Rights and privileges of dual citizenship
American British dual citizenship can be beneficial for many reasons, including having access to greater global mobility and improving your quality of life.
By holding American British dual citizenship you will be entitled to the same rights as both US and UK citizens. This means that with dual nationality you will be able to live and work in both countries without needing a visa or work permit. Holders of dual citizenship are also able to get access to public benefits if they are entitled to them and will have the right to study in either country as well as vote in their elections.
Once you have become a British Citizen you will also be able to apply for a UK passport. The advantages of carrying two passports are that you can travel more easily between the two countries. Having a passport removes the need for long-stay visas as well as any questioning about the purpose of your trip at customs upon arrival in the country. Moving between the two countries can be beneficial in situations where for example, a person has family in both countries, or conducts business in both countries.
Individuals who hold British dual nationality will also have access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
Responsibilities of dual citizenship
Whilst there are many benefits and privileges to holding American British dual citizenship there are also some drawbacks. These include the potential for double taxation and the usually lengthy and expensive process for obtaining dual citizenship. Another factor to consider is that you would become bound by the laws of two countries, not just one.
In terms of potential double taxation, you should note that US citizens who have dual citizenship with another country are still required to pay US taxes, even whilst they are not currently living as permanent residents in the US.
This rule requires you to pay U.S. taxes for life – even for income earned outside of the United States. This means that you have to pay double the tax on the same income to both the United States and to your other country of citizenship unless that country has an agreement with the United States permitting dual citizens not to have to pay “double taxation.”
Note also that persons who hold dual British citizenship cannot access diplomatic help from the British government when they are in their home country. This means that the UK government cannot offer help to US citizens who also hold British Citizenship whilst they are in the US.
If you would like to discuss the pros and cons of American British dual citizenship for your particular situation, get in touch with our experienced immigration attorneys, who will be able to discuss the merits as well as drawbacks with you.
FAQs
British-American Dual Citizenship Eligibility
Can I have dual American and British citizenship? ›
Yes, it is possible to apply for British citizenship and retain your American citizenship, which will make you a dual citizen. This is a particularly attractive option that enables you to live in both the United Kingdom and the United States without any restrictions.
Can a U.S. citizen have dual citizenship? ›
While the United States allows for dual (or multiple) nationality, there are some requirements that U.S. citizen dual nationals must follow, regardless of whether they hold another nationality: You must enter and leave the United States on your U.S. passport.
Can I become a British citizen if my grandparents were British? ›
UK immigration rules allow an automatic claim to British Citizenship if you have a grandparent (and, in rare cases, a great-grandparent) born in the UK. This is known as British Citizenship by descent, or more specifically, British Citizenship by double descent.
Does the UK allow multiple citizenships? ›
The UK government does allow British citizens to hold dual nationality. This means that if you are an overseas national who naturalised as a British citizen you can still retain your original nationality as well.
Do you lose British citizenship when you become an American? ›
(See more info about dual citizenship in the USA and Vietnam.) British citizens who naturalize in the United States may keep their British citizenship. (See more info about dual citizenship in the USA and the U.K.)
Will I lose my US citizenship if I become a citizen of another country? ›
U.S. law does not mention dual nationality or require a person to choose one citizenship or another. Also, a person who is automatically granted another citizenship does not risk losing U.S. citizenship. However, a person who acquires a foreign citizenship by applying for it may lose U.S. citizenship.
How many generations back can you claim British citizenship? ›
British citizenship by double descent may be possible for a person born before 1983. It means you can claim British citizenship if your grandfather or grandmother was British, even if you or your parents were born outside the UK.
How to get a British citizenship as an American? ›
There are 5 basic requirements to apply for British citizenship through naturalisation that most candidates must meet.
- Be over 18 years old.
- Be of “good character”. ...
- Be currently living in the UK.
- Meet the English language requirements.
- Pass the “Life in the UK” test.
British citizenship by descent is normally automatically passed down by one generation to children born outside of the UK. So, if you were born outside of the UK but one of your parents was a British citizen at the time of your birth then you may automatically acquire British citizenship by descent.
Disadvantages of Dual Nationality
Acquiring citizenship in another country may jeopardise any existing citizenship you already enjoy. Also, international laws restrain the exercise of dual citizenship. The UK government, for instance, does not have power to give you diplomatic help when you are in your home country.
Does the US allow triple citizenship? ›
Most notably, US citizens have no restrictions on obtaining multiple citizenship unless the citizenship can cause significant harm to the country. British citizenship laws were amended in the 1948 Nationality Act, which removed the restrictions on maintaining British citizenship and obtaining other citizenships.
What countries do not allow dual citizenship? ›
The countries that don't allow dual citizenship for adults as of this writing include:
- Bahamas.
- China.
- Haiti.
- Indonesia (except in certain circ*mstances)
- Japan.
- Kuwait.
- Laos.
- Malawi.
Both the United States and the United Kingdom allow dual citizenship so Americans who would like to apply for British citizenship are able to maintain both citizenships and vice versa.
How do you become an American citizen if you are British? ›
Requirements for U.S. citizenship
You must be licensed to live and work permanently in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for at least five years. If you become a permanent resident through marriage, you will be eligible to apply for citizenship after three years of being a green card holder.
What countries can you have dual citizenship with as an American? ›
Countries That Allow Dual Citizenship With the U.S.
| Americas | Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru |
|---|
| Europe | Albania, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Russia, Serbia, Slovenia, Sweden, Turkey, United Kingdom |
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Being a dual citizen of the US and the UK can have significant tax implications, which could expose your financial assets and income to both US and UK tax, including: Investments that you hold (including UK tax friendly investments, such as ISAs) Inheritance that you receive from a US citizen (such as pensions)
