The United States permits dual (or multiple) citizenship. That means you can be a U.S. citizen while still holding citizenship in another country.

However, the U.S. government does not formally 'recognize' dual citizenship in the sense of issuing a document that says 'dual citizen.' Instead, they require specific documents to ensure you comply with U.S. laws while abroad.

This guide explains exactly what paperwork the U.S. expects from dual citizens.

Important Preliminary Fact: No U.S. Document 'Approves' Dual Citizenship

The U.S. will never give you a certificate stating 'dual citizen.' Instead, they treat you as a U.S. citizen first.

Your other citizenship is a matter between you and your home country. That said, you must provide certain documents to maintain compliance.

Key principle: When entering or leaving the U.S., you must use your U.S. passport – not your foreign passport. This is required by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

Documents You Need to Prove Dual Citizenship to U.S. Authorities

While the U.S. doesn't require registration as a dual citizen, you may need these documents in various situations:

  • U.S. Passport: Your primary travel document. Always renew it on time (even if living abroad).
  • Certificate of Naturalization (if naturalized): Proves how you became a U.S. citizen.
  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA, Form FS-240): If you were born abroad to U.S. citizen parents, this is your proof of U.S. citizenship.
  • Foreign birth certificate (with certified translation): Proves your other citizenship by birth.
  • Foreign passport: Needed only when entering your other country of citizenship. Do not show it to U.S. border officials.

Specific Document Scenarios for Dual Citizens

Scenario 1: You Naturalized as a U.S. Citizen but Your Home Country Still Considers You a Citizen

Many countries (Mexico, Italy, Philippines, etc.) allow you to keep their citizenship after U.S. naturalization.

The U.S. does not require you to inform them of your other citizenship.

However, keep:

  • Your Naturalization Certificate (N-550/N-570).
  • Your home country's birth certificate and passport (valid).
  • No special dual citizenship form is needed.

Scenario 2: You Were Born in the U.S. but Also Claim Citizenship Elsewhere (Jus Sanguinis)

If you were born in the United States (automatic U.S. citizenship) but are eligible for Irish, German, or another citizenship through ancestry, the U.S. only requires your U.S. birth certificate for domestic purposes.

Your foreign documents (grandparent's birth certificate, foreign registration) are not filed with USCIS.

Scenario 3: You Have a Security Clearance or Government Job

This is where documents become critical. For any federal job or military service requiring security clearance, you must disclose your dual citizenship.

Required documents:

  • SF-86 (Questionnaire for National Security Positions) – declare all citizenships.
  • Foreign passport (it may need to be surrendered or renounced depending on clearance level).
  • Renunciation document if you choose to give up the other citizenship (Form DS-4080 at a U.S. embassy).
Warning: Holding a foreign passport while having a Top Secret clearance can be grounds for denial unless you renounce the other citizenship.

Tax Documents Dual Citizens Must File

The U.S. taxes based on citizenship, not residency. Dual citizens living abroad must still file:

  • Form 1040 (U.S. Individual Income Tax Return).
  • Form 8938 (Statement of Specified Foreign Financial Assets) if over $50,000 in foreign accounts.
  • FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) if foreign accounts exceed $10,000.

You do not file these with USCIS but with the IRS. Keep copies for your records.

Can the U.S. Take Away Your Citizenship for Having Dual Citizenship?

No. The U.S. Supreme Court (Afroyim v. Rusk, 1967) ruled that citizenship cannot be revoked simply for holding another nationality.

The only way to lose U.S. citizenship is to voluntarily renounce it at a U.S. embassy (Form DS-4079, DS-4080, DS-4081) with intent to give it up.

In summary, the U.S. does not require any special 'dual citizenship application' or document.

Keep your U.S. passport valid, declare all citizenships on government forms when asked, and always enter/exit the U.S. on your American passport.