Legal Definitions - dual citizenship

Dual citizenship refers to the legal status of an individual who is simultaneously recognized as a citizen by two different countries under the laws of those nations.

This status can arise in various ways, often due to differing national laws regarding birthright citizenship, citizenship by descent, or the process of naturalization.

• Example 1: Birthright and Descent

  Consider a child born in Canada to parents who are both citizens of France. Under Canadian law, a child born on Canadian soil is generally a Canadian citizen (a principle known as jus soli, or "right of soil"). At the same time, under French law, a child born to French parents is typically a French citizen by descent (a principle known as jus sanguinis, or "right of blood"). In this scenario, the child would hold both Canadian and French citizenship from birth, illustrating dual citizenship.

• Example 2: Naturalization Without Renunciation

  Imagine an adult who was born and raised in Germany, holding German citizenship. This individual later moves to Australia, establishes permanent residency, and after meeting all legal requirements, applies for and is granted Australian citizenship. Since both Germany and Australia generally permit their citizens to hold dual nationality, this person would become a dual citizen, retaining their German citizenship while also acquiring Australian citizenship.

• Example 3: Citizenship Through Marriage and Descent

  A woman is born in Mexico to Mexican parents, making her a Mexican citizen. She later marries a citizen of Spain and, after several years of marriage and residency, applies for Spanish citizenship through marriage. If Spanish law allows her to acquire citizenship without renouncing her Mexican nationality, and Mexico also permits its citizens to hold other citizenships, she would then be a dual citizen of both Mexico and Spain.