Important Updates
Important Updates
May 29, 2025 | United StatesBloomberg: Harvard Dragged Deeper Into Trump's 'America First' Visa Fight
May 30, 2025 | BelarusBelarus: More Onerous Requirements for Employers of Temporary Residents Forthcoming
May 30, 2025 | European UnionEuropean Union/Schengen Area: Internal Schengen Border Checks Situation
May 30, 2025 | United KingdomSpace-Comm: The Rapid Expansion of the Space Sector, Expected to Reach a Value of $1.8 Trillion by 2035, Marks the Beginning of a New Era in Space Exploration and Innovation
May 30, 2025 | 🌐Worldwide/Russia: Update on Visa Suspensions for Russian and Belarusian Nationals
May 29, 2025 | United StatesBloomberg: Harvard Dragged Deeper Into Trump's 'America First' Visa Fight
May 30, 2025 | BelarusBelarus: More Onerous Requirements for Employers of Temporary Residents Forthcoming
May 30, 2025 | European UnionEuropean Union/Schengen Area: Internal Schengen Border Checks Situation
May 30, 2025 | United KingdomSpace-Comm: The Rapid Expansion of the Space Sector, Expected to Reach a Value of $1.8 Trillion by 2035, Marks the Beginning of a New Era in Space Exploration and Innovation
May 30, 2025 | 🌐Worldwide/Russia: Update on Visa Suspensions for Russian and Belarusian Nationals
May 29, 2025 | United StatesBloomberg: Harvard Dragged Deeper Into Trump's 'America First' Visa Fight
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcastsVideos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapFragomen Consulting EuropeAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts
  • Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Fragomen Consulting Europe
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
  • Insights

Citizenship - By Right or Choice

December 26, 2017

nikhil_bande

Related contacts

Photo of Nikhil Bande

Nikhil Bande

Senior Manager - Consular Practice

Dubai (DIFC), United Arab Emirates

Email

[email protected]

T:+971 448181781

Related offices

  • Dubai (DIFC)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Photo of Nikhil Bande

Nikhil Bande

Senior Manager - Consular Practice

Dubai (DIFC), United Arab Emirates

Email

[email protected]

T:+971 448181781

Related offices

  • Dubai (DIFC)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Photo of Nikhil Bande

Nikhil Bande

Senior Manager - Consular Practice

Dubai (DIFC), United Arab Emirates

Email

[email protected]

T:+971 448181781

Related offices

  • Dubai (DIFC)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

By: Nikhil Bande

Globalization has had its great effects, among which is the ability of nomadic souls and their families that span borders to acquire citizenship in different countries. From time immemorial, people have travelled and as various national immigration and citizenship policies were implemented, people chose to acquire other citizenships and had the chance to embrace foreign traditions, exchange cultural views, pursue new lifestyles, gain access to better education and healthcare systems and, most importantly, obtain new travel privileges.

Citizenship acquisition arises in numerous forms, such as by place of birth,  by descent or through naturalization.

Elementary Overarching Principles of Citizenship

Jus sanguinis: This Latin phrase means by ‘right of blood’ and refers to citizenship acquired not based on the place of birth but through the citizenship of one or both parents. This means that an individual can acquire the nationality of one or both parents, irrespective of where the person was born.

Jus soli: This means ‘right of the soil’ and offers unconditional citizenship to anyone born in a  nation’s territory. Such “birthright” citizenship is not very common but exists in a few prominent nations around the globe, including the United States and Canada.

Plenty of countries practice a mix of jus sanguinis and jus soli, while others practice solely jus soli.

Acquisition of Citizenship

Below are the primary ways a person acquires citizenship:
 

By Birth: Most people acquire citizenship by birth, either via jus soli or jus sanguinis. It is not necessary to possess a passport to enjoy all the rights and privileges associated with the citizenship acquired at birth. Once citizenship is acquired, it can be passed on to future generations. 

By Naturalization: Most countries have clearly defined national citizenship policies and procedures set out in local law. The naturalization process can generally be undertaken after satisfactory completion of permanent residency for a defined duration as per the applicable policies. It is usually necessary to maintain permanent residence based on employment, refugee status, marriage or family in the country of desired citizenship for a sustained period prior to applying for naturalization.

