual citizenship through naturalisation, this is a process by which an individual acquires citizenship of a second country after initially holding citizenship in their country of origin. Naturalisation laws vary across countries, and the eligibility requirements for becoming a dual citizen through naturalisation depend on the policies of the country in question. Some countries permit their citizens to hold dual citizenship, while others may require individuals to renounce their original citizenship when acquiring a new one.

In the case of the United States, US law does not impede its citizens from acquiring foreign citizenship through naturalisation without risking their US citizenship. This means that a US citizen can naturalise in another country and become a dual national. However, US dual nationals owe allegiance to both the US and the foreign country, and they must use a US passport to enter and exit the US. It is important to note that US dual nationals may face restrictions in consular protections when abroad, especially in the country of their second nationality.

Dual citizens can be taxed by both countries

Dual citizens are required to comply with the tax laws of both countries they are a citizen of. This means that they may have to file tax returns in both countries and pay taxes on their worldwide income. However, this does not necessarily mean they will be subject to double taxation. Many countries have tax treaties in place to prevent this, and tools such as the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and Foreign Tax Credit can help reduce tax obligations.

In the United States, for instance, dual citizens are required to file a tax return if their income is above certain thresholds, regardless of where they live. While they may not need to pay taxes on their worldwide income to both countries, they will likely need to report it. This can create a complex situation, especially with differing tax deadlines and reporting timelines. An expat tax professional can help ensure compliance with both tax jurisdictions and help maximise tax-saving opportunities.

Dual-status individuals, according to the IRS, refer specifically to those who have been both a US resident and a non-resident in the same tax year. In this case, different rules apply for the parts of the year an individual is a resident or a non-resident. A dual-status individual must file a dual-status return as described in Publication 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens.

The US has tax treaties with more than 50 countries worldwide, which help clarify what income is taxable by which country. These treaties can also affect an individual's ability to take a tax credit, tax exemption, or qualify for a reduced tax rate. For instance, a German/US dual citizen living and working in Germany with a German income of $105,000 would be able to exclude this income from their US taxes, thus lowering their US tax obligation to $0.

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