Dual citizenship in Bangladesh is very significant for persons who are residents of more than one country. Many of the Bangladeshi nationals and their descendants are living across the world. They are expatriate abroad either for job or education but need legal ties with their motherland.

Dual citizenship helps those persons to maintain a legal bond and legal rights with Bangladesh. Without dual citizenship, various legal complexities as to property rights, rights to election, and succession may arise. In such cases, dual citizenship certificate is a must to avail such benefits.

As a property lawyer in Dhaka, I receive countless queries from the clients from UK, Canada, USA and other countries regarding dual citizenship certificates and dual nationality certificates. That’s make us to write this guide to provide you with everything you need to know about obtaining and maintaining dual nationality certificate in Bangladesh via the Ministry of Home Affairs.

What is Dual Citizenship?

Dual citizenship simply means the legal status of a person as a citizen of two or multiple countries at a time. It is also commonly known as dual nationality, refers to an individual’s legal status as a citizen of two countries simultaneously.

As per law of USA dual citizenship refers as “Dual citizenship means that a person is a citizen of two countries, having legal rights and obligations in connection with both countries”. Persons may gain dual citizenship automatically in some situations, and others may obtain it through choice.

This means that a person has the rights and obligations associated with citizenship in both countries. For Bangladeshis living abroad, obtaining dual citizenship allows them to retain their Bangladeshi identity, absolute property rights and heir ship while enjoying the benefits of citizenship in their country of residence.

In Bangladesh, dual citizenship is primarily available to individuals of Bangladeshi origin who hold citizenship in another country. This guide will focus on the nuances of acquiring dual citizenship in Bangladesh, especially for those residing in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and European nations.

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How to Get Dual Citizenship Certificate in Bangladesh

The process of obtaining dual citizenship certificate includes several steps which require timely actions. The matter is governed by the Ministry of Home Affairs. One must place an application to the concerned body with attachment of required documents, fees and photos. The applicants residing in abroad country is required to place the application via consular or embassy office in the country of residence. The applicants who are residing in Bangladesh at the time of application may directly online via this link.

(A) Dual Citizenship Application via Consular Office

If you’re living abroad, you have to apply to Bangladeshi consulate or embassy in your country of residence. You have to get an appointment from the consular office and then shall submit an application with the attachment of required documents, prescribed fees and others. The consular office will forward your application to the Ministry of Home Affairs in Bangladesh for processing. After police verification at your Bangladeshi address, justification of claim and consideration of the documents the ministry will issues a dual citizenship certificate to you. Normally, the whole process takes at least 4-6 months to complete.

(B) Online Application for Dual Citizenship to the Ministry of Home Affairs

Ministry of Home Affairs in Bangladesh offers an online application process for those who apply during their resident at Bangladesh. The person living in a country where there is no Bangladeshi consular office chose this option. On the other hand, this option is preferred for those who appoint lawyer for processing the dual citizenship certificate. Its systematic and time saver also.

Required Documents for Dual Citizenship in Bangladesh

When applying for dual citizenship, you must provide several key documents to support your application. These documents include:

• Foreign Passport or Citizenship Proof.
• Bangladeshi Passport / NID / Birth Certificate
• Father’s and Mother’s Passport / NID / Birth Certificate
• Recently captured photograph
• Additional documents such as marriage certificates, affidavits, succession certificate or court documents may be required.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Dual Citizenship

Dual citizenship offers several benefits both in resident and origin country, but there are certain drawbacks also.

Advantages of Dual Citizenship

1. Cultural and Economic Ties: Dual citizenship allows you to maintain strong ties with Bangladesh, preserving your cultural heritage and enabling easier participation in local economic activities, such as property ownership or business ventures.

2. Travel Flexibility: Dual citizenship allows you to travel between your two countries without the need for visas, simplifying your travel arrangements.

3. Education and Employment Opportunities: With dual citizenship, you can access educational and employment opportunities in both countries.

4. Social Security and Healthcare: You may be eligible for social security benefits and healthcare in both countries, depending on local laws.

Disadvantages of Dual Citizenship

1. Taxation: Dual citizens may be subject to taxation in both countries, leading to potential tax complications and higher financial burdens.

2. Legal Obligations: You may be required to fulfill legal obligations in both countries.

3. Conflicting Laws: Dual citizens may face conflicts between the laws of their two countries, particularly in areas such as inheritance or family law.

Dual Citizenship vs. Dual Nationality

Though most people think same but dual citizenship and dual nationality are distinct concepts. Dual citizenship particularly refers to having legal citizenship in two countries, with all the rights and obligations this entails while Dual Nationality refers to a person’s national identity or affiliation with two countries, which may not include legal citizenship in both.

List of Countries That Allow Dual Citizenship

For those considering dual citizenship in Bangladesh, it’s important to know which countries permit this status. Here’s a list of countries that generally allow dual citizenship:

This list is not exhaustive, and regulations may vary depending on your specific situation.

List of Countries That Do Not Allow Dual Citizenship

Conversely, several countries do not allow dual citizenship. If you are a citizen of one of these countries, obtaining Bangladeshi citizenship may require you to renounce your current citizenship:

Again, exceptions may apply, so it’s crucial to check the specific laws of your country of citizenship before applying for dual citizenship in Bangladesh.

Shall Bangladeshi’s mandatorily obtain Citizenship?

The Dual Nationality Certificate (DNC) is not strictly obligatory for a foreign citizen of Bangladeshi origin to retain Bangladeshi citizenship. However, having a dual citizen certificate is important for your child’s legal documentation, inheritance and property matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does India Allow Dual Citizenship with Bangladesh?

No, India does not allow dual citizenship with Bangladesh. Indian citizens must renounce their Indian citizenship while acquire citizenship in another country.

2. Can You Have Dual Citizenship in the US and Bangladesh?

Yes, the United States allows dual citizenship, so you can hold both US and Bangladeshi citizenship simultaneously. Thousand of Bangladeshi people living in US have the dual citizenship.

3. Is Dual Citizenship and Dual Nationality the Same?

No, dual citizenship and dual nationality are not the same. Dual citizenship involves legal citizenship in two countries, while dual nationality refers to an individual’s national or ethnic identity in relation to two countries, which may not include legal citizenship in both.

4. Which countries does Bangladesh allow dual citizenship?

Currently, Bangladeshi people enjoying the citizenship facilities in 101 countries over the world. The list includes USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Itally, Switzerland, Ireland, Brazil, Egypt, South Africa, Morocco, Ghana, Argentina and many more.

5. Can I be a dual citizen of Bangladesh and Canada?

Yes! You can hold citizenship of Bangladesh and Canada at a time.

6. How can I get a dual nationality certificate in Bangladesh?

You have to apply before the consular office at resident country or directly to the Ministry of Home Affairs. Mentionable that, you may seek help from the Bangladeshi Lawyer or Law Firms to represent you in the legal proceedings.

7. How to apply for dual citizenship in Bangladesh?

If you are applying from Bangladesh you may easily do it online visiting the official site of Ministry of Home Affairs.