10 EU Countries That Restrict Dual Citizenship: What Nigerian Migrants Need to Know

10 EU Countries That Restrict Dual Citizenship: What Nigerian Migrants Need to Know

For many Nigerians and other immigrants, Europe remains one of the world’s top migration destinations, offering pathways to quality education, better employment prospects, and the possibility of long-term settlement.

A 2024 report from the EU’s migration-policy platform estimates that more than 260,000 Nigerians currently live in the European Union, underscoring the region’s strong appeal to those seeking new opportunities abroad.

For many migrants, securing citizenship in their host country is the ultimate achievement—one that provides enhanced security, freedom of movement, and expanded social and economic rights.

However, in several EU countries, this goal is complicated by strict dual-citizenship policies.

Some European nations either heavily restrict or outright prohibit dual citizenship, requiring applicants to give up their original nationality before acquiring a new one. These rules are often implemented to maintain clear legal allegiance, ensure accountability in areas such as taxation or mandatory service, and protect political and civic integrity.

In certain countries, cultural and historical identity also plays a significant role. Citizenship is viewed as deeply connected to national unity, and permitting multiple nationalities is seen as a potential challenge to social cohesion.

Understanding which EU member states enforce these dual-citizenship restrictions is essential for anyone planning to migrate or apply for naturalization.

Below are the 10 EU countries that either restrict or do not permit dual citizenship as compiled by nairametrics.

10. Andorra

In Andorra, dual citizenship is strictly forbidden under its nationality laws. The government requires anyone who wants to become an Andorran citizen through naturalisation to renounce any previously held citizenship.

This policy reflects a broader aim: to ensure that citizens owe their allegiance solely to Andorra. Becoming a citizen of Andorra through naturalisation is not straightforward. Residency requirements are generally around 20 years for most applicants.

Alternatively, there are other pathways, like marriage to an Andorran citizen, under which naturalisation might come sooner. Once granted provisional citizenship, the applicant must renounce their previous nationality as a mandatory step.  And if a citizen later acquires another foreign nationality or fails to renounce when required, Andorran law allows for revocation of the Andorran citizenship.

9. Estonia 

Under Estonia’s current legal framework, dual nationality is largely prohibited for people who naturalise. The reasoning is rooted in the logic that citizenship implies exclusive allegiance; accepting an additional nationality is treated as a voluntary renunciation of Estonian citizenship.

For a foreigner to become an Estonian citizen via naturalisation, they must meet several conditions: being at least 15 years old, having legally resided in Estonia for at least eight years (with the last five years as a permanent resident), proving competence in the Estonian language, passing a civics exam, and demonstrating stable means of support.  Crucially, as part of the process they must also provide proof of renunciation of any previous citizenship.

However, there are some exceptions to it; individuals who acquire Estonian citizenship by birth (for example, because at least one parent is Estonian) are treated differently. Legally, the Estonian constitution says birthright citizenship cannot be involuntarily revoked.

In practice, this means a child born with dual nationality may hold both, at least until adulthood. But under current legislation, once they turn 18, they are expected to choose one nationality.

8. Monaco 

Monaco generally does not allow dual citizenship, naturalisation as a Monegasque citizen requires that an applicant renounce any previous nationality.

The law aims to guarantee exclusive allegiance to Monaco rather than split national loyalties. For those seeking citizenship in Monaco through naturalisation, the process is stringent; one must have lived in Monaco for at least ten uninterrupted years after turning 18.

In addition, a successful applicant must formally relinquish any foreign nationality they hold. Naturalisation is not automatic, it is granted at the discretion of the country’s sovereign.

7. Austria 

Austria’s nationality law generally prohibits dual or multiple citizenship. The main reason is to ensure exclusive allegiance. When someone becomes an Austrian citizen (or acquires another citizenship while an Austrian, the law assumes their full loyalty must lie with Austria alone.

If a foreigner applies for Austrian citizenship through naturalisation, they are typically required to renounce their previous nationality. Similarly, an Austrian who voluntarily acquires a foreign nationality will automatically lose Austrian citizenship unless they had officially applied beforehand for permission to retain it, and that request was approved.

There are exceptions. If a person automatically acquires two nationalities at birth, for example, one from each parent, or by being born in a country that grants citizenship by birth, Austria allows both citizenships to remain.

Also, in certain rare cases, for example, if obtaining Austrian citizenship would serve a special interest of Austria, the law may permit dual citizenship even for naturalised citizens.

6. Bosnia and Herzegovina 

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, dual citizenship is allowed only when there is a bilateral agreement between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the other country.

As of now, those agreements are only in force with a few countries, namely Croatia, Serbia and Sweden.

For individuals who do not come from one of those countries, acquiring Bosnian citizenship through naturalisation (or voluntarily obtaining another nationality while holding Bosnian citizenship) generally requires renunciation of the other citizenship, or leads to loss of Bosnian citizenship.

To acquire Bosnian citizenship, a person must be at least 18 years old, have lived in Bosnia and Herzegovina with a permanent registered residence for at least eight years, speak one of the official languages, pose no threat to national security, have not been sentenced to more than three years for a premeditated crime within the past eight years, and must renounce their original citizenship.

