List of Countries That Do NOT Allow Multiple Nationalities (Single Citizenship Countries Guide)

Dual citizenship offers access to multiple passports, work opportunities, and greater global mobility. But while many nations accept dual or multiple nationalities, several countries still prohibit it and enforce strict single-citizenship laws.

This guide lists all countries that do NOT allow dual citizenship, along with reasons behind these restrictions and limited exceptions. For the list of countries that do allow dual nationality, visit:
Countries That Allow Dual Citizenship.

Why Some Countries Do NOT Allow Dual Citizenship

Countries that restrict dual nationality often aim to maintain:

• Exclusive national loyalty
• Security and military control
• Clear taxation and residency systems
• Strong national identity
• Simplified legal obligations

In many of these nations, obtaining a second citizenship requires renouncing your first.

1. Countries That Completely Prohibit Dual Citizenship

The following countries do not allow dual citizenship under any circumstances. Many automatically revoke citizenship if another nationality is acquired.

Asia (Most Restrictive Region)

• China
• Japan
• Singapore
• Malaysia
• Indonesia (children can hold dual nationality until age 18)
• Myanmar
• Nepal
• Sri Lanka (naturalized citizens require approval)
• Kazakhstan
• Mongolia
• Bhutan

Middle East (Strict Single-Nationality Rules)

• Qatar
• Kuwait
• Oman
• Saudi Arabia (very limited exceptions by royal approval)
• United Arab Emirates (dual nationality only by special decree)

2. Countries That Mostly Do NOT Allow Dual Citizenship (With Limited Exceptions)

These countries largely prohibit dual citizenship but allow it in very specific situations, often requiring strict government approval.

• Austria — exceptions for extraordinary merit, birth abroad, or special permission
• Estonia — children may hold dual citizenship until adulthood
• Netherlands — allowed only in specific scenarios
• Lithuania — dual nationality possible for diaspora or historical cases
• Slovakia — mostly prohibited, but reforms allow limited exceptions

3. Countries That Require Renouncing Previous Citizenship

Some countries technically allow dual citizenship but require applicants to renounce their original nationality during naturalization.

• Germany — recent reforms allow dual nationality; older rules still apply in some cases
• Spain — renunciation required except for citizens of select partner countries
• Poland — dual nationality not actively recognized in legal processes
• India — dual citizenship prohibited; offers OCI instead

Why Some Countries Strictly Enforce Single Citizenship

Common reasons include:

• National security concerns
• Preventing divided loyalty
• Mandatory military service systems
• Taxation and residency enforcement
• Preserving national identity
• Avoiding political conflicts of interest

Penalties for Holding Dual Citizenship Illegally

In strict single-citizenship countries, holding dual citizenship without approval may result in:

• Automatic loss of citizenship
• Fines or legal penalties
• Loss of voting rights
• Denial of passport renewal
• Ineligibility for government employment

Conditional Dual Citizenship Recognition

Some countries allow dual citizenship only under special cases:

• Children born abroad
• Marriage to a citizen
• Ethnic heritage or diaspora status
• Exceptional skills or contributions
• Government-issued exemptions

Comparison With Countries That Allow Dual Citizenship

Many countries across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Oceania fully support dual nationality. For the complete list of countries that allow multiple citizenships, visit: Countries That Allow Dual Citizenship

Conclusion

Citizenship laws differ widely across the world. While some countries embrace dual or multiple nationality, others enforce strict single-citizenship rules for cultural, security, or legal reasons.

Before applying for a second citizenship, always review:

• Your home country’s citizenship laws
• The destination country’s naturalization rules
• Renunciation requirements
• Long-term legal obligations

Understanding both sides of global citizenship law helps you make informed, long-term decisions.