Okuzeka
Immigration & Visas vocabulary · Citizenship & Naturalisation

Dual citizenship

Meaning in immigration & visas, with examples

nounCore term

In immigration & visas, dual citizenship means: The status of being a citizen of two countries at the same time, with the rights and duties of both.

In Turkish: çifte vatandaşlık, çok vatandaşlık

How it is used

Also called dual nationality. Rules differ widely: some countries allow it freely, some only in certain cases, and some ask you to give up your old citizenship when you naturalise. People say they hold or have dual citizenship and are dual citizens.

Example sentences

  1. My daughter has dual citizenship because she was born in Canada to Turkish parents.

  2. Before you apply, check whether your new country allows dual citizenship.

Common collocations

  • hold dual citizenship
  • dual nationality
  • dual citizen
  • allow dual citizenship
  • citizenshipThe legal status of being a full member of a country, with rights such as voting and holding its passport, and duties such as obeying its laws.
  • naturalisationThe legal process by which a foreign citizen becomes a citizen of the country where they live, usually after several years of residence.
  • passportAn official travel document issued by your own country that proves your identity and nationality and lets you cross international borders.
  • statelessNot recognised as a citizen by any country, which can make it hard to get documents, travel, work or use public services.

More terms: Citizenship & Naturalisation

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not legal advice.