The passport brochure shows the rights. The family should also ask about the duties. Citizenship military service obligations vary sharply by country, age, sex, residence, exemption, and the way citizenship was acquired. Some states have no compulsory service. Others impose registration or service obligations even when the citizen lives abroad.
This is not an argument against a second citizenship. It is an argument against discovering a legal duty at an airport, embassy, or government office.
Build a post-grant duties list
| Duty area | What to check |
| National service | Whether registration or service applies to the applicant or children |
| Passport use | Whether citizens must enter or leave on that country’s passport |
| Tax filing | Whether citizenship creates filing or reporting duties under local law |
| Civil registration | Whether births, marriages, or address changes must be recorded |
| Public office | Whether nationality affects eligibility or restrictions |
| Consular limits | Whether local authorities treat a dual citizen solely as their citizen |
The U.S. Department of State warns that dual nationals can face obligations in both countries and may receive limited consular assistance in the country of their other nationality . That advice is especially relevant to families making long-term plans for children. A minor included in an application today may face a different set of obligations at eighteen.
Age thresholds and exemptions can change. A person who has never lived in the country may still need to register. A child who acquires nationality by descent may be treated differently from a person who naturalises. Do not infer the rule from a friend’s experience.
Zam Zam Citizenship discusses post-approval responsibilities as part of a responsible advisory process. We help clients identify the questions for the relevant embassy or government authority. We do not provide a universal answer for military, tax, or nationality law.
If you are reviewing second nationality national service implications, call +971 527851761 or start a confidential WhatsApp consultation. A useful passport plan includes the small print that affects the children, not only the main applicant.