Plan B Citizenship: Should You Get a Second Citizenship? A Common Client Question

What should you know before considering a second citizenship as plan B?

What is a plan B second citizenship?

A plan B or second citizenship allows an individual to get a second citizenship of another country alongside their existing nationality, with eligible family members often able to apply as well.

In each case, the ability to include dependents is a major advantage that needs to be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Is a second citizenship a good plan B?

A second citizenship can be an effective plan B if it provides the options and benefits the applicant and their family are looking for.

Whether it is a suitable option depends on what the applicant wants to achieve. This could include having another country in which to live, greater mobility for the family, access to new business opportunities or simply the security of having an alternative if circumstances change at home.

The important question is whether the citizenship being considered actually provides those benefits for the applicant and their family.

A second citizenship may be particularly useful for someone who wants a long-term alternative rather than a temporary immigration status. This could include having the right to live in another country, providing additional options for family members or trying to reduce having to rely on a single nationality.

Before deciding whether it is the right plan B, the applicant should consider their existing nationality, residence status, family circumstances and tax position, as well as the rights the proposed second citizenship would actually provide.

How does a second citizenship compare with residency by investment?

The main difference between citizenship and residency by investment is the legal status each option provides. A second citizenship grants the applicant citizenship of another country, along with the rights that come with that nationality. Residency by investment provides the right to live in a country, subject to the conditions of the programme, but does not provide citizenship from the start.

Which option is more suitable will depend on the applicant’s needs, including where they want to live, the rights they require and their longer-term plans for themselves and their family.

What do Harvey Law Group attorneys ask a client before saying yes to plan B citizenship?

Before considering a second citizenship as a plan B, answering these questions is particularly helpful:

1. What does the client want the plan B to achieve ?
2. What is the clients’ background and does this make sense when considered with what the client would like to achieve ?
3. What are the clients’ expectations as to fees and investment ?
4. What are the critical conditions that the program must allow for ? (for instance, dependents ? physical residency or other requirements ? dual citizenship ? processing timeline ?)

The answers provided can help our team carefully advise on whether a second citizenship is worth exploring or whether another route may be more suitable.

What do people mean when they say plan B?

A plan B gives an individual or family an alternative if their personal circumstances change or they want greater flexibility over where they can live in the future.

This could mean obtaining a second citizenship, securing residence rights in another country, claiming citizenship through ancestry or using another immigration route. The right option will depend on the individual’s circumstances and what they want their plan B to provide.

Citizenship and residency by investment provide different legal rights. A second citizenship gives the holder another nationality and the rights that come with it, while residency provides the right to live in another country subject to the conditions of the relevant programme or permit.

Which route is more suitable will depend on the individual’s circumstances, their family’s needs and what they want to achieve through their plan B.

What situations make people look for a plan B?

People may consider a plan B for many different reasons. Political or economic uncertainty, personal safety, family circumstances or concerns about the future may lead someone to consider having another country available to them.

For families, the decision may also be driven by their children’s education, where they may want to live in the future or the ability for family members to relocate together if necessary.

Clearly identifying the applicant’s main priorities will help determine which route is most suitable. Someone who wants the option to relocate may have very different requirements from someone seeking a second nationality, greater mobility or a longer-term solution for their family.

What does a second citizenship give you, and what does it not give you?

A second citizenship gives an individual an additional nationality and the rights attached to citizens of that country. Depending on the country, these may include the right to live and work there, as well as additional travel rights.

However, obtaining another citizenship does not automatically change the individual’s tax residence or remove any existing legal or financial obligations they may have in another country.

Applicants should consider these points when deciding whether a particular citizenship will actually provide what they need from their plan B.

What should you check before choosing a plan B?

Before choosing a plan B, the applicant should know exactly what they want the programme to provide. The right option for someone who wants another nationality may be very different from the right option for someone whose main concern is residence, family mobility or having somewhere else to live.

Which questions do Harvey Law Group attorneys ask every client?

As mentioned above, answering these questions will be particularly relevant and help your lawyers assess the best strategy forward.

1. What does the client want the plan B to achieve ?
2. What is the clients’ background and does this make sense when considered with what the client would like to achieve ?
3. What are the clients’ expectations as to fees and investment ?
4. What are the critical conditions that the program must allow for ? (for instance, dependents ? physical residency or other requirements ? dual citizenship ? processing timeline ?)

Does your current nationality change the answer?

An applicant’s existing nationality can affect which programmes are available and whether holding another citizenship is permitted under the laws of their home country.

Some countries restrict or do not recognise dual nationality. Applicants should therefore establish how acquiring another citizenship could affect their existing nationality and rights before proceeding.

Does your tax residence affect whether a second citizenship helps?

Obtaining another citizenship does not automatically change where a person is a tax resident or where their income and assets may be taxed.

Tax residence and citizenship are separate issues, and the rules depend on the countries involved and the applicant’s circumstances. Where obtaining or using a second citizenship may have tax consequences, advice from a qualified tax professional should be obtained.

