Demand for second passports is rising all over the world as nations tighten citizenship guidelines. Credit score: Tetiana Chernykova, Shutterstock
Not so way back, most individuals gave little thought to having two passports. It sounded unique, a bit of questionable, or simply pointless. At this time, it has grow to be a quiet world obsession, not simply among the many super-rich.
From Europe to America, extra individuals than ever are searching for a second citizenship. Some individuals need the liberty to reside and work overseas. Some need simpler journey, fewer visas, or only a backup plan in an more and more unpredictable world. And whereas demand is quickly rising, governments are beginning to pull the brakes.
In response to CNN, it’s unattainable to know precisely how many individuals have a number of passports. Most nations don’t require their residents to declare extra nationalities. However all out there numbers level in the identical route. Which means that twin citizenship is changing into extra widespread and rising quickly.
Within the UK’s 2021 census, 2.1% of residents mentioned they’d twin nationality, double the quantity recorded simply 10 years in the past. In america, a current YouGov survey discovered that round 6% of respondents already personal a couple of passport.
Why I instantly wanted a second passport
For some, the attraction is sensible. Acquiring a second passport can shorten strains at airports, scale back pesky border questions, and ease entry to sure nations. Even individuals who don’t have any intention of shifting overseas usually like the thought of touring “like a neighborhood”.
However the motivations are operating deeper than comfort.
“A second passport has grow to be Plan B,” explains Dominik Volek, head of personal shoppers at Henley & Companions, a agency that advises people on residency and citizenship choices. In 2025 alone, the consulting agency processed purposes from shoppers of 91 completely different nationalities.
Volek himself is formally a South African, but additionally holds a Montenegrin passport, a Dubai golden visa and Singapore residency. “Have a look at the information,” he says. “The world is unstable and I do not see that altering anytime quickly.”
This concept extends past conventional migration hubs. People are presently the biggest group in search of recommendation from Henley & Companions, whereas Brits stay firmly within the prime 5, a pattern that has accelerated since Brexit ended free motion throughout Europe.
Demand is rising however entry is tight
The issue is timing. Whereas curiosity in second passports grows, nations are quietly tightening their guidelines.
Final yr, Italy handed a legislation limiting citizenship by descent to 2 generations. The brand new guidelines require candidates to show that their most up-to-date ancestor was born in Italy and held solely Italian citizenship on the time of their loss of life, a a lot stricter requirement than earlier than.
Portugal can also be contemplating tightening its naturalization guidelines, together with extending the required interval of keep from 5 to 10 years. Sweden and Poland have equally introduced plans to extend their nation’s residency necessities.
Volek does not mince phrases when advising shoppers who might qualify due to household ties. “If you’re genetically eligible, apply now,” he says. “Guidelines will change, prices will go up and circumstances will grow to be extra stringent.”
The tip of the “golden passport” in Europe
One other huge change is happening on the European degree, the place authorities are cracking down on the so-called Golden Passport program, which permits individuals to acquire citizenship by means of funding.
Malta was pressured to droop this system in 2025 following stress from the EU. Cyprus and Bulgaria had already executed the identical. Spain, Eire and the UK had beforehand ended their very own programs.
For a few years, these applications have been the popular possibility for rich people in search of a European passport. At this time, they’re virtually a factor of the previous.
The US can also be discussing banning twin citizenship.
The tightening temper will not be restricted to Europe. In america, Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno has proposed a invoice selling “unique citizenship,” which might prohibit People from holding one other nationality.
“If you wish to be American, it is all or nothing,” Moreno argued.
However authorized specialists are skeptical. Peter Spiro, a legislation professor at Temple College, factors out that thousands and thousands of People have already got twin citizenship, together with members of Donald Trump’s family.
“That can by no means occur,” Spiro instructed CNN. “The fact is that it’s politically unattainable.”
Nonetheless, the proposal displays broader adjustments. Governments might not ban twin citizenship utterly, however they’re changing into much less snug with it.
A narrowing window in an unsure world
The contradiction is exceptional. As increasingly individuals search flexibility, mobility, and security, that door is slowly closing.
Citizenship by blood is restricted. Funding routes are disappearing. Naturalization takes time and requires extra effort. Specialists warn that alternatives that exist at present is probably not out there tomorrow.
For many who qualify by means of household connections, the message is obvious. When you wait, you could find yourself lacking out solely.
For others, the frenzy for second passports appears to say one thing huge in regards to the world we reside in. Borders really feel extra political. Journey feels much less assured. My sense of stability feels fragile.
And in such conditions, holding a number of passports is not a privilege or standing. It is essential to maintain your choices open whereas there may be nonetheless time.