Can you keep your China citizenship when you become a U.S. citizen?
Not allowed
No, in general
Chinese nationals with mainland residency who voluntarily become U.S. citizens automatically lose Chinese nationality.
What the law says
- Chinese nationals with mainland residency who voluntarily acquire foreign citizenship automatically lose Chinese nationality.
- The PRC does not recognize dual nationality.
- Most residents of Hong Kong and Macau were permitted to retain foreign nationalities alongside Chinese nationality.
- Naturalization into Chinese citizenship requires renouncing a previous nationality.
“Chinese nationals with mainland residency who voluntarily acquire foreign citizenship automatically lose Chinese 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 China lets you keep yours.
Source: Chinese nationality law (Wikipedia, summarized on 2026-11-11). Laws change — confirm with the China embassy or consulate before your oath ceremony. This is not legal advice.
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