Dual Citizenship in the United States: Everything You Need to Know
— Key Takeaways The United States recognizes and allows dual citizenship — there is no law requiring U.S. citizens to choose one nationality. Dual citizenship can be acquired through birth, naturalization, or parentage. Dual citizens have rights and obligations in both countries, including potential tax filing requirements with the IRS. U.S. citizens must use a U.S. passport when entering and leaving the United States, even if they hold another passport. The naturalization oath of allegiance does not require renunciation of foreign citizenship. Dual citizenship — the status of being a citizen of two countries simultaneously — is a topic that generates significant interest and confusion. The United States does allow dual citizenship, and millions of Americans hold citizenship in another country alongside their U.S. citizenship. But dual citizenship comes with both rights and responsibilities that every dual citizen should understand. From tax obligations to travel considerations to the impact on security clearances, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about dual citizenship in the United States. What Is Dual Citizenship? Dual citizenship (also called dual nationality) means that a person is a citizen of two countries at the same time. Each country has its own citizenship laws, and dual citizenship arises when a person meets the citizenship requirements of two different nations simultaneously. Citizenship vs. nationality: While these terms are often used interchangeably in casual conversation, they have distinct legal meanings. Citizenship refers to the legal status granted by a country that confers specific rights (such as voting) and obligations (such as jury duty). Nationality is a broader concept that refers to a person’s legal bond with a country, which may or may not include all the rights of citizenship. In U.S. immigration law, for example, nationals of American Samoa are U.S. nationals but not U.S. citizens. Dual citizenship is not a special status that you “apply for.” Rather, it is a factual situation that exists when two countries each recognize you as their citizen under their respective laws. Does the United States Allow Dual Citizenship? Yes. The United States recognizes and permits dual citizenship. According to the U.S. Department of State, “U.S. law does not mention dual nationality or require a person to choose one nationality or another.” A U.S. citizen may naturalize in a foreign country without automatically losing their U.S. citizenship. While the U.S. government recognizes the existence of dual citizenship, it does not encourage it as a matter of policy. The State Department notes that dual citizenship may “limit U.S. Government efforts to assist nationals abroad” and that “dual nationals owe allegiance to both the United States and the foreign country.” Importantly, no U.S. law requires you to formally declare or register your dual citizenship status. There is no government database of dual citizens, and the U.S. does not limit the number of citizenships a person can hold simultaneously. Note on proposed legislation: There have been legislative proposals to restrict dual citizenship, but as of this writing, dual citizenship remains fully legal under current U.S. law. How to Acquire Dual Citizenship There are several ways a person can become a dual citizen of the United States and another country: Birth in the United States If you are born in the United States, you are automatically a U.S. citizen under the Fourteenth Amendment. If one or both of your parents are citizens of another country, you may also acquire citizenship in that country through parentage (jus sanguinis), creating dual citizenship from birth. Birth Abroad to U.S. Citizen Parents If you are born outside the United States to one or both U.S. citizen parents, you may acquire U.S. citizenship at birth under certain conditions (including physical presence requirements for the U.S. citizen parent). You would also likely be a citizen of the country where you were born, resulting in dual citizenship. Naturalization in the United States If you are a foreign national who becomes a U.S. citizen through naturalization, you may retain your original citizenship if your home country allows it. The U.S. naturalization oath includes a statement of allegiance to the United States, but it does not legally require you to renounce your foreign citizenship. Naturalization in a Foreign Country If you are a U.S. citizen who naturalizes in a foreign country, you do not automatically lose your U.S. citizenship. Under current law, you can only lose U.S. citizenship by performing a specific expatriating act with the intent to relinquish citizenship. Simply naturalizing abroad, without the intent to give up U.S. citizenship, does not result in loss. Rights and Obligations of Dual Citizens As a dual citizen, you have rights and obligations in both countries. These can sometimes overlap or conflict. Rights Live and work freely in both countries Vote in elections in both countries (subject to each country’s laws) Access government services, including healthcare and education, in both countries Hold passports from both countries Own property in both countries Pass citizenship to your children in both countries (subject to each country’s laws) Obligations Passport use: U.S. citizens must use a U.S. passport when entering and leaving the United States, even if they also hold a foreign passport. Tax filing: The U.S. taxes citizens on worldwide income, regardless of where they live. Dual citizens must file U.S. tax returns and may need to file FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) and FATCA (Form 8938) reports. Jury duty: Dual citizens may be subject to jury duty requirements in both countries. Military service: Some countries require military service from their citizens, which could create conflicting obligations for dual citizens. Allegiance: You owe allegiance to both countries and must obey the laws of both. Tax Implications One of the most significant practical considerations for dual citizens is taxation. The United States is one of the few countries that taxes its citizens on worldwide income, regardless of where they reside. Key tax considerations for dual citizens: Annual tax filing: All U.S. citizens, including dual citizens living abroad, must file annual federal income tax returns with the IRS. Foreign Earned Income