Can you keep your Benin citizenship when you become a U.S. citizen?
Allowed with conditions
Only in some cases
Beninese citizens may keep their original citizenship after becoming a U.S. citizen only if they obtained authorization to acquire the additional nationality.
What the law says
- Benin allows dual nationality if the person obtained authorization for the acquisition of additional nationality.
- Without such authorization, acquiring another nationality is not covered as permitted by the excerpt.
- Nationality may be lost for acting in the service of a foreign government or as a national of another country.
- Nationality may also be lost for crimes against the state, ordinary crimes, fraud in a naturalization petition, or disloyal or treasonous acts.
“Benin allows dual nationality if the person obtained authorization for the acquisition of additional nationality.”
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 Benin lets you keep yours.
Source: Beninese nationality law (Wikipedia, summarized on 2026-11-11). Laws change — confirm with the Benin embassy or consulate before your oath ceremony. This is not legal advice.
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