5. Croatia 

Croatia’s nationality law allows for dual citizenship, but whether it’s permissible depends on how you become Croatian. For people who are of Croatian descent (for example, those with a parent or ancestor who was a citizen, or emigrants reclaiming citizenship), the law offers a flexible approach: they generally do not have to give up their existing nationality.

To get Croatian citizenship by descent or by naturalisation. For citizenship by descent (sometimes under “Article 11” of the law), individuals can claim nationality based on proven lineage to a Croatian emigrant who left before October 8, 1991. This path does not require language tests, residence in Croatia, or renunciation of foreign citizenship.

On the other hand, for foreigners seeking naturalisation (based on residence, marriage, or other criteria), the conditions are stricter. They must be 18 or older, have legally resided in Croatia for at least eight years with permanent residence, prove proficiency in the Croatian language and knowledge of Croatian culture/social structure, and usually must renounce previous citizenship.

Also, certain categories like children, spouses of Croatian citizens, or people whose naturalisation is deemed in Croatia’s national interest may benefit from more favourable treatment or waivers.

4. Lithuania  

Lithuania’s constitution generally prohibits holding citizenship of Lithuania and another country at the same time, except in narrow, exceptional cases, like if a person acquired Lithuanian citizenship and that of another country at birth (for example, through mixed‑parentage or birth in a country granting citizenship by birth). If the person is a descendant (child, grandchild or great‑grandchild) of someone who held Lithuanian citizenship before June 15, 1940, often because that ancestor fled or was exiled during the Soviet era.

In certain adoption or rare “special‑merit” cases permitted by law. Outside those scenarios, dual nationality is not allowed. If a foreigner obtains Lithuanian citizenship through naturalisation, for example, after years of residency, they are generally required to renounce their previous nationality.

For foreigners to become Lithuanian citizens via naturalisation, they must meet several conditions: usually permanent residency for a number of years (often 10 years), pass a language exam, demonstrate knowledge of the country’s constitution, and show stable means of subsistence. Crucially, as part of the process, they must renounce any other citizenship they hold, since dual citizenship through naturalisation is generally disallowed.

3. Netherlands  

In the Netherlands, holding more than one nationality is generally discouraged. The country aims for clear and unambiguous allegiance. When someone becomes a Dutch citizen through naturalisation, the default requirement is renunciation of any prior nationality.

If a foreigner over 18 applies for Dutch citizenship by naturalisation, they are normally required to renounce their other nationality provided that is legally possible in their home country.

There are exceptions, renunciation may not be required if the home country does not allow giving up citizenship, if the applicant is married to (or in a registered partnership with) a Dutch citizen, or if they meet certain other criteria under Dutch law.

Dutch law stipulates that acquiring another nationality voluntarily can lead to automatic loss of Dutch citizenship. Also, for dual nationals living outside the Netherlands (or the wider Dutch kingdom / EU) for an extended period (e.g. 13 years) without renewing a Dutch passport or citizenship certificate, there is a risk of losing Dutch nationality.

2. Slovakia  

A Slovak citizen who voluntarily acquires a foreign nationality without long-term residence abroad generally loses their Slovak citizenship.

Slovakia does make exceptions; dual nationality is tolerated when a person acquires a second nationality by birth. Citizenship acquired automatically through marriage, adoption, or as a minor child may also be recognised without loss of Slovak nationality.

Since an amendment in 2022, Slovak citizens who have lived legally in another country for at least five years before acquiring that country’s citizenship can also retain their Slovak citizenship provided they notify the Ministry of Interior within 90 days and supply documentation of their residence.

In addition, obtaining Slovak citizenship by descent for possible for children born to Slovak parents and some descendants can have Slovak nationality without needing to renounce any other citizenship they hold.

For foreigners seeking Slovak citizenship through naturalisation, the rules are stricter. Typically, an applicant must have had continuous permanent residence in Slovakia for at least eight years or five years if married to a Slovak citizen, demonstrate Slovak language proficiency, show knowledge of Slovak history and society, present a clean criminal record, and prove a stable livelihood before being eligible. In such cases, unless one of the legal exceptions applies, acquiring Slovak citizenship via naturalisation usually means giving up one’s previous nationality.

1. Spain 

Spain’s nationality law generally requires that foreigners who wish to obtain Spanish citizenship must renounce their previous nationality.

Although the general rule is renunciation, there are important exceptions. Citizens of certain countries, primarily those with historical or bilateral ties to Spain, may keep their original nationality. These include most Latin-American (Ibero-American) countries, as well as Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and Portugal.

Also, people who are Spanish by origin (birth or descent) may acquire another nationality but must formally declare their desire to retain Spanish nationality within three years; otherwise, they risk losing it.

For a foreigner seeking Spanish citizenship via residency or naturalization, the standard path requires about 10 years, though there are reduced terms for certain nationalities and renunciation of previous citizenship, unless one comes from a country on the exception list. The process includes taking an oath of loyalty to Spain’s constitution and laws.

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