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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The complex nature of nationality is reflected in many ways, and dual citizenship is one of the most notable examples. Holding more than one citizenship offers individuals a wide range of benefits, such as enhanced global mobility, better business opportunities, and access to social services in multiple countries.
While the pathways to dual citizenship can vary—through ancestry, marriage, or naturalization—several Asian countries that allow dual citizenship embrace it.
With insights from Travel + Leisure and Yahoo! Finance, this article explores the list of Asian countries that allow dual citizenship. Keep reading to discover the complete list.
1. Taiwan
Taiwan is among the Asian countries that allow dual citizenship, but it is generally more open for individuals with exceptional talents in education, science, sports, technology, arts, and other fields. The naturalization process can be completed after foreigners have resided in the country for five years. Native-born citizens are also allowed to hold another nationality alongside their Taiwanese citizenship.
2. UAE
The United Arab Emirates has traditionally had a strict stance on dual citizenship, but changes to the law in 2021 allow certain categories of foreigners to hold dual citizenship. This primarily applies to talented individuals in specific fields, foreigners married to Bruenian who have lived in the UAE for a decade, and individuals born outside the UAE with an Emirati father.
To grant dual citizenship in the UAE, specific criteria must be met, including the completion of the Malay language certification, a demonstration of integrity, and the taking of a military oath.
3. Thailand
Thailand allows dual citizenship for foreigners who qualify under certain requirements, including five years of permanent residency, a clear record, three years of employment, and an age of at least 18. It is determined by various factors, such as investment, naturalization, and marriage.
4. Sri Lanka
Obtaining dual citizenship in Sri Lanka is possible through various ways. Marriage to a Sri Lankan, descent, employment, or investment can qualify individuals to apply for dual citizenship. Additionally, foreigners who have resided in Sri Lanka for five years and are included in the Resident Guest Scheme may also be eligible for citizenship.
5. Philippines
The Philippines recognizes dual citizenship under several criteria. Individuals married to a Filipino, children born abroad with at least one Filipino parent, and Filipino-born individuals who have acquired foreign citizenship are some of the categories eligible for dual citizenship.
6. Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan permits dual citizenship for foreign individuals or stateless persons who have reached the age of 18. However, the policy does not apply to citizens of neighboring countries such as China, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
7. Tajikistan
To obtain Tajik citizenship, foreign nationals and stateless individuals who have reached the age of 18 must meet several requirements, including five years of residency, basic knowledge of the state language, and proof of no criminal record.
While dual citizenship is generally not permitted, there are certain provisions in Tajik law under which it may be recognized, including those established by international treaties signed by Tajikistan.
8. Bangladesh
Under the Citizenship Act of 1951, Bangladesh allows dual citizenship, such as through marriage, investment, or naturalization. Moreover, individuals of Bangladeshi descent who hold another citizenship must secure a Dual Nationality Certificate (DNC) to maintain their Bangladeshi citizenship under administrative regulations.
9. Timor-Leste
Timor-Leste is one of the few countries in Southeast Asia allowing dual citizenship. It permits individuals born within the country, those of Timorese descent (if one parent is a Timorese citizen), or those who have resided in the country for 10 years to obtain Timorese citizenship while retaining another citizenship.
10. Cambodia
Since 1996, Cambodia has allowed dual citizenship. Individuals born to at least one Khmer parent automatically qualify for Cambodian citizenship, and foreign citizens may obtain dual citizenship through marriage, investment, naturalization, or descent.
11. Pakistan
Pakistan is one of the Asian countries that allow dual citizenship, but only for individuals from 22 specific countries with which it has agreements. This means, Pakistani nationals can hold dual citizenship with nations such as the United Kingdom, France, Italy, the United States, Ireland, and others.
These 11 countries in Asia offer various provisions for dual citizenship, giving individuals more opportunities to enjoy the benefits of multiple nationalities. For further exploration, check out the easiest countries to get citizenship here.
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