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Multiple Nationality and Multiple Citizenship
By Dr. Catherine Taroni – Immigration Barrister
In This Article
1. Multiple Nationality and Citizenship: What You Need to Know
2. Understanding Multiple Nationality and Citizenship
3. Exceptions to Multiple Nationality and Citizenship
4. Implications of Multiple Nationality and Citizenship
5. The Master Nationality Rule
6. Contact Our Immigration Barristers
7. Frequently Asked Questions
8. Glossary
1. Multiple Nationality and Citizenship: What You Need to Know
British nationality law permits individuals to hold more than one nationality or citizenship. This means you could be both a British citizen and a national of another country without having to give up one for the other. However, there are important legal nuances to consider when it comes to dual nationality and citizenship.
2. Understanding Multiple Nationality and Citizenship
A British citizen who acquires citizenship of another country is not required to renounce their British nationality. Similarly, a foreign national who wishes to become a British citizen is not required to renounce their original nationality.Â
This means that a person can be a British citizen or national, and also be a citizen of other countries. They can hold dual nationality or dual citizenship.
3. Exceptions to Multiple Nationality and Citizenship
There are a few exceptions to the multiple nationality and multiple citizenship principle which depend on the type of British nationality held:
British Subjects
Since 1 January 1983, a person loses their status as a British Subject if they acquire another citizenship or nationality. The exception to this is if the person is also a citizen of Ireland.Â
British Protected Persons
A British protected person will lose this status if they gain any other nationality or citizenship. This would generally be when the territory that was a Protected State became independent, and those with a connection to it acquired citizenship of that country.Â
British Overseas Citizens
A British Overseas citizen is only entitled to register as a British citizen if they do not hold any other citizenship or nationality.Â
4. Implications of Multiple Nationality and Citizenship
Not all countries permit multiple nationality or multiple citizenship, including dual nationality and dual citizenship.Â
If you are considering applying to naturalise as a British Citizen or applying to register as a British Citizen, it is important to check whether this will have any impact on the nationality or citizenship(s) that you already hold.Â
If a British person holds citizenship of State A, which does not allow multiple citizenship, it may only recognise the person as holding citizenship of State A, ignoring the British citizenship. This has no impact on the person’s British citizenship in British nationality law.Â
Alternatively, if a person acquires British citizenship when they already hold citizenship of State A, State A may regard the person as having lost its citizenship.Â
A state that does not allow multiple citizenship may require a person to renounce all other citizenships before they can become its citizen. It is possible to apply to renounce British citizenship for this reason. This is an important decision and should not be taken without first seeking legal advice.Â
Holding multiple citizenship may come with a whole host of other consequences, such as tax liability, obligations relating to which passport to use, military service, and restrictions on holding public office. Under British nationality law, it also means that a person that acquired British citizenship otherwise than by naturalisation may be deprived of their British citizenship in certain circumstances as this would not render the person stateless.Â
5. The Master Nationality RuleÂ
If a person holds multiple nationalities, the Master Nationality Rule governs the provision of diplomatic assistance in international law.Â
This rule means that the UK government will not provide diplomatic assistance to a person who is a British Citizen, when they are in a country whose citizenship the person also possesses. The UK government may decide to make informal representations but has no obligation to assist at all.Â
If the person is in a country whose citizenship they do not possess, the person can seek diplomatic assistance from the authorities of any other state of which they hold citizenship.
To discuss your nationality enquiry with one of our immigration barristers, including issues around dual nationality and dual citizenship, contact us on 0203 617 9173 or complete our enquiry form below.
Can I hold both British citizenship and another nationality at the same time?
Yes, British nationality law allows individuals to hold multiple nationalities, including dual nationality and dual citizenship. This means you can be a British citizen and also a citizen of another country without having to renounce your British nationality.
Are there any exceptions to holding multiple nationalities?
Yes, there are some exceptions depending on the type of British nationality you hold. For example:
- British Subjects: Lose their status as a British Subject if they acquire another citizenship, except if they are also citizens of Ireland.
- British Protected Persons: Lose their status if they acquire another nationality, typically when a protected state becomes independent.
- British Overseas Citizens: Can only register as British citizens if they do not hold another nationality.
How does acquiring another nationality affect my British citizenship?
If you acquire another nationality, it typically does not affect your British citizenship. However, the country whose citizenship you acquire may have its own rules, such as requiring you to renounce other citizenships.
What should I do if I want to renounce British citizenship to obtain citizenship in another country?
Renouncing British citizenship is a significant decision. If the country you are applying to does not allow multiple citizenships, you may be required to renounce your British nationality. It is advisable to seek legal advice before making this decision.
What is the Master Nationality Rule?
The Master Nationality Rule governs diplomatic assistance when a person holds multiple nationalities. If you are in a country where you hold dual nationality, the UK government will not provide diplomatic assistance. You may need to seek assistance from another country of which you are a citizen.
British Citizenship: A legal status that grants an individual rights and privileges in the UK, including the right to reside, work, and vote.
Dual Nationality/Dual Citizenship: The condition of being a citizen of two countries simultaneously, allowing a person to hold passports of two countries and enjoy the rights of both nations.
British Subject: An individual who was a subject of the British Crown, but not necessarily a British citizen. They may lose this status if they acquire another citizenship (except Irish citizenship).
British Protected Person: An individual from a territory under British protection who has a special legal status but is not a British citizen. This status can be lost if the individual acquires another nationality.
British Overseas Citizen: A person with a special status connected to former British colonies or territories. They are not automatically British citizens and can only apply for British citizenship if they do not hold another nationality.
Renunciation of Citizenship: The voluntary process of giving up one’s nationality or citizenship. This may be required by countries that do not allow dual citizenship.
Master Nationality Rule: A rule in international law that dictates the country responsible for providing diplomatic assistance to a person holding multiple nationalities. The UK will not offer assistance if the person is in a country of which they also hold citizenship.
Multiple Nationality: The condition of holding more than one nationality, allowing an individual to be a citizen of multiple countries simultaneously.