By Investment: For over 30 years, many countries have offered programs through which an individual can acquire citizenship through investment, and this remains a very popular option for High Net Worth Individuals seeking ease of travel and a safe place to park their wealth.

By Refugee Status: Thanks to the United Nation’s Convention relating to the Status of Refugees (also known as the 1951 Refugee Convention) and the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness, among other international treaties, persons who are granted refugee status in a country other than their country of birth or citizenship can usually qualify for citizenship in the country of refuge.

Birth Aboard Aircraft and Ships: Persons born in an airplane, or on a ship in international waters, face challenging questions related to citizenship rights. Generally, the jus sanguinis principle applies, and the baby acquires the citizenship of his or her parent(s). In some cases, however, the jus soli principle applies—for example, a baby born in American airspace is a U.S. citizen at birth.

Dual Citizenship: Some countries permit multiple citizenships while others do not. This means that in some cases, a person who acquires citizenship in a new country may automatically forfeit any previously held citizenships.

For further advice on citizenship rules, please contact me at [email protected].

Related contacts

Photo of Nikhil Bande

Nikhil Bande

Senior Manager - Consular Practice

Dubai (DIFC), United Arab Emirates

Email

[email protected]

T:+971 448181781

Related offices

  • Dubai (DIFC)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Photo of Nikhil Bande

Nikhil Bande

Senior Manager - Consular Practice

Dubai (DIFC), United Arab Emirates

Email

[email protected]

T:+971 448181781

Related offices

  • Dubai (DIFC)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Photo of Nikhil Bande

Nikhil Bande

Senior Manager - Consular Practice

Dubai (DIFC), United Arab Emirates

Email

[email protected]

T:+971 448181781

Related offices

  • Dubai (DIFC)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

Space-Comm: The Rapid Expansion of the Space Sector, Expected to Reach a Value of $1.8 Trillion by 2035, Marks the Beginning of a New Era in Space Exploration and Innovation

Partner Charlotte Wills and Director Kelly Hardman co-hosted the Space Law Legal Symposium with DLA Piper, highlighting immigration’s role in space sector growth.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg: Harvard Dragged Deeper Into Trump's 'America First' Visa Fight

Partner Daniel Pierce highlighted the challenges US universities face under new visa restrictions.

Learn more

Blog post

Unlocking Talent: Why Hiring Graduates on Immigration Permissions Is a Strategic Business Move

Senior Immigration Programme Consultant Salem Barakat shares how hiring graduates on immigration permissions is a strategic business move that unlocks talent and drives innovation.

Learn more

Blog post

A1 Certificate Fraud: Key Takeaways from the 2025 ECJ Decision

Director Wim Cocquyt and Senior Immigration Consultant Marina Ocariz discuss key takeaways from the 2025 ECJ decision on A1 certificate fraud.

Learn more

Media mentions

Dubai Eye: Managing Partner, Middle East and Africa Murtaza Ali Khan discusses the UAE’s AI Workforce and Talent Mobility

Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Ali Khan discusses the UAE’s AI talent shortage and how immigration policies are helping attract talent to the region.

Learn more

Blog post

La Naturalisation française par Décret : Des règles strictes et une exigence accrue de conformité

Senior Immigration Manager Géraldine Renaudière discusses France's tightening of the naturalization-by-decree process by enforcing stricter language, legal and financial requirements.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Irish Times: ‘Without People to Build Homes, It Won’t Happen’: Construction Workers Decry Shortage of Tradespeople

Partner Ángel Bello Cortés highlights Ireland’s respected work permit system and suggests a sector-specific permit to attract more non-EEA construction workers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Yorkshire Post: Yorkshire Businesses Should Prepare for Sweeping Immigration Rule Changes

Practice Leader Kathleen O’Donnell highlights how proposed UK immigration reforms could impact businesses in Yorkshire.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: The Death of the Digital Nomad

Partner Charlotte Wills notes that while full-time, long-term remote work might become less common, many professionals continue to work from abroad through more structured, short-term arrangements.

