Dual Citizenship and Residency Abroad: What to Know Before You Go

Published: August 27, 2025

Over the past few years, I’ve noticed a growing number of conversations—both professionally and personally—around the idea of living abroad. Clients are asking about it. Friends and family are exploring it. You might be, too.

Whether it’s about creating a more inclusive lifestyle, expanding career opportunities, or embracing a slower pace of life, interest in dual citizenship and residency abroad is on the rise.

This growing trend is especially common among:

Those with family ties abroad
LGBTQ+ individuals seeking greater inclusivity and access to affirming healthcare
Individuals with disabilities or chronic medical conditions who may benefit from more accessible infrastructure and supportive systems
Professionals looking to grow their careers and access quality education for their children
Retirees and younger generations—particularly Millennials and Gen Z—seeking more affordable and flexible living options
Wealthy individuals pursuing international investment opportunities

The path to getting there can be complex and highly dependent on your individual situation. As more people consider making the leap, understanding the legal, financial, and logistical steps required to establish residency or citizenship abroad becomes essential—because while the dream may be universal, the journey is anything but one-size-fits-all.

How Dual Citizenship Is Typically Obtained

While not all countries permit dual citizenship, those that do can offer significant advantages—from the ability to own property and work abroad to enjoying greater freedom of movement across borders. There may even be healthcare and education benefits to consider.

There are several well-established routes to obtaining citizenship or residency abroad, depending on your personal circumstances and goals:

Descent – claiming citizenship through parents or grandparents who were nationals of another country
Marriage – gaining eligibility by marrying a citizen of another country
Residency – establishing a presence by either living in the country physically or through a passive option
Investment – contributing to the local economy, often through real estate or investments

What the Process May Involve

The process and path to residency or citizenship vary by country. It can take time and often includes:

Gathering and submitting official documentation
Passing language proficiency or cultural knowledge tests
Fulfilling residency duration requirements
Paying application and legal fees
Waiting for government processing (which can be lengthy)

Some countries also offer economic-based options, allowing individuals to move capital into their economy—such as through real estate purchases—which can lead to passive income and a path to residency or citizenship.

Additional Considerations

Before pursuing dual citizenship or residency, it’s important to understand the broader implications. Depending on the countries involved, you may face:

Double taxation or complex tax reporting requirements
Legal obligations such as mandatory military service or civic duties
Restrictions on employment, particularly in government or security-related roles
Estate planning challenges, including differing inheritance laws and cross-border asset management

These factors can significantly impact your financial and personal plans, so it’s essential to evaluate them early in the process.

Who You Should Work With

While there are many routes you can take to expand your personal and financial life abroad, navigating the options can be nuanced. It’s advisable to work closely with your CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and an attorney or firm specializing in international residency and citizenship.

These professionals can help you:

Understand your eligibility and options
Explore the financial and tax considerations
Align your strategy with your long-term goals

If you’re considering a move abroad, start by having a thoughtful conversation with your financial planner and legal team to explore what’s possible and what’s most aligned with your vision. At Modera, we guide clients through the financial dimensions of international living—from cross-border tax planning to global investment strategy—so you can make informed decisions with clarity and confidence.

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