Does Britain recognize dual citizenship?

Britain does allow dual nationality, which means you can keep your nationality at birth and apply for another nationality. However, China, for example, does not recognize a second nationality. A country can regard applying for another country's nationality as a complete renunciation of China's nationality.

Benefits of dual nationality

Applying for citizenship in this country is a long process. However, having dual nationality can bring many benefits to the holder. They are: political rights, right of abode, British passport, culture and education, 1. Political rights.

As a citizen of any country, you will gain full social and political rights. You can vote and be voted in any election. If you have dual nationality, you will enjoy the same rights as other British citizens.

Irish citizens and Commonwealth citizens who leave Britain also have the right to vote. Hong Kong nationals holding British nationals' overseas passports are also eligible.

EU citizens can only vote in local elections, but some EU countries such as Cyprus and Malta can also vote in national elections.

2. British passport

Obtaining a British passport can make it easier to travel to certain countries. It can make traveling at the airport cheaper or easier. Depending on a person's country of birth, having an extra British passport may open up new travel options without obtaining a visa, or at least with fewer restrictions.

If you hold a British passport, you can also stay in any particular country for a longer period of time. Therefore, you can plan a longer trip more easily and even work remotely in another country for a while.

When traveling with dual passports, it is important to remember that when traveling to one's own country, use the correct corresponding passport to avoid any confusion. If you travel to a third country without nationality, you can travel with any passport, which may provide you with the best passage.

Since Britain's departure from the EU at the end of 2020 also marks the end of free movement, British passports are no longer allowed to travel visa-free throughout the EU. However, holding a British passport after Britain leaves the EU means that citizens can still travel visa-free for up to 90 days.

3. Right of residence

Perhaps the most exciting factor of dual nationality is being able to live in Britain and get the full support, education and medical care from the state. 18 years old or above, can also represent public office.

For example, a young person can get an education in a top institution in Britain without having to pay the high fees that international students have to pay.

4. Cultural education

As a dual citizen, you can benefit from the cultures of two countries. You can completely immerse yourself in another lifestyle and even use another language fluently. Being a citizen can make you feel at home and fully participate in your community.

Generally speaking, having dual nationality is a very powerful tool, which can bring some incredible advantages. If you have lived in the UK for at least five years and lived indefinitely for at least 12 months, you are eligible to apply for British citizenship through naturalization. If you marry a British citizen, in some cases, you can qualify after living for three years.

You are not subject to any immigration restrictions. You can leave your country at any time. Although the process may be long, the positive benefits of citizenship will make many applicants in glad you came.

Some disadvantages of dual nationality

Double obligation

If you have dual nationality, you must also abide by the obligations of both countries. For example, in the case of military service in a country where you are a citizen, complications may arise. If you don't check the military requirements in advance, you may violate the laws of another country by applying the laws of one country.

Not all countries recognize dual citizenship.

Before you apply for any nationality, please make sure that you check the legal requirements of both countries. Some States may think that applying for citizenship in another country is equivalent to giving up your citizenship there completely.

consular protection

Individuals may not need consular protection abroad, but having dual nationality may bring some trouble. Consular protection means that citizens can go to the embassy to seek protection in their own country in case of emergency abroad.

You may need the help of the embassy in the following situations:

1. Your lost or stolen passport or other identification.

2. Serious accidents or diseases occur.

Notify your family when you die

4. Relief or emergency travel in the case of natural disasters or conflicts is called repatriation.

However, for people with dual nationality, this may complicate things. The Ministry of the Interior said that they could not help dual nationals in another country of nationality. For example, due to the new law in Chinese mainland, Hong Kong announced that it would not recognize dual nationality. If people with dual British and China citizenship go to Hong Kong, they will only be regarded as China citizens. Therefore, the British Embassy cannot provide any assistance to passengers.

Complex application

It may take a long time for foreign citizens to apply for citizenship through naturalization. For some people, it may take as long as ten years to achieve. Others can apply after living in the UK for five years and holding 12 months indefinite residence status.

Other qualifications for British citizens are:

Absence from work outside the UK does not exceed 450 days.

Meet the English language requirements of B 1.

Pass the British life test

Did not violate any immigration laws.

In addition, the whole process may take about 6 or 7 months to complete. Although you can get the decision of the Ministry of the Interior faster, if your case is complicated, the waiting time may be longer. You may need to get legal advice and consult an immigration lawyer to ensure that your application is as smooth as possible.

Citizen application fee

Any British visa and immigration application will involve fees. At present, it costs 1330 to apply for British citizenship. Additional costs include:

1. Biometric registration-19.20

2. British life test ~ 50

The naturalization ceremony costs 80 pounds.

If necessary, other expenses may come from paying for legal advice and document translation.

Once you have applied for British citizenship, you will need to apply for a British passport again. You will be able to travel and prove your identity in order to get benefits and work rights in the UK.

However, this once again brings extra costs that need attention. The online application fee is 75.50.

In a word, the decision to accept dual citizenship is a major decision, which needs to be carefully weighed according to individual circumstances.

Legal basis:

British Nationality Act 1948 stipulates that British laws basically do not restrict British nationals from becoming citizens of another country. Therefore, British nationals who have acquired the nationality of other countries will not automatically lose their British nationality. Similarly, you can become a British citizen without giving up your original nationality.

However, there are special provisions for British protected persons and some British nationals. Once British nationals acquire other nationality or citizenship, they will lose their status as British nationals unless they acquire this status because they are with Ireland.