Post: #1

Out of curiosity, how many people on here have a Second Passport?

And how did you get it?

(I don't think we have hit this subject before).

Here is a recent article by The Sovereign Man on Second Passports:

WHY YOU NEED A SECOND PASSPORT http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/second-passport

Fill out the poll above.

Post: #2

(09-12-2011 04:03 PM)thegmanifesto Wrote:  Out of curiosity, how many people on here have a Second Passport?

And how did you get it?

(I don't think we have hit this subject before).

Here is a recent article by The Sovereign Man on Second Passports:

WHY YOU NEED A SECOND PASSPORT http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/second-passport

I have two passports and should have my third by Jan.

One is to stop being hassled by the Americans every time I cross the border (which is probably at least once a month) and the other one is so when I am in transit through Europe to other countries, I don't need a visa to dismount in Espana, France (any other country in the EU) and do as I feel.

Post: #3

Ive got two passports, one American one English. I was born in England while my dad was in the military. Got an english mom and american dad so I have citizenship in both countries.

Post: #4

Moma -

"I have two passports and should have my third by Jan."

Do you mind saying which countries?

How are you getting the third? (If you don't mind sharing).

"the other one is so when I am in transit through Europe to other countries, I don't need a visa to dismount in Espana, France (any other country in the EU) and do as I feel."

(This might sound like a dumb question) With a UK passport, can you stay in Spain or France indefinitely?

Post: #5

(09-12-2011 04:12 PM)thegmanifesto Wrote:  Moma -

"I have two passports and should have my third by Jan."

Do you mind saying which countries?

How are you getting the third? (If you don't mind sharing).

"the other one is so when I am in transit through Europe to other countries, I don't need a visa to dismount in Espana, France (any other country in the EU) and do as I feel."

(This might sound like a dumb question) With a UK passport, can you stay in Spain or France indefinitely?

G - yes a UK passport grants you EU migrant worker status and you can work anywhere for as long as you like pretty much in any other European Union country, Spain and France included.

Rates of tax, residency concessions may differ depending on time you have spent in the country but pretty much gives you free rein. One benefit to being from the UK!

I have a UK passport and am eligible for an Irish one too. Not sure about getting the Irish one whether it would bring any added benefits incentives. I have been told in some countries it gives you an easier ride through customs with an Irish passport. Although the country has tanked, so not much chance of me living there! Also don't you have Irish ancestry? Get one of those passports if you haven't already.

Post: #6

Canadian and US passports.

Post: #7

dk902 -

"yes a UK passport grants you EU migrant worker status and you can work anywhere for as long as you like pretty much in any other European Union country, Spain and France included"

Am I assuming correctly that you can also kick back in Spain and France and not work indefinitely?

"Also don't you have Irish ancestry? Get one of those passports if you haven't already."

Yeah, my DAD is from Northern Ireland so I have a UK.

I have heard I can get Irish too, but not sure.

Know anything about that?

Menace -

"Canadian and US passports."

Is the US one your "original"?

If so, how did you get the Canadian? (If you don't mind sharing).

Post: #8

(09-12-2011 04:12 PM)thegmanifesto Wrote:  Moma -

"I have two passports and should have my third by Jan."

Do you mind saying which countries?

UK passport and Canadian. Third one..I'll reveal that later on..

(09-12-2011 04:12 PM)thegmanifesto Wrote:  How are you getting the third? (If you don't mind sharing).

I will get the third one due to the birthplace of one of my parents. Come to think of it, I believe I can actually pick up a fourth one. If the U.S, allows dual citizenship I may be able to hold five passports in total.

(09-12-2011 04:12 PM)thegmanifesto Wrote:  "the other one is so when I am in transit through Europe to other countries, I don't need a visa to dismount in Espana, France (any other country in the EU) and do as I feel."

(This might sound like a dumb question) With a UK passport, can you stay in Spain or France indefinitely?

Yes, all the other posters answered already. However, I am not a current fan of Europe so I never think about working anywhere in Europe. But yes, if I wished, I could just pick up and go.


I could be in Madrid in 8 hours, wife-beatered out, swooping on some Mediterranean lizards without worrying about exhausting some 'visa' issues.

