Dispelling 7 Myths about Obtaining Dual Citizenship
There’re various good reasons to make you seek dual citizenship. These include expanding investment horizons and getting a sanctuary when your home country becomes unfavorable. Obtaining a second passport is citizenship insurance. You’ll get a safe haven from your home government’s bad policies like over taxation and political witch hunting. Apart from gaining economic and personal independence, a second passport makes you a global citizen.
Regardless of the tremendous benefits of dual citizenship, society is filled with much mistrust regarding a second passport. Perhaps these might have been making you have apprehensions about getting your dual citizenship. Luckily, this article is prepared to dispel all those myths. Read on and you’ll discover the truth about all the wrong information you’ve been exposed to. Let’s get started.
Myth 1: Only undesirable nations give away passports
This is another pointless myth about getting a second passport. It’s possible to get dual citizenship in various countries as long as you meet their requirement. Islands such as Antigua and Barbuda have a thriving tourism and real estate industry. This makes investing in getting a second passport from such nations worthwhile. Keep in mind that it requires planning and hard work to get dual citizenship in another country regardless of size.
Myth 2: You can buy your way in
This only happens in the Godfather movie. Alternatively, be wary of advertisements by scammers intent on conning large sums of money from the public. Some trouble countries might offer citizenship but after making a donation. Additionally, cash strapped nations might offer passport by investment requiring investing a stipulated amount to qualify for dual citizenship. So, there’s no truth in believing that you can buy your way in without taking part in appropriate government programs.
Myth 3: You must live in the other country for some long time
This isn’t true. Countries like the US require living and working in the country for about three years before beginning the naturalization process. Well, there’s even a chance to get your passport much quicker. Other nations like the UK allow getting citizenship when claiming asylum or have a family in the country. So, there’s no need to worry that you must spend some long time before getting a passport from another country. You just need some appropriate time and careful planning.
Myth 4: Your government won’t be happy
Obtaining dual citizenship isn’t like cheating on your spouse. It’s worthless to believe that government officials back home will treat you like an alien because you have a passport from another country. Your dual citizenship doesn’t eliminate your allegiance to your home country. The best thing is that no one can tell you have a second passport unless you tell them. Privacy about your dual citizenship gives peace of mind.
Myth 5: A US passport is a better idea
This is another mistruth about getting a second passport. There’re various countries where you can obtain dual citizenship and live happily ever after. Countries such as the UK are good options for the tranquil environment, lots of capacity, quality, and free health care, and various job opportunities. You can also consider other countries such as Hong Kong, Germany, and Switzerland. Obtaining an Antiguan passport offers visa-free travel to over 120 countries.
Myth 6: You can buy a passport on the black market
Apart from being a huge waste of your money, believing that you can use a black passport might land you in jail. Those spies you see in the movies with multiple passports can’t live in real life. The black market is just full of good copies of the original passport. It’s no wonder that passports are the most commonly forged documents although getting caught with a forged one carries a heavy penalty. It’s highly recommended to avoid agencies that promise passports on the black market.
Myth 7: Qualifying for a second passport is obvious
It’s wrong to believe that qualifying for dual citizenship in a country of your choice is obvious. After selecting your preferred country, you have to check the available options. From these, you’ll be able to choose one most appropriate and convenient for your needs. Careful planning, hard work, and working with a reliable agency increase chances of success in your endeavor.
Closing thought
With the world becoming a global village, getting dual citizenship is a smart idea. However, you have to weigh your options to ensure you find a convenient option appropriate to your needs.