Can you keep your Bahrain citizenship when you become a U.S. citizen?
Allowed with conditions
Only in some cases
A Bahraini citizen who becomes a U.S. citizen generally loses Bahraini citizenship unless they apply to the Ministry of Interior to maintain dual nationality.
What the law says
- Bahrain does not currently permit dual citizenship, and a Bahraini citizen who acquires a foreign citizenship loses Bahraini citizenship.
- However, in 2016, Bahrainis were able to apply to the Ministry of Interior to maintain dual nationality.
- Those who were illegally holding a foreign nationality and Bahraini nationality prior to November 2016 could have applied by February 4, 2017 to maintain both nationalities.
- It fell to the discretion of the Interior Ministry to allow dual nationality, decided on a case-by-case basis.
- Those who continued holding a foreign nationality and Bahraini nationality after February 4, 2017 could be punished with a fine of $27000 and removal of Bahraini nationality.
“a Bahraini citizen who acquires a foreign citizenship loses Bahraini citizenship”
What about the U.S. side?
The United States allows dual citizenship. At the oath ceremony you promise to renounce allegiance to other countries, but U.S. law does not make you formally give up your other passport. The question is only whether Bahrain lets you keep yours.
Source: Bahraini nationality law (Wikipedia, summarized on 2026-11-11). Laws change — confirm with the Bahrain embassy or consulate before your oath ceremony. This is not legal advice.
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