Hola! Bonjour! Etc..

Post: #9

(09-12-2011 04:12 PM)thegmanifesto Wrote:  (This might sound like a dumb question) With a UK passport, can you stay in Spain or France indefinitely?

Pretty much yes. With very rare exceptions (mostly relating to the newer EE countries) anyone with an EU passport can live and work in any other EU country. There are some registration requirements, national health insurance issues etc. but it's basically a legal right.

I have 3 passports, but alas no yacht - just a kayak.

Provided one of your passports is from a top tier developed country adding more doesn't really help that much, unless you want to live long term in the EU like it seems you do. In that case adding an EU passport to your US one would obviously make your life easier.

Post: #10

As I have it from some internet trawling and some needed research on my own part.

"A person is an Irish citizen by descent if, at the time of his or her birth, at least one of his or her parents was an Irish citizen."

automatically an Irish citizen if born:

- in the territory which currently comprises the Republic of Ireland, or
- in Northern Ireland on or after 6 December 1922 with a parent who was an Irish citizen at the time of birth
-entitled to be an Irish citizen if born in Northern Ireland and not automatically an Irish citizen.

By descent
A person is an Irish citizen by descent if, at the time of his or her birth, at least one of his or her parents was an Irish citizen.In cases where at least one parent was an Irish citizen born in the island of Ireland or an Irish citizen resident abroad in the public service,[15] citizenship is automatic and dates from birth. In all other cases citizenship is subject to registration in the Foreign Births Register.


In practice, anyone with an Irish citizen grandparent born in the island of Ireland, can easily claim Irish citizenship.


As for staying in France and Spain in definitely with an UK/EU passport without needing to work -absolutely, no need for you to lift a finger, it's almost like being a citizen in your country.

Post: #11

"In practice, anyone with an Irish citizen grandparent born in the island of Ireland, can easily claim Irish citizenship."

Hell, I got Grand parents and Father born there. I should get on this.

"As for staying in France and Spain in definitely with an UK/EU passport without needing to work -absolutely, no need for you to lift a finger, it's almost like being a citizen in your country."

Smooth.

Anyone know the deal with getting a Spanish Passport?

(My MOM was born there. However, I know her family did a lot of shifty stuff during the Franco era. Long story. A story that I even don't know all the details.)

Post: #12

My grandmother was born in Scotland and my grandfather was born in Greece. That means I could get a second passport without major issues?
I would love to have one.

Post: #13

I've got a second one, from an EU country. Prefer not to say exactly.

Free health care. Got it through my ancestry (grandfather), took 7 years of waiting on forms and appt's, hundreds of hours of research, and several hundred dollars.

Who knows when a country is going to go nuts and you need to get out, or get in. Or your kids if any will need to.

You can find out about ancestry-based citizenship rules/requirements through the embassy or consulate of your ancestor(s) country

Post: #14

(09-12-2011 04:57 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  My grandmother was born in Scotland and my grandfather was born in Greece. That means I could get a second passport without major issues?
I would love to have one.

I don't think so. I know Ireland used to give passports to people with Irish grandparents, but most countries require a parent at least. The UK does have a program that allows people with a British Grandparent to stay there for 5 years if certain conditions are met, after which you can apply for citizenship. But I think it may only apply to people from Commonwealth countries. So I guess that pesky Revolutionarry War put an end to that for Americans.

Don't know what the rules are in Greece but I'd be very surprised if they give passports to people with just a Greek grandparent.

Post: #15

(09-12-2011 05:15 PM)Bad Hussar Wrote:  

(09-12-2011 04:57 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  My grandmother was born in Scotland and my grandfather was born in Greece. That means I could get a second passport without major issues?
I would love to have one.

I don't think so. I know Ireland used to give passports to people with Irish grandparents, but most countries require a parent at least. The UK does have a program that allows people with a British Grandparent to stay there for 5 years if certain conditions are met, after which you can apply for citizenship. But I think it may only apply to people from Commonwealth countries. So I guess that pesky Revolutionarry War put an end to that for Americans.

Don't know what the rules are in Greece but I'd be very surprised if they give passports to people with just a Greek grandparent.

