Does the US Allow Dual Citizenship? 2026 Rules for Americans

Many Americans exploring their heritage or seeking new opportunities through investment migration ask a fundamental question: does the US allow dual citizenship? The answer is a clear and resounding yes. The United States government recognises that its citizens may also be citizens of other nations and imposes very few restrictions on them.

This means that as a US citizen, you are free to acquire a second passport without fear of automatically losing your American nationality. This right is not just a matter of policy but is rooted in a landmark Supreme Court decision that protects your status as a US citizen. For high-net-worth individuals and their families, this opens up a world of possibilities for enhanced global mobility, financial diversification and personal freedom. Holding a second citizenship can be a powerful tool for international life planning and understanding the American framework is the first step.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the rules for Americans in 2026. We will examine what US law says, discuss a recent legislative proposal and detail the practical obligations that come with holding two passports, such as travel and tax requirements. We will also explore the countries that welcome dual nationals and the primary pathways Americans use to secure a second citizenship, from ancestry to investment.

The short answer

Yes, the United States allows dual citizenship. US law does not contain any provisions that explicitly prohibit an American citizen from acquiring or holding a foreign nationality. The US Department of State's official position is that it does not favour dual nationality because of potential complications, but it acknowledges its existence and has a clear policy framework for it. You will not be asked to choose between your US citizenship and a new one.

The core principle of US nationality law is that citizenship is a constitutional right that cannot be taken away by the government without consent. This means the act of becoming a citizen of another country, such as Portugal or Grenada, does not by itself trigger the loss of your US citizenship. For you to lose your American status, the US government would have to prove that you acted voluntarily and with the specific intention of giving up your US citizenship.

This provides a strong foundation for Americans seeking a second passport. You can pursue citizenship in another country that also allows dual nationality with full confidence that your rights as an American citizen will remain intact. You will continue to be a US citizen, able to travel on a US passport and enjoy all associated rights, while also benefiting from the privileges of your new citizenship.

What US law says

The American legal framework regarding dual citizenship is not based on a single statute that says "dual citizenship is permitted". Instead, it is built upon decades of legal interpretation and a foundational Supreme Court case. The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) outlines how citizenship can be lost and the Supreme Court has clarified that the intent of the citizen is the most important factor.

Historically, the US government's position was stricter. The Nationality Act of 1940 contained provisions that could strip Americans of their citizenship for actions like voting in a foreign election or serving in a foreign army. The government often presumed that such acts automatically demonstrated an intent to relinquish US citizenship. This created uncertainty for many dual nationals. However, this interpretation was fundamentally challenged and ultimately overturned.

The Afroyim v. Rusk precedent

The modern understanding of US dual citizenship law is anchored in the 1967 Supreme Court case Afroyim v. Rusk. Beys Afroyim was a naturalised US citizen who moved to Israel and voted in an Israeli political election. The State Department sought to revoke his US citizenship under the Nationality Act of 1940. Afroyim challenged this, arguing that he never intended to give up his American citizenship.

The Supreme Court sided with Afroyim. In its landmark ruling, the Court found that the Fourteenth Amendment's Citizenship Clause guarantees a person's citizenship and that Congress has no power to take it away without the citizen's assent. The Court stated that a US citizen has a constitutional right to remain a citizen unless they voluntarily relinquish that citizenship. The key takeaway from Afroyim v. Rusk is that the burden of proof is on the government to show that a citizen has not only voluntarily performed a potentially expatriating act but has done so with the specific intent to abandon their US nationality.

Following this ruling, the State Department updated its policy. It now presumes that a US citizen who becomes a citizen of another country, takes a routine oath of allegiance, or accepts non-policy level employment with a foreign government does not intend to give up their US citizenship. To lose your citizenship, you would generally have to state formally, to a US consular or diplomatic officer, that you wish to renounce it. This makes the loss of US citizenship an active process initiated by the citizen, not a passive consequence of acquiring another nationality.

The proposed Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025 and its status

While the current legal landscape is very permissive, it is important for those considering dual citizenship to stay informed about potential legislative changes. On 1 December 2025, Senator Bernie Moreno introduced a bill known as the Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025. It is crucial to understand that this is only a proposal and it has not become law. As of now, it has only been introduced in the Senate.

According to a press release from the Senator's office, the bill proposes a significant change to US policy. If enacted, it would require American citizens who also hold citizenship of another country to make a choice. The proposed legislation would give existing dual citizens a one-year grace period to choose between their US citizenship and their foreign citizenship. Those who choose to retain their foreign nationality would, under the terms of the bill, relinquish their US citizenship.

It is essential to view this development in the proper context. The journey for a bill to become law in the United States is long and complex. A proposal must pass through committees, be voted on by both chambers of Congress (the House of Representatives and the Senate) and then be signed by the President. Many thousands of bills are introduced in each Congress and only a small fraction are ever enacted. The Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025 is at the very beginning of this process. Its introduction signals a political viewpoint but does not reflect the current law of the land.

