A U.S. citizen generally does not have to choose between U.S. citizenship and another nationality. Acquiring a foreign nationality by itself does not automatically end U.S. citizenship. The practical effects depend on the other country’s laws: dual nationality can bring rights there, but may also involve tax, military-service, registration, travel-document or other legal obligations. Before applying for another nationality or traveling, confirm how both countries treat your specific status.
What dual citizenship means under U.S. law
The U.S. Department of State describes dual nationality as being a national of two countries at the same time. “U.S. law does not require a U.S. citizen to choose between U.S. citizenship and another (foreign) nationality (or nationalities),” the Department says in its Dual Nationality guidance.
A second nationality may arise automatically under another country’s law, including through birth or a parent’s nationality. For example, a child born abroad to a U.S.-national parent may also acquire the country-of-birth nationality. A person can therefore have another nationality—or a claim to one—even if they never applied for or received that country’s passport.
The United States does not bar its citizens from acquiring foreign citizenship. The other country’s rules determine whether it recognizes dual nationality, permits a person to retain both nationalities, or imposes conditions. Those rules can differ based on how and when the nationality was acquired, so verify the law for the specific country and your circumstances.
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Potential benefits and drawbacks
The second nationality’s laws determine what it actually offers. There is no universal package of rights or obligations that applies to all dual nationals.
| Area | Possible benefit | Possible drawback or check |
|---|---|---|
| Residence and work | Nationality may confer rights to live or work in the other country. | Eligibility, conditions and the scope of those rights depend on that country’s law. |
| Other civic rights | The other nationality may provide voting, benefits or other rights under local law. | Which rights apply, and any requirements to use them, are country-specific. |
| Legal duties | Holding nationality can make it easier to establish a lawful connection to the country. | Both countries’ laws may apply to you, including possible tax, military-service, registration or other duties. |
| Travel and assistance | A second passport may be useful for travel where the other country’s rules require or recognize it. | Each country may require particular documents at its borders, and U.S. consular assistance can be limited in the other country of your nationality. |
Assess the rights and duties together: a nationality that is useful for residence or work may also carry obligations. The State Department’s current dual-nationality travel guidance notes that rules and consequences vary by country; check the other government’s official nationality and travel information rather than assuming a benefit or restriction applies everywhere.
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Which passport to use and what to check before travel
For U.S. borders, the rule is clear: “U.S. law requires that U.S. citizens enter and depart the United States on a U.S. passport,” according to the State Department’s travel guidance, last updated August 28, 2026. This includes U.S. citizen children who also hold another nationality. A U.S. citizen is not eligible for a U.S. visa, and a dual national cannot use a foreign passport to apply for ESTA.
The other country may require you to enter or leave on its passport. Before booking, check the current entry, exit and document rules for both countries, including any rules that apply to children. Some countries’ procedures can involve exit bans, lengthy processing for documents, lost identity documents, fines or unexpected expenses; these are possible country-specific problems, not a routine outcome for every dual national.
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- Confirm whether you are already a national of the destination country, including through birth or a parent, even if you have never held its passport.
- Check which passport or other documents each country requires at entry and departure, and whether you must register or obtain documents before travel.
- Allow time to resolve document or status questions before departure; contact the relevant government authority if the rules are unclear.
Taxes and other legal obligations
Dual nationals generally have legal rights and obligations under both countries’ laws and must obey both. The State Department warns that the two legal systems can create conflicting obligations. Local authorities may not recognize you as a U.S. national while you are in the other country of your nationality, and access to U.S. consular assistance may be restricted. This is a limitation on the help available, not a guarantee that U.S. officials will be unable to assist.
U.S. taxes
U.S. citizenship continues to carry U.S. tax obligations. The IRS international tax FAQs state that U.S. citizens are subject to U.S. tax on worldwide income regardless of where they live; applicable deductions and credits may affect the tax owed. Dual nationality alone does not establish that you will be taxed twice or owe a particular amount. Because cross-border tax outcomes depend on individual facts, the State Department recommends consulting a tax adviser experienced with dual nationals.
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Military service and other country-specific duties
The other country may impose military-service obligations on its nationals, including people who also hold U.S. citizenship. Whether a duty applies depends on that country’s current law and your circumstances. Separately, the State Department explains that compulsory foreign service generally is not, on its own, a potentially expatriating act; loss of U.S. nationality involves additional legal requirements, discussed below. Check the other country’s official rules before travel or an application, and seek qualified advice if a possible duty could affect you.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does acquiring another nationality mean losing U.S. citizenship?
No. Foreign naturalization or another potentially expatriating act does not automatically take away U.S. citizenship. Under the State Department’s U.S. citizenship laws guidance, a potentially expatriating act must be voluntary and accompanied by intent to relinquish U.S. nationality. Simply acquiring another citizenship is not the same as formally renouncing U.S. citizenship.
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Formal renunciation is a distinct legal process, generally undertaken before a U.S. diplomatic or consular officer abroad. It is not a routine step required to hold another nationality. The State Department describes the process in its pages on the oath of renunciation and relinquishing U.S. nationality abroad.
Renunciation can affect travel and visa eligibility, may not end tax or military obligations, and can leave a person stateless if they do not hold another nationality. Anyone considering it should review the official process and consult qualified legal and tax advisers before acting. The State Department also discusses foreign military service and the legal conditions for loss of U.S. nationality in its guidance on service in a foreign armed force.
Quick Recap
A practical review before applying or traveling
- Establish your status. Identify the legal basis and current status of each nationality—such as birth, descent or naturalization—and confirm it with the relevant country’s official authority.
- Check the other country’s rules. Verify whether it recognizes dual nationality, whether it imposes conditions on retaining nationality, and whether registration, military service or other duties could apply to you.
- Prepare the right travel documents. Confirm the required passport and documents for entering and leaving each country, including requirements for children and document-processing times.
- Review cross-border obligations. Get individualized tax advice where needed and investigate any potential military or other legal duties before making travel or status decisions.
- Keep citizenship decisions separate from travel planning. If you are considering giving up U.S. nationality, read the State Department’s formal guidance and obtain qualified legal and tax advice; acquiring a second nationality does not itself require renunciation.
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