Dual Citizenship: Us And Belize — Is It Possible?

Belize permits dual citizenship, as does the United States. In Belize, dual citizenship is permitted by virtue of Section 27 of the Constitution, as amended in 2017. In the US, dual citizenship is allowed, though there are some restrictions. For instance, US citizens cannot be a citizen of a country the US is at war with. This also applies in Belize. Both countries allow for citizenship by birth, descent, and naturalization.

Citizenship by birth

The process of obtaining citizenship by descent involves gathering the required documents, including the applicant's birth certificate and evidence of qualification for Belizean citizenship by descent. Applications can be submitted in person or through an authorised representative at any Immigration Office in Belize or at Belizean diplomatic missions. The application is then vetted by the Nationality Department in accordance with the Belizean Nationality Act, and the applicant is informed of the outcome.

In addition to citizenship by birth in Belize, individuals born outside of Belize after September 21, 1981, with at least one parent holding Belizean citizenship, are also considered Belizean citizens by descent. This is based on the principles of jus sanguinis, which grants citizenship based on the nationality of the parents.

It is important to note that Belize does not recognise individuals born aboard government aircraft or ships, or those registered in Belize, as Belizean nationals.

Citizenship by descent

It is possible to have dual citizenship in the US and Belize. Dual nationality is permitted in Belize, and US law also allows dual citizenship.

Belizean nationality law is regulated by the 1981 Constitution of Belize, the Belizean Nationality Act, and various British Nationality laws. Nationality establishes one's international identity as a member of a sovereign nation. While it is not synonymous with citizenship, the UK and the Commonwealth of Nations have traditionally used the words interchangeably.

Belizean nationality is typically obtained either by descent or registration. Descent relies on the principles of jus soli (by birth in Belize) or under the rules of jus sanguinis (by birth abroad to parents with Belizean nationality).

Who Qualifies for Citizenship by Descent?

• Persons born outside Belize with at least one Belizean parent.
• Persons born outside Belize before Independence Day (21 September 1981) with at least one grandparent who is a Belizean citizen.
• Women married to a Belizean citizen before Independence Day (21 September 1981).

How to Apply for Citizenship by Descent

• Gather the required documents, including your birth certificate and evidence that you qualify for Belizean Citizenship by Descent.
• Submit your application in person or through an authorized party at any Immigration Office in Belize or at any Belizean diplomatic or consular mission.
• Your application will be vetted by the Nationality Department in accordance with the Belizean Nationality Act, and you will be contacted about the outcome.

Citizenship by naturalization

Dual citizenship is permitted in Belize, and US citizens can become citizens of Belize through naturalization.

Belizean nationality is typically obtained either by descent or registration. Descent relies on the principles of jus soli, i.e. by birth in Belize; or under the rules of jus sanguinis, i.e. by birth abroad to parents with Belizean nationality. Registration applies to obtaining nationality after birth.

To be eligible for permanent residency in Belize, applicants must have lived in Belize for at least one year and not left the country for more than a total of 14 days during that time. Applicants must demonstrate financial stability and that they will be able to support themselves. Applicants must also not have been convicted of a criminal offense in any country for which they could have been sentenced to a year or more of imprisonment.

Belizean citizenship may be acquired upon fulfillment of the following conditions: the person has resided in the country for at least five years and has renounced previous citizenship. The person must also apply for economic citizenship by registration.

Citizenship by marriage

Belize permits dual citizenship. The Belize Constitution states that a "citizen of Belize by birth or descent who acquires the citizenship of any other country may, if the laws of the other country so permit and at his option, retain his citizenship of Belize."

Foreign nationals who marry a citizen of Belize are eligible to register for citizenship. The foreign spouse must have lived in Belize for one year before citizenship can be acquired in this way. A foreigner who marries a Belizean automatically gains resident status.

To apply for citizenship by marriage, the following steps must be taken:

• Gather the required documents, including your birth certificate and evidence that you qualify for Belizean citizenship by marriage.
• Submit the application in person or through an authorized party at any Immigration Office in Belize or at any Belizean diplomatic or consular mission.
• The Nationality Department will vet your application in accordance with the Belizean Nationality Act, and you will be contacted regarding the outcome.

It is important to note that there may be additional requirements or considerations for citizenship by marriage, such as demonstrating good character and confirming one year of residency in Belize.

Dual citizenship exceptions

Dual citizenship is permitted in Belize and the US. However, there are some exceptions and restrictions that apply to dual citizens in both countries. Here are some key points to note:

Belize

Belizean nationality law is regulated by the 1981 Constitution of Belize, the Belizean Nationality Act, and various British Nationality laws. While dual citizenship is permitted, there are certain exceptions and restrictions. Here are some key points:

• Persons born on government aircraft or ships, or on aircraft or ships registered in Belize, are not considered Belizean nationals.
• Dual citizens in Belize may not pursue a career in politics or work in government bodies as it poses a threat to the state's internal security.
• Dual citizens are subject to the laws and restrictions of both countries, including military service and tax requirements.
• Belize does not permit international adoptions.
• Non-spousal applicants for Belizean citizenship are required to reside in Belize for at least five years.

United States

The United States also permits dual citizenship. However, there are exceptions and tax implications for dual citizens, particularly when renouncing US citizenship:

• The "Dual Citizen Exception" exempts certain dual citizens from the "exit tax" when renouncing US citizenship. This exception applies if the individual became a US citizen at birth and a citizen of another country at birth, continues to be a citizen of that other country, is taxed as a resident of that country, and has resided in the US for not more than 10 taxable years during the 15-taxable-year period ending with the expatriation year.
• Dual citizens who are covered expatriates and do not meet the requirements for the Dual Citizen Exception may be subject to the exit tax, which taxes the built-in appreciation of their property at the time of expatriation.
• US citizens who acquire dual citizenship do not need to renounce their original citizenship. However, the US considers dual citizens solely as citizens of the US.
• Minors who are dual citizens and have resided in the US for not more than 10 tax years before expatriating are exempt from being treated as covered expatriates.

Frequently asked questions