Can you keep your Kiribati citizenship when you become a U.S. citizen?
Allowed with conditions
Only in some cases
Citizens of Kiribati of I-Kiribati descent may keep their Kiribati citizenship when they become U.S. citizens, but naturalised persons without I-Kiribati heritage must renounce other nationalities.
What the law says
- All persons of I-Kiribati descent may be dual nationals.
- Naturalised persons who have no I-Kiribati heritage must renounce any other nationality.
- Denaturalisation may occur if a person voluntarily obtains foreign nationality (for those not of I-Kiribati descent).
- Kiribati nationals may renounce their nationality if they have legal majority, capacity, and have obtained another nationality, though renunciation may not be allowed in times of war.
“All persons of I-Kiribati descent may be dual nationals, but naturalised persons who have no I-Kiribati heritage must renounce any other 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 Kiribati lets you keep yours.
Source: Kiribati nationality law (Wikipedia, summarized on 2026-11-11). Laws change — confirm with the Kiribati embassy or consulate before your oath ceremony. This is not legal advice.
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