Dual citizenship: what to know before naturalizing

If you're considering naturalizing as a U.S. citizen, a common question is: do I lose my home country citizenship? The answer depends on two distinct things: what the U.S. says and what your home country says. This guide clarifies U.S. policy, examples of common countries, and practical consequences.

U.S. policy on dual citizenship

The United States allows dual citizenship. It doesn't require you to renounce prior nationality. The Oath of Allegiance does include words like "absolutely and entirely renounce" all allegiance to foreign sovereignty, but the State Department interprets this as commitment to the U.S. and not as legal renunciation of the other nationality.

Read: when you can apply for citizenship.

Your home country's policy

This is where it varies. Each country has its own law:

Countries that allow dual citizenship without problem

• Mexico
• Colombia
• Dominican Republic
• Argentina
• Chile
• Peru
• El Salvador (minor restrictions)
• Brazil
• Spain (in general)
• Italy
• France
• Canada
• United Kingdom

Countries that restrict or do not allow dual citizenship

• China
• India (allows OCI card, not formal dual citizenship)
• Japan (strictly prohibited as adult)
• Netherlands (with exceptions)
• Singapore
• Ukraine (formally)
• Some Arab states
• Ethiopia
• Indonesia

If your country doesn't allow dual citizenship, naturalizing in the U.S. may automatically cause you to lose original citizenship, or require choosing.

Consequences of holding dual citizenship

Advantages

• U.S. passport for free travel.
• Keep rights in home country (property, voting, inheritance).
• Can live indefinitely in either country.
• Access to benefits of both systems.

Disadvantages

• U.S. tax obligation: citizens pay taxes on worldwide income wherever they live. Includes reporting foreign accounts (FBAR) over $10,000.
• Military service possible in some countries.
• Legal conflicts: if you have law problems in your home country, the U.S. may have limited ability to help.
• Loss of protections: you cannot request U.S. consular protection inside the other country of citizenship.

The naturalization oath

To naturalize, you must take the Oath of Allegiance. It includes:

• Renouncing allegiance to foreign sovereigns.
• Supporting the Constitution.
• Serving in military or civilian roles if required by law.
• Work of national importance under civilian direction.

Some people with religious objections may modify parts of the oath, but not generally.

Naturalization and other immigration statuses

If you naturalize, your permanent residency becomes citizenship. Aspects:

• No longer need a green card.
• Can sponsor family faster.
• Cannot be deported (except extraordinary cases).
• Can vote and serve on a jury.

If you later don't want U.S. citizenship

There's a renunciation process (Form DS-4080). It's complex, requires consular interview outside the U.S., and has tax costs (expatriation tax) if you were a citizen long enough. See also how to withdraw an application and I-407.

Taxes for dual citizens

U.S. citizens, wherever they live, have an obligation to:

• File annual federal return (Form 1040).
• Report foreign accounts over $10,000 (FBAR, FinCEN 114).
• Comply with FATCA (Form 8938 if applicable).
• Pay tax on worldwide income (with credits for foreign tax paid).

Have a tax accountant with international experience.

Special cases

Children of dual citizens

They may acquire both citizenships at birth if law permits. Keep flexibility of which to use.

People with three or more citizenships

Possible and the U.S. allows it. Always mind tax obligations of each country.

Military service in a foreign country

Serving in a foreign military does not automatically lose U.S. citizenship, but serving voluntarily in forces hostile to the U.S. does.

Next steps

If you're considering naturalizing and are concerned about your original citizenship, or want to plan ahead, [