Learn more

Video

How to Stay in France After Graduation: Immigration Options for International Students

In this video, Immigration Consultant Laura Varon Osorio walks you through everything you need to know about staying in France after graduation. Whether you’re looking to work, start a business or transition to a new immigration status, this guide covers key immigration pathways for international students.

Learn more

Media mentions

American Bar Association's How Things Work: The Legal Edition: F-1 Student Visa Revocations

Partners Michelle Jacobson and Sarah Peterson discuss recent SEVIS terminations and visa revocations and explore what these developments may mean for international students and universities.

Learn more

Media mentions

Classical Music: The Immigration Hurdles Facing UK Orchestras in Europe

Senior Immigration Programme Manager Louise Collins, Senior Manager Sean Rhodes and Manager Andreia Ghimis explore the touring challenges UK orchestras face in Europe and discuss ways to ease mobility barriers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Space-Comm: The Rapid Expansion of the Space Sector, Expected to Reach a Value of $1.8 Trillion by 2035, Marks the Beginning of a New Era in Space Exploration and Innovation

Partner Charlotte Wills and Director Kelly Hardman co-hosted the Space Law Legal Symposium with DLA Piper, highlighting immigration’s role in space sector growth.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg: Harvard Dragged Deeper Into Trump's 'America First' Visa Fight

Partner Daniel Pierce highlighted the challenges US universities face under new visa restrictions.

Learn more

Blog post

Unlocking Talent: Why Hiring Graduates on Immigration Permissions Is a Strategic Business Move

Senior Immigration Programme Consultant Salem Barakat shares how hiring graduates on immigration permissions is a strategic business move that unlocks talent and drives innovation.

Learn more

Blog post

A1 Certificate Fraud: Key Takeaways from the 2025 ECJ Decision

Director Wim Cocquyt and Senior Immigration Consultant Marina Ocariz discuss key takeaways from the 2025 ECJ decision on A1 certificate fraud.

Learn more

Media mentions

Dubai Eye: Managing Partner, Middle East and Africa Murtaza Ali Khan discusses the UAE’s AI Workforce and Talent Mobility

Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Ali Khan discusses the UAE’s AI talent shortage and how immigration policies are helping attract talent to the region.

Learn more

Blog post

La Naturalisation française par Décret : Des règles strictes et une exigence accrue de conformité

Senior Immigration Manager Géraldine Renaudière discusses France's tightening of the naturalization-by-decree process by enforcing stricter language, legal and financial requirements.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Irish Times: ‘Without People to Build Homes, It Won’t Happen’: Construction Workers Decry Shortage of Tradespeople

Partner Ángel Bello Cortés highlights Ireland’s respected work permit system and suggests a sector-specific permit to attract more non-EEA construction workers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Yorkshire Post: Yorkshire Businesses Should Prepare for Sweeping Immigration Rule Changes

Practice Leader Kathleen O’Donnell highlights how proposed UK immigration reforms could impact businesses in Yorkshire.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: The Death of the Digital Nomad

Partner Charlotte Wills notes that while full-time, long-term remote work might become less common, many professionals continue to work from abroad through more structured, short-term arrangements.

Learn more

Video

How to Stay in France After Graduation: Immigration Options for International Students

In this video, Immigration Consultant Laura Varon Osorio walks you through everything you need to know about staying in France after graduation. Whether you’re looking to work, start a business or transition to a new immigration status, this guide covers key immigration pathways for international students.

Learn more

Media mentions

American Bar Association's How Things Work: The Legal Edition: F-1 Student Visa Revocations

Partners Michelle Jacobson and Sarah Peterson discuss recent SEVIS terminations and visa revocations and explore what these developments may mean for international students and universities.

Learn more

Media mentions

Classical Music: The Immigration Hurdles Facing UK Orchestras in Europe

Senior Immigration Programme Manager Louise Collins, Senior Manager Sean Rhodes and Manager Andreia Ghimis explore the touring challenges UK orchestras face in Europe and discuss ways to ease mobility barriers.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.