briddish

I am eligible for Canadian citizenship as I have lived in Canada for a considerable time since leaving England. I would not be required to give up my British citizenship. I thought I might as well get it before I move to Portugal. Can anyone think of any reasons not to?

miramar

I can't speak for Canadian citizenship, as I have US citizenship but I can suggest 2 caveats:

1) Taxation isssues- Some countries (US) require you file an annual tax return regardless of where you live. While most countries have a reciprocal tax agreement with Portugal, some tax issues can still arise, depending on income, rental property, bank accounts, etc.

2) Military service- I have a Portuguese friend (living in Portugal) who was also a US citizen who was called to military service. Males should always consider this issue, depending upon age.

Best wishes with your decision

Naaling

I have dual British/Australian citizenship and the issues raised by Miramar are not a problem for me. They probably aren't for you either. Like you I lived in Australia for many years as a British citizen, but decided to take out Australian citizenship before I left for Thailand 14 years ago. I'm glad I did. I can now return to Australia as and when I chose without any limitations. If I hadn't my residency status would have expired by now and I would experience problems if I wanted or needed to stay in Australia for any length of time. Assuming that there is nothing unusual about your situation then from my experience dual nationality has no disadvantages, but offers serious advantages.

BritInParis

Unlike US citizenship there aren't any taxation or military service issues related to holding Canadian citizenship. Becoming a citizen would also leave that door open for you in the future as well as ensuring any children you have outside of Canada will also be eligible for Canadian citizenship.

vertigobike

Hi, briddish.

From what I know, in the perspective of the Portuguese authorities:

- British passport: European Union, EU citizen, no snooping around, no visa required
- Canadian passport: Non-European Union, non-EU citizen, may snoop around, visa required (although Portugal has a very good relationship with Canada and the USA, lots of Portuguese people there)

Regards,
c a r l i t o s

captainflack

If you have British (EU) and Canadian, then of course you just use the British one in Portugal so you benefit from immigration and so on under EU rules.

I can't see any negative to having the Canadian passport, especially if it gives you or your kids more options in the future.

liveaboard

As long as neither nationality is American or Israeli, you're golden.