You Might Already Qualify for a Second Passport but the Cost May Surprise You

New rules are expanding who qualifies for citizenship by ancestry — but proving it (and deciding if it’s worth it) is more complicated than it sounds. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.You are now subscribedYour newsletter sign-up was successfulWant to add more newsletters?Delivered dailyKiplinger TodayProfit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more delivered daily. 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For Americans considering dual citizenship, a second passport may already be within reach.A growing number of countries, including Canada, are expanding citizenship by descent rules, opening the door for people with family ties to claim citizenship they may not have realized they had.But qualifying is only the first step. Proving eligibility and deciding whether it is worth the time, cost and paperwork can be far more complicated than many expect.Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special IssuesProfit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.Americans are exploring dual citizenship with countries like Canada for several reasons. Interest in mobility and remote work has grown, especially since the post 2020 expansion of flexible work options.The rise of the digital nomad lifestyle has encouraged individuals and families to seek a better work-life balance while experiencing new cultures. Dual citizenship can support that flexibility by offering potential tax advantages and greater long-term mobility.Global uncertainty is also contributing to the growing interest in citizenship by descent. Many Americans are not planning to leave the country right away, but securing a second citizenship can create future flexibility if their circumstances change. Economic volatility, geopolitical tensions and shifting national policies are prompting some to explore options that provide an additional layer of stability.At the same time, policy changes are expanding who qualifies. In Canada, for example, the government introduced Bill C 3 on June 5, 2025, which updated the country’s citizenship by descent rules. Previously limited to the first generation born outside of Canada, the law now allows some second generation or later individuals to qualify, depending on their family history.As eligibility broadens, the idea of hidden citizenship is gaining traction. More Americans are taking a closer look at their ancestry to determine whether they may already have a path to dual citizenship.Citizenship by descent allows individuals to claim citizenship based on family ties rather than where they were born. In many cases, people with a parent or grandparent who was a citizen of a country may qualify. Some countries extend that eligibility even further, allowing claims through a great-grandparent.Rules vary by country. Canada historically limited citizenship by descent to the first generation born outside the country, but recent changes have expanded eligibility in some cases to second-generation applicants or beyond.Italy generally allows citizenship through parents and grandparents, while Ireland extends eligibility to parents and grandparents and, in certain cases, to great-grandparents.Get more spending tips and other personal finance insights straight to your inbox. Subscribe to our daily newsletter, A Step Ahead.To check if you’re eligible for citizenship, start with your family tree. You need to be able to trace your tree back to a parent, grandparent, or possibly a great-grandparent who was a citizen of the country in question.You’ll also need proof of the entire lineage. Documents like birth certificates, naturalization records and marriage records will be key in proving that you qualify for dual citizenship.Providing citizenship by descent can be challenging, especially if you’re working with a complex family tree. In some cases, an immigration lawyer or service can help you navigate the process. These professionals can help with the preparation of a routine citizenship application, but they can also be invaluable in helping you appeal if your initial application was denied. Even if you believe you qualify for citizenship by descent, the process isn't always straightforward. There are several hurdles that people often underestimate:Top Travel Credit Cards Whether you're heading across the country or overseas to find your roots, travel cards help you earn while you explore. See Kiplinger's top travel card picks, powered by Bankrate. Advertising disclosure.View OffersA second passport is not free and the process can take time, but for many Americans, the added flexibility and access that come with dual citizenship can justify the cost:Before you apply, consider whether the potential downsides of dual citizenship fit your situation.Becoming a dual citizen is often most beneficial for frequent travelers and those who plan to spend extended time in another country in the coming years. Remote workers may also benefit from the added flexibility, as can individuals or couples considering retirement abroad.For those who do not expect to relocate or actively use those benefits, dual citizenship may offer less value. It is best viewed as a strategic asset rather than a novelty, so consider how it fits into your long term plans before deciding if it is the right choice.Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.Paige Cerulli is a freelance journalist and content writer with more than 15 years of experience. She specializes in personal finance, health, and commerce content. Paige majored in English and music performance at Westfield State University and has received numerous awards for her creative nonfiction. Her work has appeared in The U.S. News & World Report, USA Today, GOBankingRates, Top Ten Reviews, TIME Stamped Shopping and more. In her spare time, Paige enjoys horseback riding, photography and playing the flute. Connect with her on LinkedIn.