A growing quantity of Americans are dreaming of searching for dual citizenship in 2026, however it might change into more difficult as some countries tighten their necessities.
Approximately 123 countries allow dual citizenship for people who meet their particular eligibility necessities. A U.S. citizen can change into a national of two countries by delivery, descent, naturalization, marriage, or investment, relying on the nation’s necessities.
As many Americans grow more and more involved in regards to the nation’s political division and different uncertainties, gaining dual citizenship has change into a standard option. In truth, many are ditching the normal American Dream and heading overseas to seek out success and new passports, whether or not it’s by connecting with their roots or making a profession change.
According to a latest Gallup ballot, for the second consecutive yr, about one in 5 Americans say they wish to depart the U.S. and transfer completely to a different nation, with girls driving this development.
The ballot discovered that 40% of girls aged 15 to 44 say they might transfer overseas completely if that they had the chance — and this want has quadrupled since 2014. Factors such as a decrease price of residing, political dissatisfaction, and high quality of life are driving Americans to need to transfer overseas, in accordance with a February 2025 Harris Poll.
While many Americans are occupied with gaining dual citizenship, it is probably not as easy as it sounds now that countries are searching for to change their necessities.
Which countries are tightening dual citizenship necessities?
The Harris Poll highlighted that Canada is essentially the most fascinating nation for Americans to maneuver to, adopted by the UK, Australia, France, and Italy.
Italy tightened its citizenship by descent guidelines in 2025, and the nation proposed charging Italians residing overseas 2,000 euros ($2,350) a yr to entry the national health service. This is just like the 2024 coverage that costs international residents from outdoors the European Union the identical annual charge.
In October 2025, the Portuguese Parliament authorized a new law introducing stricter standards for searching for citizenship. The minimal legal residence requirement for naturalization has been prolonged from 5 to 10 years for most candidates. Similarly, Sweden proposed extending the residency requirement from 5 to eight years.
The Denmark authorities elevated their citizenship charge by 50% final yr. France tightened its citizenship and residency guidelines by implementing necessary language and civic checks, efficient Jan. 1, 2026. This will make it more troublesome for sure foreigners to acquire nationality.
Overall, gaining dual citizenship in any nation comes with its upsides and disadvantages. The difficulties Americans face are with tightening legal residence necessities, delivery or descent eligibility, and even the investment price to get a “Golden Passport.”
Will the U.S. ban dual citizenship?
Early final month, Senator Bernie Moreno (R-OH) launched the Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025, which might require U.S. residents to forfeit their dual citizenship.
“Being an American citizen is an honor and a privilege—and if you want to be an American, it’s all or nothing,” Moreno stated in a assertion. “It’s time to end dual citizenship for good.”
However, there are constitutional considerations with this invoice, and below present law, “A U.S. citizen may naturalize in a foreign state without any risk to their U.S. citizenship.” President Donald Trump‘s own spouse and son, Barron, have dual citizenship between the U.S. and Slovenia.
