Post by geriatrix on Mar 14, 2016 14:44:08 GMT
Pro:
Dual citizens can receive the benefits and privileges offered by each country. For example, they have access to two social service systems, can vote in either country and may be able to run for office in either country, depending on the law. They are also allowed to work in either country without needing a work permit or visa and can attend school in either country at the citizen tuition rate. As a dual citizen, you are allowed to carry passports from both countries. For example, if you are a U.S. citizen and also a citizen of New Zealand, you can travel more easily between the two countries; having a citizen's passport eliminates the need for long-stay visas and questioning about the purpose of your trip. It also guarantees right of entry to both countries, which can be especially important if you have family to visit, are a student or do business in either country. Another benefit of dual citizenship is the ability to own property in either country. Some countries restrict land ownership to citizens only and as a legal citizen of two countries, you would be able to purchase property in either - or both - countries. If you travel frequently between the two countries, this might be especially useful since property ownership might offer a more economical way to live in two places.
Con:
As a dual citizen, you are bound by the laws of both countries. For example, If you are a citizen of the U.S. and a country with mandatory military service, you can lose your U.S. citizenship under certain circumstances, such as if you serve as an officer in a foreign military that is engaged in a war against the U.S. In general, U.S. policy recognizes that dual citizens might be legally obligated to fulfill military obligations abroad and many can do so without jeopardizing their U.S. citizen status, but it is important to research each situation carefully. The U.S. imposes taxes on its citizens for income earned anywhere in the world. If you are a dual citizen living abroad, you might owe taxes both to the U.S. and to the country where the income was earned. Income tax treaties are in effect, however, between the U.S. and many other countries that reduce or eliminate a U.S. citizen's tax liability in the U.S. A treaty between the U.S. and New Zealand, for example, overrides the income tax laws of each country to avoid double taxation. Even so, dual citizens may be required to file U.S. tax returns. Because tax laws are complicated and can change from year to year, be sure to consult with a qualified tax accountant. Depending on your career path, dual citizenship can be a disadvantage. If you are seeking a position with the U.S government or access to classified information, having dual citizenship can prevent you from gaining the security clearance you need to work in these fields. Those born into dual citizenship may encounter fewer problems than those who actively sought it out.
Dual citizens can receive the benefits and privileges offered by each country. For example, they have access to two social service systems, can vote in either country and may be able to run for office in either country, depending on the law. They are also allowed to work in either country without needing a work permit or visa and can attend school in either country at the citizen tuition rate. As a dual citizen, you are allowed to carry passports from both countries. For example, if you are a U.S. citizen and also a citizen of New Zealand, you can travel more easily between the two countries; having a citizen's passport eliminates the need for long-stay visas and questioning about the purpose of your trip. It also guarantees right of entry to both countries, which can be especially important if you have family to visit, are a student or do business in either country. Another benefit of dual citizenship is the ability to own property in either country. Some countries restrict land ownership to citizens only and as a legal citizen of two countries, you would be able to purchase property in either - or both - countries. If you travel frequently between the two countries, this might be especially useful since property ownership might offer a more economical way to live in two places.
Con:
As a dual citizen, you are bound by the laws of both countries. For example, If you are a citizen of the U.S. and a country with mandatory military service, you can lose your U.S. citizenship under certain circumstances, such as if you serve as an officer in a foreign military that is engaged in a war against the U.S. In general, U.S. policy recognizes that dual citizens might be legally obligated to fulfill military obligations abroad and many can do so without jeopardizing their U.S. citizen status, but it is important to research each situation carefully. The U.S. imposes taxes on its citizens for income earned anywhere in the world. If you are a dual citizen living abroad, you might owe taxes both to the U.S. and to the country where the income was earned. Income tax treaties are in effect, however, between the U.S. and many other countries that reduce or eliminate a U.S. citizen's tax liability in the U.S. A treaty between the U.S. and New Zealand, for example, overrides the income tax laws of each country to avoid double taxation. Even so, dual citizens may be required to file U.S. tax returns. Because tax laws are complicated and can change from year to year, be sure to consult with a qualified tax accountant. Depending on your career path, dual citizenship can be a disadvantage. If you are seeking a position with the U.S government or access to classified information, having dual citizenship can prevent you from gaining the security clearance you need to work in these fields. Those born into dual citizenship may encounter fewer problems than those who actively sought it out.
