Shabana Bukhari 
In this blog we will discuss the rights and considerations associated with British dual nationality which is when an applicant holds citizenship of two separate countries.
Rights
The many rights of a British dual national flow from being the holder of two passports (Apply online for a UK passport – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)) which allows an applicant to:
- Freely live and travel. This is because you will be classified as ‘permanently settled’ in the UK and so exempt from any restrictions to living in the UK. For instance, there is no need to apply for further visas which place restrictions on you being able to spend time overseas. Or visas needed for entering the other country which you are a national of.
- Freely study in both countries, for instance in the UK you may attend their educational establishments without the need to apply for Student Visas.
- Freely work in both countries meaning that there is no need to obtain a work permit which will take time and money. Additionally, this opens up more job opportunities for applicants which will benefit career progression in the future.
- Retain the advantages of being a British citizen, such as not having to pay the immigration health care charge and instead benefiting from the free healthcare provided by the publicly funded NHS.
- Gain political rights in both countries. This includes the ability to cast your political vote and you can register to vote in the UK here: Register to vote – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Or as a UK national you can also ‘stand for office’ which means putting yourself forward to be a candidate in a local or national election.
- Claim state benefits in both countries. These are hugely beneficial for individuals and there are a wide range available, such as a Carer’s Allowance or Universal Credit. To browse more of the taxable or tax free UK state benefits follow this link to see if you are eligible: https://www.gov.uk/income-tax/taxfree-and-taxable-state-benefits.
Considerations
- The main consideration is that not every country allows for dual citizenship. See our dual citizenship guide here: British Dual Citizenship. This may lead to an applicant needing to renounce their British citizenship to acquire another countries citizenship. Consequently, you may lose those rights discussed above.
- Financially, as a dual national you may have to pay double tax which can be a huge burden. Follow this link to read about the UK tax criteria: Tax if you come to live in the UK – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
- As a dual national you may have to fulfil different citizenship requirements, for instance some countries require military service to be undertaken which can affect the ability to maintain your dual nationality.
- Dual nationals may not be able to work in governmental positions and instead to be a suitable candidate renouncing your citizenship from one country is the only route.
FAQs
My partner is a British national and we are getting married soon. Does this mean that I automatically acquire British citizenship?
No. In the UK when someone marries or enters a civil partnership with a British national this does not also make them a British national. This is unlike some other countries where this is permitted. Instead to gain British citizenship you must apply as a Spouse through the naturalisation route: https://www.gov.uk/apply-citizenship-spouse.
Summary
As a dual national you gain many rights in both countries, however these also come with some considerations discussed above. As an applicant you must weigh these against one another and discuss whether holding dual citizenship is the best decision.
Please contact our expert team of immigration lawyers at Henleaze Law on 0117 908 4625 for legal assistance on dual citizenship in Britain to prevent possible legal issues arising surrounding tax for instance.
