How to Relinquish U.S. Citizenship
Citizens of the United States may find it very difficult to relinquish that status. The process is very specific, as loss of citizenship may have serious consequences. In some situations, renouncing U.S. citizenship may be required in order to gain citizenship in another country, particularly when that country does not recognize dual citizenship. Giving up U.S. citizenship can be done by making a formal renunciation
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Instructions
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Contact your local U.S. consulate or embassy abroad. You must appear there in person to renounce your U.S. citizenship. Bring your U.S. passport and your most recent U.S. tax returns -- relinquishing citizenship may not change your tax situation or your military service obligation, such as in the Selective Service. In front of the consular officer, sign the oath of renunciation and return your U.S. passport. You will receive a certificate of loss of nationality to confirm your U.S. citizenship has been relinquished.
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Serve in the military of a foreign state. This will cost you your citizenship if the state is hostile toward the U.S. or you are serving as a commissioned or noncommissioned officer.
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Take a job with the government of a foreign state that requires an oath of allegiance. This must be done with the intention of relinquishing U.S. citizenship in order to lose your citizenship. If you do not wish to renounce your U.S. citizenship in this case, the Immigration and Nationality Act states that you will be required to prove that relinquishing U.S. citizenship was not your intent.
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Tips & Warnings
Renouncing U.S. citizenship must be done in person. It cannot be done while inside the U.S.
Renouncing U.S. citizenship is a permanent action and cannot be reversed.
