Attorney
Dual citizenship means that two countries recognize the same person as a citizen. It can arise at birth or later through descent, naturalization or other rules. A person may hold more than two nationalities. Each country applies its own law, so the result cannot be determined from U.S. law alone.
Retaining Original Citizenship
Becoming a U.S. citizen does not answer whether you keep your previous citizenship. That depends on the other country’s law, including any loss, permission or notification requirements. Check those rules before applying for naturalization in either country.
How Dual Citizenship Occurs
Dual nationality can arise automatically when more than one country’s citizenship rules apply to a child. The details depend on birthplace, the parents’ citizenship and residence history, and the law in effect when citizenship is acquired.
An individual who is automatically granted citizenship in another country does not risk losing his or her U.S. citizenship. On the other hand, a U.S. citizen who applies for and is granted foreign citizenship may lose his or her U.S. citizenship, provided the application was made voluntarily and with the intent to relinquish United States citizenship. Such intent can be shown by the person’s conduct or statements.
U.S. Policy on Dual Citizenship
U.S. law generally permits a person to hold another nationality without choosing between the two. U.S. citizenship is not automatically lost simply because someone acquires a foreign citizenship. Loss of nationality generally requires a legally specified act performed voluntarily with the intention of relinquishing U.S. nationality.
Obligations of Dual Citizens
Dual citizens owe allegiance to both countries and are required to abide by the laws of both countries. For example, citizenship often comes with legal obligations relating to taxes, military service and travel restrictions. There could be a conflict between the laws governing the two countries, which may cause problems for the dual national. In addition, dual citizenship may limit the U.S. government’s efforts to assist U.S. citizens abroad, because the country where the dual citizen is located generally has a stronger claim to that individual’s allegiance.
Advantages of Dual Citizenship
Dual nationality also has its advantages. For example, dual citizenship affords an individual with a greater degree of flexibility in choosing where to live and work.
Citizenship can make it easier to live, work and maintain family connections in another country. European Union citizenship can also provide movement and residence rights in other member states, subject to applicable conditions. Those rights should be checked for the particular country, proposed activity and family members involved.
Use of Passports
U.S. citizens, including dual nationals, must use a United States passport to enter and leave the U.S. Dual citizens may also be required by the foreign country to use that country’s passport when entering and leaving that country.
Renouncing Citizenship
Renouncing citizenship is a significant legal decision. U.S. renunciation abroad requires the formal process administered by a U.S. embassy or consulate, and it may have immigration and tax consequences. Other countries have their own procedures. Obtain advice about each nationality and your tax position before taking an irreversible step.
Coordinate Immigration and Estate Planning Advice
If you have connections to more than one country, consider how citizenship, residence, property ownership, taxes and your estate documents fit together. Verras Law does not accept immigration matters. When our clients need immigration advice, we help connect them with trusted colleagues and coordinate the estate-planning work as appropriate. Contact our office to discuss that coordination.
Sources: U.S. Department of State: Dual Nationality; U.S. citizenship laws and policy.
Updated October 26, 2026.