Nationality plays a crucial role when it comes to international travel, serving as a determining factor for visa requirements and shaping personal identity. While certain countries like India, Japan, and Singapore adhere strictly to single citizenship, one can notice a notable trend across Asia where dual citizenship is allowed. This legal status, often known as multiple citizenship, allows an individual to hold citizenship in more than one country simultaneously. The acquisition of dual citizenship can result from various factors, including ancestry, birthright, marriage, or investment.
If you are curious by now, here are some countries in Asia that allow dual citizenship.
Cambodia
In Cambodia, foreign nationals can acquire dual citizenship through avenues such as investment, naturalization, descent, or marriage. Remarkably, Cambodian citizens also have their freedom to possess multiple passports without renouncing their original citizenship, which positions Cambodia as one of the Asian countries that allows dual citizenship.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh allows individuals to retain their Bangladeshi citizenship while also holding passports from other nations that allow dual nationality. Citizenship in this country can be acquired through investment, marriage, or naturalization, offering individuals the chance to possess dual citizenship in the Asian region.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka offers the opportunity for dual citizenship to both its citizens and individuals from other countries by holding a Sri Lankan passport. Those who have given away their Sri Lankan citizenship by obtaining another nationality, or those seeking to gain citizenship from abroad, are eligible to submit an application for dual citizenship. The eligibility criteria for acquiring citizenship include factors, such as employment, property ownership, investment, or marriage to a Sri Lankan citizen.
Thailand
Thailand is another popular destination among Asian countries that allow dual citizenship. It offers this status to foreigners who are able to meet certain requirements, which will include five consecutive years of permanent residency, 3 years of employment, a clean record, and a minimum age of 18. Additionally, foreign women married to Thai husbands enjoy an easy path, as they will require only one year of marriage to be eligible.
Taiwan
Taiwan acknowledges dual citizenship for its native-born citizens, and grants them the opportunity to maintain this status without having to give away their Taiwanese nationality. Additionally, Taiwan extends a dual citizenship policy to individuals possessing extraordinary talents. Foreign nationals who have lived in Taiwan for a minimum of five years and exhibit exceptional skills in areas, such as education, economics, science, arts, or technology, can keep their original citizenship while acquiring a Taiwanese passport.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong offers various options to individuals to acquire residency and potential citizenship. The Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) targets skilled individuals, while the General Employment Policy (GEP) Permit is for those seeking work post-residency acquisition. The Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP) focuses on mainland Chinese residents with unique skills. Entrepreneurs can establish a business through an investment in a Hong Kong private limited company. After seven years, a Permanent Residency Visa becomes available, with eligibility for citizenship after ten years.
Pakistan
Dual citizenship in Pakistan is available to individuals holding citizenship from a specific list of 19 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, France, Belgium, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. Nationals of these countries can acquire Pakistani citizenship without renouncing their original passport.
Philippines
The Philippines allows dual nationality for native-born individuals and those of Filipino descent. Filipino-born individuals with foreign citizenship and those born to Filipino parents outside the country are eligible to apply for dual citizenship.