Vancouver, B.C. — As second citizenship and legal identity change services grow in demand across the United States, a pressing question emerges for a specific demographic: Can an American with a felony conviction legally obtain second citizenship? The short answer is yes, but the process is far more complex—and the path more limited—than for those without a criminal record.
Amicus International Consulting, a leading authority in second passport and identity restructuring services, has released new insights on how U.S. citizens with criminal backgrounds, particularly felons, can pursue legal avenues to dual citizenship in 2025. This includes navigating legal restrictions, identifying accessible programs, and rebuilding personal privacy and global mobility.
Felony Convictions and Second Citizenship: The Legal Landscape
U.S. citizens with felony convictions are not explicitly barred from applying for a second citizenship, but their options depend on several factors:
- Type and severity of the conviction
- Time since conviction and sentence completion
- Whether the conviction is considered serious or political
- Whether the applicant has been rehabilitated under the law
Many citizenship-by-investment (CBI) and naturalization programs conduct background checks, including Interpol Red Notices, FBI records, and local law enforcement databases. Countries want to avoid granting citizenship to individuals who may pose security or reputational risks.
However, legal precedent shows that rehabilitated felons—especially those with non-violent or politically motivated charges—can qualify for second citizenship through specific routes.
Programs Open to Individuals with a Criminal Record
- Dominica and Vanuatu – Case-by-Case Evaluation
Dominica and Vanuatu offer CBI programs with fast processing times (under 90 days). While these nations conduct due diligence, applications with disclosed and older non-violent felonies are not automatically rejected. Each application is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Case Study:
An American businessman with a 15-year-old federal fraud conviction, now fully pardoned and without further offences, applied for citizenship in Vanuatu through Amicus. The government approved his application after reviewing character references and court rehabilitation documents.
- Caribbean Nations with Lenient CBI Structures
In some cases, Caribbean nations may accept individuals with:
- Spent convictions (i.e., convictions that are legally considered expired)
- Pardons or expungements
- No current pending charges
St. Lucia, Antigua, and Barbuda have reviewed such cases under advisement from international legal counsel.
- Citizenship by Descent—Not Affected by Criminal Record
For individuals eligible through ancestry (jus sanguinis), such as:
- Ireland
- Italy
- Poland
- Lithuania
A felony conviction does not typically disqualify a person from acquiring citizenship, as long as the legal lineage can be proven. These countries view descent-based claims as rights, not discretionary favours, and do not impose moral criteria on these applicants.
Case Study:
A New Jersey man with a conviction for marijuana possession (before legalization) successfully obtained Italian citizenship through his grandfather’s birth record, with no issue from the Italian consulate.
- Countries Offering Residency First, Then Citizenship
Some countries provide a more flexible residency-to-citizenship path. If a felony conviction is disclosed and the individual demonstrates rehabilitation, governments may offer residency first and monitor behaviour over time.
Notable examples:
- Turkey – Investment-based residency and citizenship within 3 years
- Mexico – Residency with the possibility of naturalization after 5 years
- Paraguay – Flexible immigration rules with a 3-year naturalization period
The citizenship decision often occurs after residency, giving the applicant time to demonstrate good behaviour and full reintegration into society.
What Offences Disqualify You Automatically?
Some convictions remain automatic red flags in most jurisdictions:
- Terrorism
- Human trafficking
- Organized crime involvement
- Money laundering
- Serious violence or sexual offences
Even nations with lenient CBI or naturalization rules often prohibit applications from individuals with such backgrounds, regardless of rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation, Expungement, and Pardon: Legal Tools That Help
Amicus International Consulting helps clients navigate these complex legal waters. Many jurisdictions weigh:
- Whether the applicant completed all sentencing requirements
- Whether the conviction was pardoned or expunged
- Whether the crime is still illegal in both jurisdictions
- Whether the individual has demonstrated rehabilitation
Case Study:
A Colorado man with a 20-year-old felony drug charge, expunged in 2021 under state legalization statutes, received approval for a second citizenship in Saint Lucia with full disclosure of his expungement documents and character letters.
Amicus International: Specialized Legal Support for Complex Cases
Amicus International Consulting is one of the few firms globally that handles second citizenship applications for clients with complicated legal histories. Each case undergoes strict vetting by in-house legal teams and external international compliance experts to ensure the client:
- Meets host country standards
- Can provide complete disclosure documentation
- Is protected from future revocation due to non-disclosure
“We are not here to help criminals escape justice,” said an Amicus employee. “We are here to help rehabilitated individuals legally reintegrate into society and regain their dignity, mobility, and opportunity.”
Amicus offers services including:
- Background check review
- Expungement support
- Pardon and clemency consulting
- Legal name change and biometric obfuscation
- Dual citizenship applications with country-matching services
Ethical Considerations and Compliance
Amicus International strictly complies with international AML/CFT (anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing) regulations. Clients who attempt to hide active criminal behaviour or submit fraudulent documents are immediately rejected and, when necessary, reported to appropriate legal authorities.
Second citizenship is not a “get-out-of-jail-free card.” When used responsibly by those who have earned a second chance, it is a legal tool for freedom and privacy.
The Right to Start Again: Real Lives, Real Change
Client Profile:
A retired Navy veteran with a conviction for assault during a PTSD episode in the early 2000s successfully rebuilt his life. With therapy and a clean record since, he obtained citizenship in Dominica. He now runs a small tourism business and advocates for mental health rights.
Client Profile:
A businesswoman wrongfully convicted of wire fraud, later overturned on appeal, regained her professional license and reputation. With legal documentation and Amicus support, she secured second nationality through investment in Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Key Takeaways for Americans with Felonies Seeking Dual Citizenship
- Yes, it is possible—but transparency is key.
- Rehabilitation and legal documentation matter.
- Some programs are stricter than others—Amicus matches you to the proper jurisdiction.
- Pardon, expungement, and legal aid can significantly improve your chances.
- Second citizenship is legal, ethical, and possible—with the proper guidance.
📞 Contact Information
Phone: +1 (604) 200-5402
Email: info@amicusint.ca
Website: www.amicusint.ca