12 EU countries that don’t allow dual citizenship

For many immigrants, including Nigerians, Europe remains one of the top four global destinations for migration, offering opportunities for education, employment, and the prospect of long-term settlement.

A 2024 report from the EU's migration policy platform estimates that over 260,000 Nigerians currently reside in the European Union (EU), highlighting the continent's growing appeal to those seeking new prospects abroadFor many, obtaining the citizenship of these countries is the ultimate goal, a milestone that promises greater security, mobility and access to opportunities.

Yet, in some EU nations, achieving this goal is complicated by strict dual citizenship restrictions.

These rules prevent individuals from holding multiple nationalities, meaning that migrants may be required to renounce their original citizenship to acquire a new one. Dual citizenship restrictions are designed to ensure clear lines of allegiance and accountability, addressing concerns such as taxation, military services and political rights.

In some nations, culture plays a role, as citizenship is closely tied to national identity and social cohesion, and allowing multiple nationalities is seen as potentially weakening that unity.

Understanding which countries enforce these restrictions and the limitations at stake is therefore crucial for anyone planning to migrate. These 12 European countries are Netherlands, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Lithuania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, San Marino, Austria etcetera.

>>AA Shamim Ahmed, UK