For now and for the foreseeable future, the principles established by Afroyim v. Rusk remain the governing standard. The US government allows and recognises dual citizenship. Sovereign Residence is monitoring the progress of this bill and will provide updates on any significant developments. However, planning and decisions regarding second citizenship should be based on the law as it stands today, which fully permits Americans to hold more than one nationality.

Passports and travel

One of the most common questions from dual citizens concerns the practicalities of international travel. The rules are straightforward. US law is very clear on one point: US citizens, including those who hold another nationality, must use a US passport to enter and leave the United States.

When you are flying to the US, you must present your US passport to the airline at check-in. Upon arrival at a US port of entry, you must present it to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. Similarly, when you are departing the US, you are required to show your US passport. You cannot enter the United States using your foreign passport if you are also a US citizen. Attempting to do so can lead to delays and complications.

For travel to other parts of the world, you can use whichever passport is more advantageous for your destination. For example, if you acquire citizenship from a European Union country like Ireland or Italy, you can use that passport to enter any of the 27 EU member states and enjoy the right to live and work there. When travelling between two third-party countries, say from the United Kingdom to Japan, you can choose which passport to present based on visa requirements. Many high-quality second passports offer visa-free access to countries that may require a visa for US citizens, such as China or Russia, expanding your global mobility.

Managing two passports is a simple matter of logistics. A common practice is to use your US passport to exit the US, then upon arrival in your other country of citizenship (or a country where that passport provides better access), present your second passport. On the return journey, you would reverse the process. This practice is standard for millions of dual citizens worldwide and presents no legal issue.

Tax

While the US is permissive about holding a second citizenship, it is uniquely strict when it comes to taxes. The United States is one of only two countries in the world (the other being Eritrea) that has a system of citizenship-based taxation. This means that your obligation to file and potentially pay US taxes is based on your status as a citizen, not where you live.

All US citizens, including dual citizens, must file a US federal tax return every year, reporting their worldwide income, regardless of where they reside. This applies even if you have lived outside the US for decades and even if you pay taxes in your country of residence. You may also have additional reporting requirements for foreign bank and financial accounts, such as the FBAR (Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts).

However, several mechanisms are in place to prevent double taxation. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) allows you to exclude a significant amount of your foreign-earned income from US tax if you meet certain residency requirements. The Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) allows you to credit the income taxes you have paid to a foreign government against your US tax liability on foreign-source income.

For many Americans living and working abroad, these provisions can reduce their US tax liability to zero. However, the compliance burden remains. The obligation to file complex tax forms each year is a significant reason why some high-net-worth Americans choose to acquire a second citizenship as a preliminary step towards eventually renouncing their US citizenship. This is a serious decision with significant consequences, including a potential exit tax for those renouncing US citizenship and should only be made after careful consideration and consultation with legal and tax professionals.

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Which countries allow dual citizenship with the US

For an American to become a dual citizen, the other country must also permit it. The US allowing you to keep your citizenship is only half of the equation. The country where you are seeking a second passport must also allow you to retain your existing US citizenship. Fortunately, many of the most desirable countries for second citizenship have no such restrictions.

The countries listed below are popular options for Americans and have been confirmed by our legal and government sources to allow dual citizenship. They do not require you to renounce your US citizenship as a condition of becoming one of their citizens. This list includes countries offering citizenship through ancestry, naturalisation and investment.

It is important to check the specific laws of any country you are interested in. Our guide on dual citizenship rules by country for 2026 provides more detail on the policies of nations around the world.

How Americans get a second citizenship

Americans have several established pathways to acquire a second passport. The best route for you depends on your family history, financial resources and personal goals. The three most common methods are citizenship by descent, citizenship by naturalisation and citizenship by investment.

Citizenship by Descent

Citizenship by descent, or jure sanguinis (by right of blood), is a common route for Americans with recent foreign ancestry. Many countries grant citizenship to the children, grandchildren or even great-grandchildren of their former citizens. This is often the most affordable and straightforward path if you have the qualifying heritage. The process typically involves gathering official records like birth, marriage and death certificates for your ancestors and submitting an application to the country's consulate or embassy.

Ireland and Italy are two of the most popular options for Americans. If you have a parent or grandparent who was born in Ireland, you may be eligible for Irish citizenship by descent. This grants you an EU passport and the right to live, work and study across the European Union. Similarly, Italian citizenship by descent has generous provisions, potentially allowing you to claim citizenship through an Italian ancestor with no generational limit, as long as the line of citizenship was not broken. Canada also has clear rules for those born abroad to a Canadian parent, detailed in our guide to Canadian citizenship by descent.