When is a second citizenship a real plan B?

A second citizenship can become a viable plan B when the rights it provides match the applicant’s reasons for having one.

For example, someone concerned about future instability may value having another country where they have a permanent right to live. A family may place greater importance on having options available to their spouse and children.

For applicants interested in a second citizenship, it is important to look beyond obtaining citizenship itself and consider how they could actually use it if their circumstances changed.

Which applicants benefit most from a second citizenship as plan B?

Second citizenship may be relevant for applicants who want a long-term alternative to relying on one nationality or immigration status.

This can include individuals concerned about future political or economic uncertainty, internationally mobile families and people who want another country available to them if their circumstances change.

Can a second citizenship cover a family as well as the applicant?

Some programmes allow eligible family members to apply alongside the main applicant, including a spouse, children and, in some cases, other dependants.

The rules for family members vary from one programme to another, especially for adult children and parents. Applicants with family members to include should check these requirements when comparing programmes, as they may affect which options are available to the family as a whole.

When is a second citizenship not the right plan B?

A second citizenship may not be a suitable plan B when the applicant’s main objective can be achieved through a simpler residence or immigration route.

It may also be unsuitable where acquiring another nationality could affect the applicant’s existing citizenship, create legal or tax issues, or require an investment that does not make sense for their circumstances.

Applicants should first consider what they want their plan B to achieve and whether a second citizenship is necessary to achieve it.

What are the main risks of relying on a second citizenship?

Applicants should also be aware that citizenship and investment programmes can change. Governments may increase investment amounts, change eligibility requirements, remove investment options or introduce new conditions.

An application can still be refused following due diligence, and some investment routes require the applicant to hold the investment for a minimum period after approval.

If the rules change while an application is being processed, existing applicants are usually protected under grandfathering or transitional rules. The right time to apply for citizenship/residency is usually now (or yesterday).

When should a client choose residency instead of citizenship?

Residency may be a more suitable option where the applicant's main objective is to have the right to live in another country rather than acquire another nationality.

It may also suit applicants who want to establish a connection with a particular country first, or where a residence programme already provides the rights they are looking for.

For some applicants, those rights may be all they need from a plan B, without the additional cost or commitment involved in obtaining a second citizenship.

How do the plan B Citizenship options compare?

The right plan B option will depend on what the applicant wants to achieve and the rights they need. For example, someone seeking a second nationality may consider citizenship, while someone who wants the option to live in another country may find that residence is sufficient. Eligibility, cost, processing time and the rights available will also differ depending on the route and country chosen.

Comparing these options against the applicant’s priorities can help identify which route is the best fit for them and their family.

Which plan B option fits which goal?

What do plan B questions look like in practice?

The right plan B depends on the circumstances the client already has. Existing residence rights, family nationality and the age and status of dependents can all affect whether another citizenship is necessary or whether another route should be considered first.

The following questions can also be helpful when considering future strategies.

I already have a job abroad. Do I still need to get a second citizenship as a plan B?

Possibly. Working abroad gives someone the right to live and work in that country only for as long as their immigration status allows.

If that status depends on employment, losing or changing the job could also affect the person’s right to remain. Whether another plan B is useful will depend on the security of their current status, their longer-term plans and whether they already have another independent right of residence.

My spouse holds a different nationality. Does that change the plan?

A spouse’s nationality may provide residence or citizenship options that should be considered before applying through an investment programme.

The couple should first establish what rights may already be available through the spouse, whether the applicant qualifies for them and whether those rights meet the family’s objectives.

I have children under 18. How does that affect my options?

Children can have a significant impact on which programme is the most suitable because programmes have their own rules for including dependants.

Parents should consider whether their children can be included in the initial application, what rights they would receive and whether age or dependency requirements could affect their eligibility later.

This is particularly important where a family is planning several years ahead rather than applying immediately. Children under 18 can typically be included. Adult children and other dependents can require more thorough considerations.

What mistakes do applicants make with a plan B?

A plan B works best when the applicant is clear about what they want it to provide before choosing a program or committing to an investment.

Problems can arise when someone focuses on a particular program too early, without first checking whether it gives them the rights and flexibility they are looking for. Timing is also important. If planning only begins once circumstances have changed, some options may take too long or no longer be available.

Which mistake do applicants make most often with a plan B?

One common mistake is deciding on a particular citizenship or residence program before looking closely at what the applicant actually needs. Someone may be interested in a particular citizenship program, for example, when their main concern is being able to relocate with their family if needed. In that situation, a residence program which is easier and quicker to obtain may provide what they need without requiring them to obtain another nationality. This is why it is important to consider what the applicant needs from a plan B before deciding which program to pursue.

Do applicants leave plan B planning until they need it?

Some applicants only start looking at their options when their circumstances have already changed or they need to relocate quickly.

