Second Passport Options for Citizens of Myanmar (Burma)

1. What countries offer citizenship for Myanmar (Burma) passport holders by investment programs?


There are currently no countries that offer citizenship to Myanmar (Burma) passport holders through investment programs. However, some countries offer residency permits or golden visa programs that lead to eventual citizenship after a certain period of time. These countries include:

1. Malta
2. Cyprus
3. Bulgaria
4. Portugal
5. Grenada

It is important to note that the requirements and processes for these programs vary and may change over time, so it is best to consult with the relevant government agencies for updated information.

2. Can dual citizenship be obtained in Myanmar (Burma)?


According to the 1982 Myanmar Citizenship Law, dual citizenship is not recognized in Myanmar (Burma). This means that individuals must renounce their existing citizenship in order to obtain Burmese citizenship.

However, in some special circumstances, dual citizenship may be allowed for individuals who have close ties to Myanmar and have made significant contributions to the country. These cases are determined by the President of Myanmar on a case-by-case basis.

Additionally, individuals who were citizens of Myanmar before the implementation of the 1982 Citizenship Law may retain their dual citizenship status.

3. How long does it take to obtain a second passport in Myanmar (Burma)?


The process of obtaining a second passport in Myanmar can take anywhere from 1-2 weeks. However, this time frame may vary depending on the specific circumstances and documents required for the application. It is recommended to consult with the relevant authorities or a professional to determine the exact timeline for your individual case.

4. Are there any language or residency requirements for obtaining a second passport in Myanmar (Burma)?


Yes, there are language and residency requirements for obtaining a second passport in Myanmar (Burma). According to the Myanmar Immigration Law, a person must have at least one parent who is a citizen of Myanmar or must have been born in Myanmar in order to be eligible for citizenship. Additionally, the applicant must be able to read and write in the Burmese language and have resided continuously in Myanmar for at least 10 years before applying for citizenship. Applicants may also be required to renounce their current citizenship if they are granted a second passport through naturalization.

5. What is the cost of obtaining a second passport in Myanmar (Burma)?


The cost of obtaining a second passport in Myanmar varies depending on the applicant’s citizenship and reason for obtaining the second passport. Generally, the cost ranges from $100 to $500 USD. This includes application fees, processing fees, and any other additional costs such as notarization and translation fees. The exact cost can be confirmed with the Embassy or Consulate of Myanmar for more accurate information.

6. Can spouses and children also obtain a second passport through citizenship by investment in Myanmar (Burma)?


Yes, spouses and dependent children of the main applicant can also obtain a second passport through citizenship by investment in Myanmar (Burma). They must meet the eligibility criteria and fulfill all the requirements set by the government for naturalization. The children must be under 18 years old and unmarried to qualify for citizenship.

7. Does Myanmar (Burma) allow for visa-free travel to popular destinations with a second passport?


No, Myanmar (Burma) does not allow for visa-free travel to popular destinations with a second passport. All foreign visitors are required to obtain a visa in advance before traveling to Myanmar. However, citizens of some countries may be eligible for a visa on arrival or e-visa, which allows for easier access into the country. It is important to check with the Myanmar embassy or consulate in your home country for specific visa requirements and eligibility.

8. How does the taxation system work for citizens with two passports in Myanmar (Burma)?


Citizens with two passports in Myanmar (Burma) are subject to the same taxation system as citizens with one passport. The country operates on a territorial tax system, meaning that residents and non-residents are taxed based on income earned within the country.

All individuals who reside in Myanmar for 183 days or more in a tax year are considered tax residents and are subject to personal income tax. This includes both citizens with one passport and those with two passports. Non-residents, on the other hand, are only taxed on income earned from work done within Myanmar.

The individual’s taxable income is determined by adding all sources of income earned within Myanmar, including wages, rental income, dividends, interest, and capital gains. Tax rates vary depending on the individual’s income level and can range from 5% to 30%.

It is important for individuals with dual citizenship to declare all sources of income from both inside and outside of Myanmar to ensure compliance with tax laws. Failure to do so can result in penalties and fines.

In addition, individuals with dual citizenship may also be subject to dual taxation if their home country also imposes taxes on their worldwide income. To avoid double taxation, Myanmar has signed double taxation treaties with several countries.

