In most cases a child who holds a citizenship keeps it for life, but a few countries ask dual nationals to confirm or choose a nationality as they reach adulthood. This page explains the general rule, the exceptions and what families should check in advance.
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
For most countries, citizenship that a child holds, whether by birth, by descent or through a parent's naturalisation, continues into adulthood with no action required. The child does not have to reapply or reconfirm, and the citizenship is theirs for life unless they later renounce it or it is lost under specific legal grounds.
Because nationality law is set by each country, the safe assumption is that the answer depends entirely on the country whose citizenship the child holds. Always read that country's own nationality rules rather than assuming one country's approach applies everywhere.
A minority of countries have historically asked dual nationals to choose one nationality around the age of majority. Japan, for example, has long had rules expecting those who hold a foreign nationality alongside Japanese nationality to make a choice by a set age, and South Korea in the past removed a nationality from some dual nationals at a set age before later softening its approach. These rules change, so they should be checked against the current law.
Other countries take the opposite stance. The United States, for instance, does not require a person born with dual nationality to pick one when they become an adult, and Canada likewise does not force a choice. The point is not which country is right but that the rule varies, so a family should know the position for each citizenship the child holds.
When citizenship or residence was obtained through an investment or residence programme, there can be extra conditions that affect children as they grow up. Some programmes attach a child to a main applicant up to a certain age or while in full time education, and a young adult may need to confirm or regularise their own status once they pass that age.
Read the specific programme rules on dependants, the age limits and any step a child must take as an adult. Do not assume that being included as a child automatically carries every right into adulthood without a confirming step.
Keep good records from the start, including the child's citizenship documents, the legal basis on which they hold each nationality and any age related deadlines. Where a country may ask for a choice or a confirmation, note the relevant age well in advance so the family is not caught out.
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In the common case a child keeps citizenship into adulthood automatically. The exceptions are specific countries that ask for a choice around adulthood and specific programme rules that attach conditions to dependants. Identify which of these applies to your child's citizenships and confirm the current rule with the official authority.
No. In most countries citizenship held in childhood continues into adulthood with no action needed. A few countries ask dual nationals to choose or confirm around the age of majority. Confirm the rule for each citizenship with the official authority.
Some countries have historically expected a choice around adulthood, with Japan a well known example and South Korea having taken a stricter line in the past. These rules change, so verify the current position with that country's nationality authority.
Sometimes. When citizenship or residence came through an investment or residence programme, a child may need to confirm or regularise their own status once they pass a dependant age limit. Read the specific programme rules and confirm with the official authority.
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
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