One of the most common questions from people seeking naturalization is whether they can keep their original citizenship. Here is a plain-English overview.
Does the US allow dual citizenship?
The United States permits dual citizenship and does not require naturalized citizens to formally give up citizenship in their country of origin. Many Americans hold two passports.
What about the Oath of Allegiance?
The naturalization oath includes renouncing allegiance to other countries. In practice, the U.S. still allows you to keep another nationality — but your other country’s laws decide whether it lets you keep its citizenship. Some countries do not allow dual citizenship.
Practical things to consider
- Passports: U.S. citizens must enter and leave the U.S. on a U.S. passport.
- Taxes: U.S. citizens are generally taxed on worldwide income, regardless of where they live.
- Other country’s rules: always check whether your birth country permits dual nationality.
Bottom line
The U.S. side usually allows you to keep your original citizenship — the deciding factor is your other country’s law. Check with both governments before you naturalize.
Practice now: Take the free US citizenship practice test or study the three branches of government.
What U.S. law says
The United States does not require a naturalizing citizen to give up any other nationality, and it does not require its own citizens to choose between U.S. citizenship and another. The Oath of Allegiance includes a promise to “renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity” to foreign states, but U.S. courts and agencies treat this as a statement of loyalty to the United States, not as an act that cancels another country’s citizenship. Whether you actually remain a citizen of your original country depends entirely on that country’s law.
Countries that generally allow dual citizenship with the United States
Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Italy, Germany (since its 2024 reform), Poland, the Philippines (through re-acquisition under Republic Act 9225), Vietnam (in specific cases with approval), Brazil, Colombia, Peru, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Israel, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Pakistan (with the United States specifically), and many others. Rules and procedures vary, and some countries require you to register or apply to keep or regain citizenship after naturalizing elsewhere.
Countries that generally do not allow it
India (naturalizing elsewhere ends Indian citizenship; former citizens can apply for the Overseas Citizen of India card), China, Japan (citizens who naturalize elsewhere are expected to choose), Nepal, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Austria (with exceptions), the Netherlands (with exceptions), and others. If you are from one of these countries, naturalizing in the United States will usually mean losing your original citizenship automatically or being required to renounce it. Check your country’s consulate for the current rule and for any long-term visa or overseas-citizen program available to former citizens.
Practical consequences of holding two citizenships
- Passports: U.S. citizens must enter and leave the United States on a U.S. passport, even if they hold another. You may use your other passport to enter that country.
- Taxes: the United States taxes citizens on worldwide income regardless of residence, and requires reporting of foreign bank accounts above certain thresholds (FBAR and FATCA). Treaties reduce double taxation in most cases.
- Military service and other obligations: some countries require military service or impose other duties on citizens, including dual nationals.
- Consular protection: when you are in your other country of citizenship, that country may treat you solely as its citizen, which can limit what the U.S. embassy can do for you.
- Security clearances and some federal jobs: holding another citizenship can be a factor in clearance decisions.
What to say at your naturalization interview
The N-400 and the interview do not ask you to give up another citizenship, and holding one is not a reason for denial. You will be asked whether you are willing to take the full oath, including the promise of allegiance to the United States. Answer honestly. If your religion prevents you from swearing an oath or bearing arms, you can request a modified oath; those requests are routinely granted.
Children
Children born in the United States are citizens at birth and may also hold their parents’ citizenship if that country allows it. Children under 18 who are permanent residents automatically become U.S. citizens when a parent naturalizes; whether they keep their original citizenship again depends on that country’s law.
Last reviewed and expanded by the USCitizenTestPractice Editorial Team in September 2026, based on the USCIS Policy Manual, the official 2025 civics test materials, and current USCIS fee and form instructions. This is an independent study resource, not legal advice.
Independent free study resource, not affiliated with USCIS or the U.S. government and not legal advice. Confirm current rules at uscis.gov.