Overall, citizens with two passports in Myanmar must adhere to the same tax laws as any other citizen, including filing a yearly tax return and paying taxes on any applicable income. It is recommended to consult with a tax professional or contact the Internal Revenue Department of Myanmar for specific questions about taxation as a dual citizen.

9. Are there any restrictions on the types of investments that can lead to citizenship in Myanmar (Burma)?


According to the current laws and regulations, the Myanmar government does not have a specific investment program that guarantees citizenship in exchange for investment. However, foreign investors are allowed to apply for permanent residency or long-term residence permits in Myanmar.

In order to obtain permanent residency in Myanmar, the applicant must have stayed in Myanmar for at least three consecutive years on a valid visa and be able to show evidence of financial stability.

For long-term residence permits, foreign investors need to invest a minimum of $500,000 and employ at least 10 citizens for every foreigner they hire. The investment must be approved by Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC).

Other than these options, there are no specific investments that guarantee citizenship in Myanmar. Any investments made by foreigners will be subject to the Foreign Investment Law and other relevant laws and regulations governing foreign investments in Myanmar.

10. Can individuals apply for a second passport without renouncing their current citizenship status in Myanmar (Burma)?

No, the government of Myanmar (Burma) does not allow individuals to hold dual citizenship. Therefore, individuals who wish to obtain a second passport from another country would need to renounce their Myanmar (Burma) citizenship.

11. Are citizens of certain countries restricted from applying for a second passport in Myanmar (Burma)?


Yes, citizens of certain countries may be restricted from applying for a second passport in Myanmar (Burma). The Government of Myanmar (Burma) may have restrictions in place for citizens of countries with which it has strained political relations or those that are deemed to be high-risk by the government. In addition, citizens of certain countries may face challenges with obtaining a visa to enter Myanmar (Burma) which could also affect their ability to obtain a second passport.

12. Are there any additional benefits to holding a second passport from Myanmar (Burma), such as business opportunities or access to education and healthcare systems?


There are a few potential benefits to holding a second passport from Myanmar (Burma).

1. Business Opportunities: Having a second passport can open up business opportunities, particularly for those with strong ties to both countries. For example, some companies may prefer to do business with individuals who hold passports from different countries, as it can make international transactions and negotiations easier.

2. Access to Education: Some universities and educational institutions may offer scholarships or preferential treatment for students holding dual citizenship, which could provide access to higher-quality education in Myanmar or other countries.

3. Healthcare Access: Similarly, some healthcare systems may offer better deals or easier access for citizens of certain countries, so having a second passport could provide options for obtaining medical treatment abroad if needed.

4. Ease of Travel: Holding a second passport can also make travel more convenient and efficient in situations where one country has stricter visa requirements than the other. This could be beneficial for frequent travelers or those with family or business connections in multiple countries.

Overall, the specific benefits of holding a second passport will vary depending on individual circumstances and the specific relationship between Myanmar (Burma) and the country of the second passport. It is important to research any potential benefits before obtaining a second passport.

13. Is there an age limit for obtaining a second passport through citizenship by investment in Myanmar (Burma)?


There is no specific age limit for obtaining a second passport through citizenship by investment in Myanmar (Burma). However, applicants must be at least 18 years old and must meet the eligibility requirements set by the government, such as having a clean criminal record and making a significant investment in the country. Some programs may also have specific age restrictions, so it is best to check with the program you are interested in.

14. How can I start the process of obtaining a second passport from Myanmar (Burma)?


To start the process of obtaining a second passport from Myanmar (Burma), you will need to follow these steps:

1. Determine if you are eligible for a second passport. According to the Myanmar Immigration Department, individuals who hold Myanmar nationality and have already acquired a foreign nationality through naturalization or upon birth may apply for a second Myanmar passport.

2. Obtain all necessary documents. This usually includes an application form, your current passport, proof of your foreign citizenship, and other supporting documents such as proof of travel plans.

3. Decide on the type of second passport you want. As a dual citizen of Myanmar and another country, you have the option to either apply for a normal passport or an emergency travel document (ETD). The ETD is issued for urgent travels when there is no time to process a normal passport.

4. Make an appointment with the nearest embassy/consulate of Myanmar and submit your application in person. You will need to pay the required fees and provide all necessary documents.