My other Grandmother is too but born here. I was hoping the Scot one would be easy.
Greek + paperwork = Huge mess.

Dammit G. Why did you have to start this thread? Now I have to get one! I was fine an hour ago posting marginal girls on another thread.

Post: #16

Canadian and British

Born in Canada,but brought up mostly in Britain and British parents.

Only got the British recently...much easier getting in and out,no queuing.
Also,no visa for Brazil...Bonus

Canadian one I seem to get no questions at the US borders and no card to fill in.
Not sure if I get more than 90 consecutive days as with the British.

I'll keep renewing both.
Handy to have..especially if you lose one when abroad!

Post: #17

Pilgrim37 -

"Handy to have..especially if you lose one when abroad!"

Have you ever left Canada with one and entered Canada with another?

Anyone know the deal with doing that for America?

Post: #18

Yes and no. I have a Canadian passport and an Overseas Citizen of India "passport."

According to the constitution of India, a citizen cannot legally hold dual citizenship. So they created this scheme where you get this little passport book, but you can't travel to other countries on it. You just show it when you go to India. And it gives you rights like an Indian for investment, starting a business, bank account, visas not needed etc. If you have a parent or grandparent who was at one time a citizen of India, you can get it. This has to be the modern country of India, not the British Indian Empire. For example, I have a great grandfather who came to Canada before the war and I can't use him as my sponsor. I have to use my grandmother who lived in India after independence.

I'll consider getting Korean citizenship when I get married but I might stick to their F4 visa thing, which is kind of like an American green card. No passport, but basically all the same working rights. Traveling on a different passport is not what I care about. I care about avoiding taxation and leveraging different jurisdictions for their benefits, like Simon Black but to a lesser extent.

Guess I missed out on the EU/Ireland passport jackpot by one generation. My great grandparents were Irish and Polish.

Post: #19

Great topic G.

Anyone have a suggestion as to the best country to invest in for a EU passport?

Post: #20

(09-12-2011 07:07 PM)worldwidetraveler Wrote:  Great topic G.

Anyone have a suggestion as to the best country to invest in for a EU passport?

Germany, no doubt. Also, Luxembourg although good luck getting that one.

Post: #21

I have 2 citizenships, French and Canadian. I could easily get a 3rd one from the country of birth of my parents, but that one is pretty much as useless as it gets at least at this time, if in the future, there is a need for it, I can always apply for it. Next time I go to Asia, I'm going to open and register my biz in Singapore and eventually within 2-3 years, obtain a Singapore residency/citizenship for tax purposes and more options. For a long time, I hav toyed with the idea of a Brasilian passport and I may still proceed with it in the future as Brasil is too good and too big of an land of opportunity to be ignored. The ultimate residency/passport would be from Monaco. But since they're officially part of France, not sure how recognized they are overseas for travel purposes. I know if you get a Monaco residency, then you've joined the exclusive club of the very rich and powerful with no tax at all. Guess why most pro athletes and actors/singers in Europe have their residency in Monaco....

Post: #22

I have looked into the Brazilian passport. It is a great travel document but as far as I know, Brazilian citizens are taxed on world wide income. This is a major snag as you would have a similar tax liability as U.S. citizens.

Post: #23

I have 3:

[1] Canadian - I use this one pretty much only when in the States.

[2] Diplomatic (Same as Canadian, but Red in color and special privileges) - I get this because my dad works for Foreign Affairs. You can skip all lines most of the time. I've been waiting in line with my diplomatic passport out and have a staff member pull me to the front or to another line they open just for me. I can often enter the First Class lounge or equivalent while being in economy. You will sometimes get an escort for no reason.

[3] EU - My grandfather's grandfather was Irish. I had him apply for an Irish passport and then I got one myself. The EU passport line is always shorter in Europe than their "other" line.

Post: #24

Jazz,
That's awesome man to have a diplomatic passport. That would be truly the ultimate in lifestyle. Getting into any country or getting past any immigration line without even a question asked other than "welcome Sir!". I wonder if there is a way to get a diplomatic passport without being a diplomat. Anyone has any ideas on that?

Post: #25

G,

If you are a citizen of a former Spanish colony, you can obtain Spanish citizenship in 2 years of legal residence.