Can you keep your Hong Kong citizenship when you become a U.S. citizen?
Allowed with conditions
Only in some cases
Hong Kong residents who acquire a foreign nationality keep their Chinese nationality unless they file a declaration of change of nationality.
What the law says
- Hong Kong and Macau residents who become foreign citizens continue to be Chinese nationals unless they make an explicit declaration of nationality change to their territorial immigration authorities.
- The Standing Committee of the NPC issued Explanations so that Hong Kong or Macau residents who acquire a foreign nationality do not lose their Chinese nationality unless they file a declaration of change of nationality.
- By contrast, Chinese nationals with mainland residency who voluntarily acquire foreign citizenship automatically lose Chinese nationality.
- Chinese nationals who acquire a foreign nationality are obliged to renounce their Chinese nationality, which also implies that their hukou is cancelled.
“Hong Kong or Macau residents who acquire a foreign nationality do not lose their Chinese nationality unless they file a declaration of change of 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 Hong Kong lets you keep yours.
Source: Chinese nationality law (Wikipedia, summarized on 2026-11-11). Laws change — confirm with the Hong Kong embassy or consulate before your oath ceremony. This is not legal advice.
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