Citizenship by Naturalisation

Naturalisation is the process of becoming a citizen of a country after living there for a certain period. This is the path for those who wish to immigrate and make a new country their long-term home. The process typically involves obtaining a long-term residence permit, often through work, study or by demonstrating sufficient financial means. After fulfilling a residency requirement, which can range from a few years to over a decade, you can apply for citizenship.

Most countries require applicants for naturalisation to demonstrate a connection to the country, such as language proficiency and knowledge of its history and civic principles. Portugal, for example, offers a popular path to naturalisation. After holding legal residency for five years, which can be achieved through its Golden Visa programme, applicants can apply for citizenship. The language requirement is basic and there is no need to renounce your previous citizenship.

Citizenship by Investment

For high-net-worth individuals who want to secure a second citizenship efficiently, citizenship by investment (CBI) programmes are an excellent option. These programmes allow applicants to acquire citizenship in exchange for a significant financial contribution to the country's economy. This contribution can be in the form of a donation to a government fund or an investment in pre-approved real estate.

CBI programmes offer the fastest route to a second passport, often with processing times of just a few months. They typically have minimal residency requirements, though a 30-day stay requirement is planned for the main Caribbean programmes and some countries like Antigua and Barbuda already require a short visit. Several Caribbean nations offer some of the most established and reputable CBI programmes in the world, including Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda and St Lucia. These passports provide excellent visa-free travel and are popular with American investors. Turkey also offers a well-regarded programme through real estate investment. You can learn more about the best citizenship by investment options for US citizens in our detailed guide.

Frequently asked questions

Can you have dual citizenship in the US?

Yes, absolutely. US law permits its citizens to hold citizenship of another country in addition to their US citizenship. The US government does not force you to choose between your American nationality and a foreign one. You can be a citizen of two or more countries without being in violation of any US law.

Will I automatically lose my US citizenship if I become a citizen of another country?

No. Under current US law, you will not automatically lose your US citizenship by acquiring a foreign nationality. The Supreme Court has ruled that US citizenship can only be lost voluntarily and with the specific intent to relinquish it. Simply taking an oath of allegiance to another country is not considered sufficient proof of that intent by the US State Department.

So I do not have to choose between citizenships?

That is correct. As a US citizen, you are not required to choose. The only exception would be if the country where you are acquiring new citizenship requires you to renounce all other citizenships. However, many countries, including Canada, Ireland, Italy and all the Caribbean citizenship by investment nations, allow dual nationality.

What is the Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025?

This is a bill introduced in the US Senate on 1 December 2025 that proposes to end dual citizenship for Americans. If it were to pass, it would require dual citizens to choose one nationality. It is extremely important to note that this is only a proposal and has not become law. The current legal framework permitting dual citizenship remains fully in effect.

Do I have to pay US taxes if I am a dual citizen living abroad?

Yes. Your obligation to file US taxes is based on your citizenship, not your place of residence. All US citizens, including dual citizens living overseas, must report their worldwide income to the IRS each year. However, tax credits and income exclusions often prevent double taxation, meaning you may not owe any tax to the US.

Can I travel with two passports?

Yes. This is a standard practice for dual citizens. The key rule is that you must use your US passport to enter and exit the United States. For all other travel, you can use whichever passport is more convenient or offers better visa-free access for your destination. It is a major benefit of holding more than one passport.

How do I prove I did not intend to relinquish my US citizenship?

You generally do not have to prove a negative. The US State Department presumes you intend to retain your US citizenship when you naturalise in a foreign country. The burden of proof is on the government to demonstrate you had the specific intent to give it up. This would usually only happen if you formally renounce your citizenship at a US embassy or consulate.

Does the US government need to approve my second citizenship?

No, you do not need permission from the US government to acquire a second citizenship. The process is a matter between you and the country whose citizenship you are seeking. The US government does not play a role in the application or approval process for your other nationality, though you may be asked about other citizenships on forms like passport applications.

What are the main benefits of US dual citizenship?

Dual citizenship offers enhanced global mobility, often providing visa-free access to countries not covered by a US passport. It can provide a second home base, business and investment opportunities in another region like the EU and a greater level of personal security and freedom. For many, it is also a way to connect with their heritage.

What happens if I am a US dual citizen and have a child abroad?

Your child's citizenship status depends on US law and the law of the country where they are born. In most cases, a child born abroad to a US citizen parent can acquire US citizenship at birth, provided certain residency requirements are met by the parent. They may also be a citizen of their country of birth or your other country of citizenship.

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Sources

• US Department of State, Dual Nationality, https://travel.state.gov
• Congress.gov, S.Res.XXXX (Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025). Please check the official Congress website for bill details as they become available.
• Press Release, Office of Senator Bernie Moreno, 1 December 2025.
• Afroyim v. Rusk, 387 U.S. 253 (1967), US Supreme Court.