Downsides to dual nationality?

[Useryuseryuser]

My kids have the chance to apply for dual nationality, the second country (other than the UK) being an EU country where a grandparent was born.

I can see that doing this might be really useful in giving them the chance to live, work and study in the EU.

Just wondering if there are any downsides or potential problems that we need to consider? They don't have to pay tax unless they live in the country for more than 50% of the time.

National service

My kids have dual nationality... I can't think of any downsides, unless international relations turn sour in the future.

Depends on the EU country, not all accept dual nationality.

I have dual and haven't so so come up with a down side.

They can definitely apply for it without losing their UK citizenship.

National service is a good point though a quick search looks like it isn't an issue. Will definitely research that properly though, thank you.

Dual with the US is a pain in the arse when they turn 18 and need to file taxes.

I dont have my birth certificate, I now cant get into my country of birth because I need their passport not my British one. Which is where I need to go to get a copy of the certificate. I also cant work for certain organisations. Aside from that no downsides.

I have heard that about the US so it was one thing I checked! Definitely not required to pay tax unless you live there more than half the year.

Tax. Especially for countries that tax citizens on worldwide income.

I've heard that if you're in an international situation (ie arrested abroad) then your two countries can fight over who's responsible for getting you out. That could be a downside, but I guess it depends on the countries and their relationship with each other (and possibly the nature of your crime).

I’ve heard that when you’re in the country of your other nationality, the British Consulate won’t help you. But I haven’t checked this.

If your other country of citizenship is Australia with its stupidly Draconian COVID-19 lockdown laws, then you have no hope of getting back there for possibly another year - or more! even if your elderly parent has just become seriously ill

Unless you have £15K for a First Class airfare of course

French and British. No disadvantages that we've experienced.

We're hoping to get citizenship for DH and the kids as one of his grandparents was from a European country. Thinking it might help one of the kids if they want to study abroad etc in the next ten years or so.

I can't think of any downsides.

@BinkyBoinky

I've heard that if you're in an international situation (ie arrested abroad) then your two countries can fight over who's responsible for getting you out. That could be a downside, but I guess it depends on the countries and their relationship with each other (and possibly the nature of your crime).

The opposite can be true. I have a friend with dual British and Italian nationality, when he got into a spot of bother when working in a developing country several years ago, the Italian consulate was a lot more proactive in offering assistance and the problem was solved thanks to them. Less so the British consulate. In some areas one country might have more influence than another, so it does help having more avenues to ask for help.

Their UK citizenship probably won’t be counted when they are visiting this other country.
Do you have the dual citizenship as well? If not, the travel might be trickier for your family but of course it very much depends on the rules of this other country.

Dcs and I are dual with another EU country - all up sides for us!

The only downside we've experienced was national service for one of DH's nationalities, which he did manage to avoid.

DH has 3 nationalities, I have 2 (soon to be 3) and my kids all have 2.

OK the one disadvantage I guess is that passports cost a lot to renew, and you have to keep track of what is due for renewal. Between 5 of us we have 11 at the moment.

Depends on the county. You don't have to keep all your passports renewed, but you can if you want to of course. I have triple nationality, as has my son, and my husband has dual. We haven't found any disadvantages.

A poster above has cited that if you have an Aussie passport you can't leave the country at the moment. We are in this situation too with a terminally ill relative, but I think it is a price worth paying to live a Covid free life where we are, difficult as it is. And you can apply to leave with compassionate circumstances.

I think with the way things are in the world today, extra citizenship can give you flexibility. I'm certainly glad we were able to get out of the UK when we did, much as I love the place.

I just read Michaella Mccollum's (the peru two drug smuggler's book), she has dual nationality, British and Irish, but only had an Irish passport at the time of her arrest, because it was easier to get an Irish passport.

She said that when she was arrested, the British embassy flew over to help Melissa Reid, but refused to help michaella because Michaella had an Irish passport.

A very unlikely scenario that you will need an embassy's help, but dual nationality can affect an embassy helping you

But having duel nationality with an EU country, can only be a massive plus if you are from the UK can't it?

If you only have UK nationality, you will need a visa to stay in other EU countries. If you have EU nationality, you won't need a visa to go anywhere in the EU.

The consulates fighting thing. I have have two nationalities and when I actually needed one, the Kiwis, who are neither of my nationalities actually helped me when mine wouldn't.

a fern around.

National service and it is true, the Foreign Office does not assist dual nationals if they need help in their other country.

@Very

If your other country of citizenship is Australia with its stupidly Draconian COVID-19 lockdown laws, then you have no hope of getting back there for possibly another year - or more! even if your elderly parent has just become seriously ill

That's the case if you aren't DN with Australian too though.