5. Wait for processing and collect your second passport once it is ready. Processing times vary depending on the embassy/consulate where you applied, but it typically takes about 7-10 working days.

It is important to note that every country has its own rules and regulations regarding dual citizenship, so it is advised to consult with the embassy/consulate before beginning the application process for a second passport from Myanmar (Burma). Additionally, keep in mind that a second passport may not be accepted as a valid travel document by all countries, so research the entry requirements of your intended destination before traveling with two passports.

15. Can naturalized citizens also apply for a second passport in Myanmar (Burma)?

Yes, naturalized citizens can also apply for a second passport in Myanmar. The process may vary slightly compared to native-born citizens, but the criteria and requirements are generally the same. Naturalized citizens may need to provide additional documentation, such as proof of their citizenship and residency status, but they are still eligible to apply. It is best to contact the nearest Myanmar embassy or consulate for specific instructions on how to apply for a second passport as a naturalized citizen.

16. Is proof of financial stability required when applying for a residency and potential citizenship through an investor program in Myanmar (Burma)?


Yes, proof of financial stability is typically required when applying for a residency and potential citizenship through an investor program in Myanmar. This may include bank statements, investment documents, and proof of assets or income. The exact requirements may vary depending on the specific investor program and their eligibility criteria. It is important to consult with a lawyer or immigration specialist for guidance on the specific requirements and application process for the program you are interested in.

17. Are there any special regulations or requirements for individuals who have had previous legal issues seeking a second passport in Myanmar (Burma)?

There are no specific regulations or requirements for individuals with previous legal issues seeking a second passport in Myanmar (Burma). However, applicants may be subject to background checks and other vetting procedures before being issued a passport. If an applicant has a criminal record or outstanding legal issues, their application may be denied or delayed. It is important for individuals to honestly disclose any past legal issues during the application process.

18. Does possessing dual citizenship of Myanmar (Burma) pose any complications when traveling between countries while holding passports from both countries?


Possessing dual citizenship of Myanmar (Burma) may pose some complications when traveling between countries while holding passports from both countries. Some potential issues include:

1. Entry requirements: Each country may have different entry requirements for their citizens, including visa requirements and length of stay limitations. This means that even if you are a citizen of both countries, you may still need to obtain a visa to visit one or both of them.

2. Use of passports: When traveling between the two countries, you will need to use the respective passport for each country. It is important to keep track of which passport you used to enter a country, as you will likely need to use the same one to exit.

3. Military service: Both Myanmar (Burma) and many other countries have mandatory military service requirements for their citizens. Depending on your age and whether or not you have completed military service in one country, possessing dual citizenship may complicate your ability to fulfill these obligations.

4. Tax implications: As a citizen of multiple countries, you may be subject to tax laws in each country. This could lead to complications or additional paperwork when filing taxes in either country.

5. Potential conflicts: Although it is rare, there have been cases where individuals with dual citizenship have been caught in conflicts between their two countries. In such situations, it can be difficult to determine which country’s laws and protections apply.

Overall, possessing dual citizenship of Myanmar (Burma) may require careful planning and understanding of the laws and regulations in both countries when traveling between them.

19.Is it possible to transfer my current residency status to my new country if I obtain dual citizenship through an investor program in Myanmar (Burma)?


It is possible to transfer your residency status to your new country if you obtain dual citizenship through an investor program in Myanmar (Burma), but it will depend on the laws and regulations of both Myanmar and the country you wish to transfer your residency to.

Each country has its own rules and requirements for granting residency or permanent residency to foreign citizens, and it is important to research these thoroughly before making any decisions. Additionally, some countries may not recognize dual citizenship, which could also affect your ability to transfer residency.

It is recommended that you consult with a lawyer or immigration specialist in both countries to fully understand your options and the potential implications of obtaining dual citizenship.

20.Can citizens of other countries living and working in Myanmar (Burma) also apply for a second passport?


The eligibility for a second passport in Myanmar (Burma) is not restricted to its citizens alone. Foreign nationals living and working in Myanmar may also apply for a second passport, subject to the country’s immigration laws and regulations. This process may involve meeting certain requirements, such as having a valid work permit or residence permit, and providing necessary documentation.