Notice of secondcitizenship
Russia, 60 days
Notice of second citizenship or residence permit — the duty of citizens of some countries to report to the authorities that they have obtained a foreign status within a set deadline.
- What it is
- The duty to notify the authorities of acquiring a second citizenship or residence permit
- Where it exists
- In a number of countries that require notification of a foreign status
- Why
- The state wants to know about its citizens’ second citizenship
- Keep in mind
- There are set deadlines and a filing procedure
- How to use it
- Check the duty and file on time
In plain words
Notification of a second citizenship (or residence permit) is a duty, established in a number of countries, for a citizen to inform their authorities that they have acquired the citizenship or residence permit of another state. The logic is that the country wants to know which of its citizens hold a second status abroad; in some jurisdictions there is liability for failing to file on time.
The requirements vary widely: in some places there is no such duty at all, in others citizenship must be notified, and in others residence permits too; the deadlines (for example, within a certain number of days of obtaining the status or returning to the country) and the filing procedure differ. It is a formal procedure, but it should not be neglected, so as not to create problems for yourself at home.
For a person acquiring a second citizenship or residence by investment, it is important to find out in advance whether they have such a duty under the laws of their country of main citizenship, and how to fulfil it. Notification by itself does not usually prevent holding a second passport — it is information, not a request for permission. We help make sense of the requirements and not miss the deadlines.
When it applies
What matters about notification
- Informing the authorities
- Of a second citizenship/residence permit
- A formal procedure
- Not in every country
- Differs in scope
- Citizenship and/or residence permit
- Set deadlines
- A set procedure
- Liability is possible
- It is not a request for permission
- It does not prevent a second passport
- File on time
How to fulfil the duty
- 01Check whether the duty exists
- 02Find out the deadlines and procedure
- 03Prepare the notification
- 04File on time
- 05Duty fulfilled
What you need to know
- A number of countries require notification of a second citizenship or residence permit
- It is informing the authorities, not a request for permission
- The requirements and deadlines vary widely by country
- There may be liability for failing to file on time
- By itself it does not usually prevent holding a second passport
Common mistakes
- Not checking whether the duty to notify exists
- Missing the set filing deadline
- Assuming notification prohibits a second passport
- Not confirming whether a residence permit must also be reported
- Ignoring the filing procedure and form
What this means for a BRIDGES client
We find out in advance whether you are obliged to notify your country of main citizenship of a second passport or residence permit, and help do so on time and by the rules. It is a formal procedure, but an important one: fulfilling it correctly removes risks and lets you use your second status with peace of mind.
Frequently asked questions
01 /What is notification of a second citizenship?
A duty, established in a number of countries, for a citizen to inform the authorities of acquiring the citizenship or residence permit of another state within a set deadline and manner.
02 /Is it needed in every country?
No. In some places there is no such duty at all, in others only citizenship is notified, and in others residence permits too. The requirements must be checked for your country.
03 /Is it a ban on second citizenship?
No. Notification is information, not a request for permission. By itself it does not usually prevent holding a second passport.
04 /What happens if you do not notify?
In some countries there is liability for failing to file on time. That is why it is important to check the duty and not miss the deadlines.
05 /By what deadline must it be filed?
The deadlines differ by country — for example, a certain number of days from obtaining the status or returning to the country. We confirm the exact rules for your case.
06 /Must a residence permit also be notified?
In some countries, yes — the duty extends to residence permits too. It depends on the legislation of your country of citizenship.
See also
Read next
This material has undergone editorial review by BRIDGES.
Obtained a second passport or residence permit?
We will check whether you need to notify your country of citizenship and help file the notification on time and by the rules — without risks.