By that point, there may be limits on what can be achieved within the time available. Citizenship and residence applications can involve document preparation, eligibility and due diligence checks, investment requirements and several months of processing.

Planning earlier does not mean an applicant has to proceed immediately. It gives them time to understand which options are available, what would be required and how quickly they could act if they later decided to use their plan B.

What are the common questions about a plan B second citizenship?

Can a second citizenship be a plan B if I live in the United States?

Yes, but US immigration status needs to be considered separately. Holding another citizenship does not by itself give someone the right to remain permanently in the United States.

For US green card holders, acquiring another citizenship does not automatically mean abandoning permanent resident status. However, maintaining a green card depends on factors including continued US residence and the individual’s circumstances.

How is a plan B different from a retirement visa?

A retirement visa gives someone the right to live in a particular country, provided they continue to meet the requirements of that visa. A second citizenship gives them another nationality and the rights that come with it.

For someone whose main aim is to retire or live in a particular country, a residence route may already provide what they need. A second citizenship may be more relevant where they are looking for broader rights or options beyond living in one country.

Do I need to move to the second country?

Not necessarily. In fact, citizenship by investment programs typically do not require physical relocation. Whether an applicant needs to live in the country depends on how the citizenship is obtained and the requirements that apply.

Some programs may have residence or physical-presence requirements, while others may not. These requirements should be checked for the particular program before applying.

Can my spouse and children be included?

Many citizenship programs allow a spouse and qualifying children to be included in the same application. The rules vary between programs, particularly for adult children, who may need to meet additional requirements relating to age, education or financial dependency.

Does a second citizenship protect my assets?

Obtaining another citizenship does not automatically protect a person’s assets.

How assets are owned, taxed and protected depends usually depends on the location of the assets more than the citizenship of those holding the assets.

How long does the process take?

There is no single timeframe for obtaining a second citizenship. Processing times vary depending on the country, the program and the circumstances of the application. In some cases, the processing can be as fast as 6 months.

The overall timeframe can also depend on how quickly the applicant is able to obtain and properly prepare the required supporting documents. Delays in providing documents, or documents that need to be corrected or replaced, can add time to the process.

Applicants should check the current processing times for the programme they are considering, as these can change.

What does it cost?

The cost of obtaining a second citizenship depends on the country, the program and the number of family members included in the application.

Some citizenship by investment programs might be available from around USD 100,000. Total cost should always be confirmed in advance, to include the qualifying investment or contribution, government fees, due diligence fees and other application costs. Additional charges may also apply for spouses, children or other qualifying family members.

Applicants should look at the full cost of the programme, rather than the minimum investment amount alone, before deciding which option is suitable.

Can a second citizenship be lost?

Yes, in certain circumstances. The rules depend on the country and may also differ depending on how the citizenship was acquired.

Some countries allow citizenship to be revoked in specific situations, such as fraud or misrepresentation during the application process. Applicants should also check the laws of their existing country of nationality, as some countries restrict dual citizenship or may treat the voluntary acquisition of another nationality differently.

These rules should be considered before applying for a second citizenship, particularly where retaining the applicant’s existing nationality is important.

Should I apply before I need it?

If a second citizenship or residence is intended as a plan B, it can make sense to consider the options before it is actually needed.

Applications take time, and applicants may need to obtain supporting documents, complete due diligence and make a qualifying investment before an application can be approved. Starting earlier gives the applicant more time to prepare and avoids having to go through the process quickly if their personal circumstances or the situation in their home country changes.

Do I need to live in the second country to keep citizenship?

Not always. Some countries do not require citizens to live there to retain their citizenship, while others may have physical-presence or other requirements depending on how citizenship was obtained.

Applicants should check whether there are any ongoing requirements attached to the citizenship they are considering, including requirements that continue after the application has been approved.

What happens if an investment programme closes or changes its rules after I apply?

This depends on how the change is introduced and whether existing applicants are protected.

Governments typically introduce grandfathering or transitional rules that allow applications already submitted to continue under the previous requirements.

Can a dependent child over 25 be added after second citizenship is approved?

It depends on the programme. Age limits and dependency requirements vary, and the rules for adding family members after citizenship has been granted may be different from those that apply when the original application is submitted.

For an adult child over 25, the programme may also look at factors such as financial dependency, education or marital status. If the applicant expects that an adult child may need to be included later, this should be checked before the main application is submitted, as it may affect the choice of programme.

What is the first step?

The first step is to understand what the client wants their plan B to provide and then look at the options available to them.

An initial discussion with an attorney can help establish which citizenship or residence routes the client may qualify for, how well they fit their circumstances and what would be involved before they commit to a programme or investment.

Is this advice for my situation?

No. The right approach will depend on the individual’s nationality, residence status, family circumstances, reasons for seeking a plan B and any relevant legal or tax considerations.

Anyone considering a second citizenship or residence option should obtain advice based on their own circumstances before applying or making an investment.