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, highlighting the continent’s growing appeal to those seeking new prospects abroad
For 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 service, 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.
Here are the 12 EU countries that restrict or do not allow dual citizenship
Lithuania’s constitution generally prohibits holding citizenship of Lithuania and another country at the same time, except in narrow, exceptional cases, like if a person acquired Lithuanian citizenship and that of another country at birth (for example, through mixed‑parentage or birth in a country granting citizenship by birth). If the person is a descendant (child, grandchild or great‑grandchild) of someone who held Lithuanian citizenship before June 15, 1940, often because that ancestor fled or was exiled during the Soviet era.
In certain adoption or rare “special‑merit” cases permitted by law. Outside those scenarios, dual nationality is not allowed. If a foreigner obtains Lithuanian citizenship through naturalisation, for example, after years of residency, they are generally required to renounce their previous nationality.
For foreigners to become Lithuanian citizens via naturalisation, they must meet several conditions: usually permanent residency for a number of years (often 10 years), pass a language exam, demonstrate knowledge of the country’s constitution, and show stable means of subsistence. Crucially, as part of the process, they must renounce any other citizenship they hold, since dual citizenship through naturalisation is generally disallowed.
