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Passports

There are many reasons why it may be desirable to have a second passport. With considerable experience around the world, we can advise on the best available options and help you to navigate what can be a challenging and time-consuming process.
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If your aspiration is to become a citizen of another country, we can advise on applying for a second passport.

If you are interested in applying for a second passport to aid your global travel, manage risk or reduce your tax burden, we can advise on suitable jurisdictions as well as the routes to citizenship within them. We are experienced immigration lawyers who can walk you through the second passport application process. A process which can be challenging and complicated, and in some cases, takes a very long time.

In some countries, obtaining a second passport and gaining full citizenship can take years. But we are here to guide our clients through the journey, with support and advice every step of the way. Our team of immigration law experts can assist with acquiring citizenship by descent, naturalisation in your chosen country, or citizenship by investment.
 

Applying for a second passport

Depending on your destination country, getting a second passport may require years of commitment before you are granted full citizenship. For example, in the UK, you might acquire an investor visa, spend a period of 2-5 years' continuous residence in the country, be granted indefinite leave to remain and then after a further 12 months be 'naturalised' and given a passport. We have successfully guided many clients and their families through this process, and it is always satisfying to see them gain acceptance in the country they want to call home.

Dual citizenship can provide families with more options and help protect their personal and financial freedom. Whether you are wanting to expand your investment horizons or get “citizenship insurance” for you and your family, we're here to counsel you through each stage.

Many believe that multiple citizenship is an important step to internationalising, safeguarding against hostile governments and making it easy to travel, giving you the best benefits and privileges offered by each country. Whatever the reason for your application, we will give our sound advice and clearly communicate all necessary information on how to get a second passport in the fastest way.

Citizenship by investment is one of the quickest ways of obtaining a second passport through economic citizenship, also known as getting citizen by investment. In some nations, notably Malta and several Caribbean nations, it is possible to become a citizen with immediate effect if you invest in the economy of the host country. This is where high-income individuals can get passports in exchange for monetary investment or donation.
Economic citizenship programs will legally award citizenship status faster than the traditional immigration route, so investors don't have to put their lives on hold. We have considerable experience in obtaining second passports for clients in all jurisdictions.
 

Can I get a second passport?

If you want to know how to get a second passport but you're unsure if you or your family are eligible, contact our team for advice today. At Withers, we have worked with people of all backgrounds, including high net worth individuals, business owners and entrepreneurs, special talent and creatives, as well as families seeking dual citizenship.

We work for you, looking after your interests from our global offices in the US, Europe and Asia-Pacific. With an international network of legal minds, our teams can tap into a hub of knowledge on local immigration laws and passport processes, ensuring that our clients have the best advice when they are ready to apply for citizenship.

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Our team

Mark Lanning

Mark Lanning

Director | Hong Kong

Mark Lanning

Director | Hong Kong

Private client and tax

Email Mark
+852 3711 1669
Tracy Evlogidis

Tracy Evlogidis

Partner | London

Tracy Evlogidis

Partner | London

Immigration

Email Tracy
+44 20 7597 6030
Theda Fisher

Theda Fisher

Partner | New York

Theda Fisher

Partner | New York

Immigration

Email Theda
+1 212 848 9886
Reaz H. Jafri

Reaz H. Jafri

Of Counsel | New York

Reaz H. Jafri

Of Counsel | New York

Immigration

Email Reaz
+1 212 848 9853
Alexandra Lane

Alexandra Lane

Associate | London

Alexandra Lane

Associate | London

Immigration

Email Alexandra
+44 20 7597 6829

19 May 2022 | article

Update on delays in the Passport Office

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