Speaker 1: 0:03

Welcome to Be Global podcast, where we explore the trends shaping our world today. I am Josanny Campos and in this episode, we are diving into the fascinating topic of citizenship evolution. Have you heard of it? Well, if not, don't worry. Joining us today to shine a light on the topic is Laura Madrid. Hello, laura.

Speaker 2: 0:33

Hello Gisane. Thank you for having me here today. I'm the lead researcher of Global Citizen Solutions Intelligence Unit.

Speaker 1: 0:40

This is great. Thank you so much. So, Laura, she has been busy analysing how citizenship is evolving in the modern world, and we'll talk about that now. Laura welcome.

Speaker 2: 0:52

Thank you again. It's great to be here to discuss this such a critical and timely topic.

Speaker 1: 0:57

Yes, it is. It is Laura, Thank you. I read your latest briefing the Transformation of Citizenship from Political Identity to Strategic Mobility Tool. And, by the way, for the ones listening to us, it is available on Global Citizen Solutions website and it highlights a shift on how we perceive citizenship. Citizenship Traditionally, Laura, it was tied to national identity, but now it is more of a strategic asset, correct? And what is driving?

Speaker 2: 1:33

this change? Well, there are a big few reasons. Globalization, economic uncertainty and political tensions have made people look for more flexible options when it comes to where they live and work. At the same time, technology and changes in legal systems have made it much easier to get multiple citizenships, so people can choose what works best for their lifestyle and career goals.

Speaker 1: 2:00

Wow, okay, that is very interesting. So historically, citizenship was about allegiance to a nation state, but your report mentions thinkers like I don't know if I'm going to pronounce their names correctly Yasemin Soysal and Awa Wong. They argue that citizenship is becoming more transnational. Can you elaborate more on that, and did I pronounce that names correctly, laura?

Speaker 2: 2:27

Absolutely so. Iso's idea of post-national citizenship suggests that people can now claim rights based on universal principles rather than just national affiliation. Organizations like the European Union and the United Nations, and international treaties have contributed to this shift. In the same direction, EIHUA-ONG reframes citizenship as a flexible tool that individuals can use to maximize opportunities such as having multiple passports and enhancing global mobility.

Speaker 1: 3:01

Laura, so you also talk about a concept called adaptive citizenship. Let's put it between quote marks, because it's a concept that sounds quite new. Are you able to break it down for us?

Speaker 2: 3:15

Of course, there are many authors that already mentioned the expression adaptive citizenship, but we define in a more regional way in our in our briefing and I must say that I really like this term adaptive citizenship is about using nationalities strategically to navigate global uncertainties. Whether it's a high network individuals acquiring a second passport for investment purposes, digital nomads choosing residencies that offer tax advantages or an easy path to citizenship, or greater risk seeking affordable healthcare abroad, the reality is that people are increasingly treating citizenship as a safeguard and an opportunity, rather than a static national identity.

Speaker 1: 4:00

Okay. So the concept may sound new, but the trend has been gaining traction for quite a while. I see that OK. So speaking of that, let's talk numbers. Your report highlights the rise of dual andiable.

Speaker 2: 4:22

For example, in the UK, dual citizenship nearly doubled from 2011 to 2021. In the EU, over 15 million residents now hold dual citizenship. Canada, Australia and Brazil also report millions of dual citizens citizens. Even countries that once resisted the idea, like Germany, are now opening up to multiple nationalities. Actually, more and more countries are recognizing dual or even multiple citizenships in their laws. Back in 1960s, only 33% of countries allowed it, but by 2020, that number had jumped to 76% sorry, 76%.

Speaker 1: 5:08

Wow, 76%. This is big, and I think this number is really exemplified when you mentioned the UK. Between only 10 years 2011 to 2021, the dual citizenship nearly doubled. So numbers are there, telling us that this is an undeniable trend. But what about the economic impact? Because your report suggests that multiple citizenships benefit not just individuals but also nations. Can you give us some examples so we can understand what it means?

Speaker 2: 5:48

Yes, definitely. Host countries attract foreign investment, skilled professionals and entrepreneurs, which boost their economies, of course, and countries of origin benefit through remittances, the income migrants and nationals will send back to their origin countries. Over 800 billion of remittances were sent globally in 2024 alone.

Speaker 1: 6:14

Wow, that is a lot.

