Can I Move Abroad After Becoming a Naturalized U.S. Citizen?

At this time, no penalties exist if a naturalized U.S. citizen simply goes to live in another country. But if the person also takes certain other actions, citizenship can be lost.

By , J.D. · University of Washington School of Law

After being sworn in as a newly naturalized U.S. citizen, one of the first things you might want to do is enjoy the ease with which you can travel overseas and return. No more super-long lines upon your return, and no more questions from U.S. border officials about whether you stayed away too long or became inadmissible to the United States during your absence! Or perhaps you want to go one step farther and actually move back to your childhood home country or some other place.

If you did move to another country, would you risk giving up your U.S. citizenship? This article provides background and some reassurance. Only in rare situations would a naturalized U.S. citizen who moves to another country lose their U.S. citizenship.

In the Past, One Could Lose Naturalized U.S. Citizenship By Moving Overseas

Prior to 1994, the analysis presented in this article might have been different. Back then, a person who became a naturalized U.S. citizen was expected to hold the intention of residing permanently in the United States. This was written into Section 340 of the Immigration and Nationality Act or I.N.A., but the language was removed in 1994, within Section 104 of the Technical Corrections Act.

What's more, before 1994, if a person moved permanently to another country within one year of becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen, this was taken as "prima facie" evidence of the person's lack of intention to live in the United States. The move thus became grounds for the U.S. government to "denaturalize" the person, or take away their U.S. citizenship.

No Longer Can One Lose U.S. Citizenship By Living in Another Country

At this time, no penalties exist if a naturalized U.S. citizen simply goes to live in another country, even on a permanent basis. This is a distinct benefit of U.S. citizenship, since green card holders can have their status taken away for "abandoning" their U.S. residence. (See Keeping Your Green Card After You Get It for details on that issue.)

In What Ways Can Naturalized U.S. Citizenship Be Lost?

This isn't to say that it's impossible to lose, or give up, one's U.S. citizenship. Most notably, if a naturalized citizen takes certain actions while living abroad, such as joining a foreign military, committing treason against the United States, or taking on a new citizenship, U.S. citizenship can be lost. But in most cases, the person would also have to intend to give up U.S. citizenship. This is further described in, Can Naturalized U.S. Citizen Lose Citizenship by Living in Another Country?

Continuing Obligations for U.S. Citizens Living in Other Countries

A naturalized citizen would, when living overseas, need to continue complying with U.S. laws affecting U.S. citizens. One of the laws that affects people on an annual basis (and is frankly annoying to many) has to do with taxation. In short, though you might not owe U.S. income tax, you'll probably need to file a U.S. tax return. See When U.S. Citizens Abroad Owe Income Tax for more information on this complex issue.

Getting Help

Talk to an attorney or tax professional who's expert in international taxation issues for a full personal analysis of your citizenship situation and how to comply with U.S. law while living elsewhere, particularly if you have tax questions or unusual concerns. (Also see Choosing, Hiring, or Firing an Immigration Attorney.)

Talk to a Lawyer

Need a lawyer? Start here.

How it Works

  1. Briefly tell us about your case
  2. Provide your contact information
  3. Choose attorneys to contact you
NEED IMMIGRATION HELP ?

Talk to an Immigration attorney.

We've helped 85 clients find attorneys today.

How It Works

  1. Briefly tell us about your case
  2. Provide your contact information
  3. Choose attorneys to contact you