Obtaining permanent residence in another country does not automatically revoke your existing citizenship.
The key distinction is between residency—the legal right to live in a country—and citizenship, which confers full political rights and obligations (passport, voting, consular protection, etc.).
How residency works
- Residency by investment programs (e.g., buying property in Greece) grant you the right to live, work, and travel in that country while you retain your original nationality.
- The host country treats you as a resident, not as a citizen, so you do not receive a passport or voting rights unless you later apply for naturalization.
Citizenship implications
- Naturalization—becoming a citizen of the country where you hold residency—may trigger rules in your home country. Some states automatically lose citizenship upon acquiring another nationality; others allow dual citizenship.
- Merely holding permanent residency does not affect your citizenship status in the United States or most other nations.
Practical considerations
- Check home‑country laws: Before applying for citizenship elsewhere, verify whether your current country permits dual citizenship or requires you to renounce your original nationality.
- Tax obligations: Residency does not change tax residency automatically. You may still be subject to your original country’s tax rules (e.g., U.S. citizens are taxed on worldwide income).
- Travel documents: As a resident, you will need a valid passport from your original country for international travel; the host country will issue a residence permit or card.
Example
A U.S. citizen purchases real estate in Greece and qualifies for Greece’s residence‑by‑investment program. The individual:
- Remains a U.S. citizen, retaining the U.S. passport and voting rights.
- Receives a Greek residence permit, allowing them to live and work in Greece.
- May later apply for Greek citizenship, at which point U.S. law on dual nationality would determine whether they must renounce U.S. citizenship.
In summary, acquiring permanent residency abroad does not cause loss of citizenship; only a formal naturalization process could, depending on the laws of the original country. Always review both the host and home country regulations before pursuing citizenship.
