WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN DECIDING ON DUAL CITIZENSHIP

The decision to obtain a second nationality is an important one. Prospective applicants often seek some guidance to help ensure that they are making the right decision. Below, I highlight a few of the main issues that should be considered when selecting choice of country for dual citizenship:

• COST

The overall cost of the dual citizenship application may be a key determinant in obtaining a second passport.  The various options (single or family), package deals, sourcing relevant personal documents, processing fees, stamps, travel related to interview, background check, passport application, shipping of documents etc. all generate costs which need to be  factored in.

• OFFEROR

The country issuing dual citizenship is another important factor when deciding on getting a second passport. The political and economic environment of the offering country must be considered as well as its reputation internationally.

• ACCESSIBILTIY

People desire dual citizenship for various reasons including travel and business.  Therefore, of paramount importance is the benefit to be derived (in terms of accessibility to others countries) from having such a passport.

• AGENT

Most countries offer dual citizenship via an agent or agents.  It is imperative to select one with experience and good repute.  Government recommendation, suggestions from friends etc. are important sources to tap into.

• REQUIREMENTS

The criteria for eligiblity for second citizenship vary from country to country.  One must be satisfied or comfortable with the enquiries, demands or requests in regards to the application.  This does not mean, however, that one should option for a country which does not perform due diligence or vice versa.

• SPEED

When planning to spend a sizeable sum of money on becoming a citizen of your chosen country the speed in processing your application is crucial.  Once your money has departed from your hands you would like to have that second passport immediately.  Provided all requisite documents have been submitted on time, the process should not take more that three (3) months.  So, please ensure that you sign and submit the necessary forms, accompanying documents etc.

This list is by no means exhaustive.  Feel free to add your suggestions to it.

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Second Citizenship - For Whom?

It is a very mixed group of people who are interested in Dominica's second citizenship programme these days.  Firstly, there are those applicants whose own national passport is worthless as a travel document.  By this I mean they can visit very few countries without visas, and such visas are difficult to obtain with their national passport. Secondly, there are others who, although not falling in the first category, desire, mainly for security reasons, to use a different passport to travel to certain countries. Thirdly, there are some who are concerned about the long term stability of their own country and wish to hold Dominica Citizenship as a "fall back" position. This is the most surprising group because included in this group are applicants not only  from countries which are generally recognized as unstable potentially unstable but also from the countries which one would never consider to be in that category.  Applicants from these latter countries are becoming increasingly disillusioned and pessimistic with the state of affairs in their countries.  They fear the worse and want to have another country they can call home if their fears were to happen. Another group consists almost exclusively of wealthy business people who have resided and have done business in third countries which will, nevertheless, not grant them nationality status.  These people cannot or do not wish to return to their country of origin and require a country to call their home. Then, finally, there is the "miscellaneous" group - applicants who for very peculiar and all very legitimate reasons require a second nationality or passport.  These applicants provide the most interesting stories.

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