Speaker 2: 6:16

It's a lot. It's a lot, and you know it helps the economies of the origin countries. Of course, diasporas also drive knowledge exchange, innovation, diplomatic alliances and even brain gain when skilled migrants return to home countries.

Speaker 1: 6:33

Okay, laura, thank you very much for giving us an explanation. It really sounds like a win-win scenario. It's fantastic to see how host countries as well as the original country can both benefit from citizenships, and I also would like to ask you something else. It is a win-win scenario. However, there's also some controversy, as you know. Some critics argue that programs like Citizenship by Investment or CBIs, could bring the host nation some security risks. What is your take on this?

Speaker 2: 7:07

Yes, Gisane, it is a valid debate. While CBI programs generate billions in revenue you know, over 20 billion in 2022 alone, according to the OECD some worry about security risks and ethical concerns. However, well-regulated programs with due diligence can be beneficial to originations such as smaller countries like Sankit and Nevis in the Caribbean and Malta. Without risking their security, they will attract revenue and they will increase GDP in those small countries more, and the security will be safeguarded by more strict due diligence concerns.

Speaker 1: 7:53

I see the strict due diligence. I think it's important for us to highlight that you know, if you move to another country as I don't know on a student visa, on a tourist visa, you won't have the scrutiny that you go through under a citizenship by investment program. The amount of due diligence of research that is done on a past life on this person is quite intense.

Speaker 2: 8:22

Yes.

Speaker 1: 8:23

Isn't it, Laura?

Speaker 2: 8:24

Yes, it's enormous. More and more countries are copying countries that use due diligence strategies to avoid, or at least reduce, security risks when it comes to CBI programs, excellent, ok, good, so that one's clear.

Speaker 1: 8:44

I want to move on and ask you about digital nomads. So your report mentions a rise in digital nomad visas, and tell me what's the appeal?

Speaker 2: 8:55

You know digital nomads. They use sick mobility, lifestyle freedom and tax efficiency. Of course, countries like Portugal, spain and Greece offer digital nomad visas allowing remote workers to leave there legally. Some programs even offer pathway to permanent residency or citizenship, making them a very important strategic choice for professionals, especially those from countries with weaker passports. I will give you one example Spain offers a fast-track citizenship for nationals from Ibero-American countries. They can apply after just two years of residency instead of the regular 10. Many digital nomads from those countries use Spain digital nomad visa strategically, not just to live and work remotely in Spain, but also to leverage their pathway to a second nationality and greater global mobility, because after those two years when they get a citizenship, they can even change and work in other countries. Because, you know digital nomads, they like to be flexible and mobile.

Speaker 1: 10:00

Okay, laura, thank you, that was a very good overview on digital nomads, which is a trend growing a lot and it's gaining. It has been gaining traction since the pandemic and countries are catching up on their on creating regulations not only on visa, but also on tax and security. Well, but also another trend that is gaining traction is of retirement migration. So now, laura, moving slightly the subject, how are retirees adapting their citizenship choices?

Speaker 2: 10:37

Many retirees are using passive income visas to relocate to countries with lower living costs and better health care. Places like Portugal, thailand and Panama offer tax-friendly programs that attract retirees seeking financial stability and high quality of life, of course, and Portugal, for instance, also provides a smooth pass to Aquarian second nationality. So more and more people want to retire in a place that healthcare doesn't represent a big impact in their expenses and they see those countries that offer passive income visas as a way to establish and relocate internationally. And also they will always look for good weather and rich culture as well.

Speaker 1: 11:25

Wow, Laura, this has been really enlightening. And before we wrap up, I want to ask you what's next. How do you see the future of citizenship evolving?

Speaker 2: 11:38

Yes, as we already discussed, the strain is only going to increase as more individuals see a second citizenship not just as a legal status, but as a smart move for financial security, personal freedom and global mobility. With rising geopolitical uncertainty and instability, and economic ups and downs, more people will look for alternative citizenship options. In response, we're likely to see more countries losing their nationality laws to attract talent and investment, all while balancing security concerns.

Speaker 1: 12:11

Fascinating insights. Laura, thank you for breaking this down for us, and our listeners can find out more about Laura's reports and latest briefings on Global Citizen Solutions' website and the Global Intelligence Unit. Thanks again, and if you like this discussion, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review. See you next time.

Speaker 2: 12:35

Thank you and see you soon.