Job Discussion Forums

[bjamesw]

I posted this on the general Europe board but didn't get a response.

I'm currently a U.S. citizen living in Michigan. A few members have now weighed in on their experiences with dual citizenship. After a few emails exchanged with the Polish embassy, I think I may be eligible.

To what extent does gaining citizenship in any of the EU countries confer rights and privileges and, as well, submit one to taxes, responsibilities, and duties to the state? I know it differs; but what are your experiences? I would like to think it is wise to have dual citizenship and the papers in hand "just in case" - If job opportunities were presented, or if vacations and travel were available to me in the future. But I wonder if, on balance, there may be unforeseen liabilities?

Can anyone tell me where to get this sort of information? I know I could get all these details eventually from the Polish consulate, but I'd prefer to hear from others who have dealt personally with the realities of dual citizenship.
Thanks for any help on this.

[lajzar]

In my case, it means I have to pay income tax hen I work in the appropriate country (no change), and no visa hassles. My countries dont have any draft or othyer social obligations.

Of course, we share no countries in common, so my advice will be useless to you. Why do you think any information we can give will be more reliable than what the horse's mouth can tell you?

[Stephen Jones]

Check out you are too old to be drafted into the military.

The thing you should be more worried about is what benefits of your American citizenship you will lose. I'd check that up with the State Department.

Also, you may find that your new country does not allow dual citizenship under these circumstances and insists you renounce your American citizenship. And the American constitttuion, unlike the British, allows them to acccept it.

[double agent]

well, lots of people do it. It is just a matter of being very very
discreet.

Take your polish citizenship, yes they will soon have full EU rights and that means you will be able to work anywhere in the EU.

Getting your European Passport does not involve the US government at all. They want your parents or grandparents original certified true copy of their birth cerificicates, your certified birth certificate. (You don�t have to tell anyone why you need it you just apply to the city hall of the city or town your were born in to get it costs about 10 dollars!)

Same as your parents or grandparents...write to the city hall of the city
where they were born or fax em. Ask for a certified true copy of their birth certificate. Give them as much info as you know, they address in Poland, their parents name (important), and that is it. Cost under 20 euros.

Get the form for the passport from the American Polish embassy nearest you. Or just be more covert and do it directly through the Polish authorities. Read- write to the Polish consule in Poland and get the application and send everything back through them.

All in should take 6 weeks! No fuss No muss.

Going thru a us consule could be a pain in the ass...or not.

BUT the us government never has to know you have dual identity unless you declare it.