Can you keep your Latvia citizenship when you become a U.S. citizen?
Allowed with conditions
Only in some cases
Latvian citizens who voluntarily acquire U.S. citizenship may keep Latvian citizenship only in limited cases, such as with government permission or if citizenship was acquired automatically, through marriage, or adoption.
What the law says
- Dual citizenship is not prohibited by Latvian citizenship law.
- Citizenship of Latvia may be retained for persons who acquired citizenship of a country with which Latvia has concluded an agreement on recognition of dual citizenship (none currently concluded).
- Retention is possible for a country not previously referred to if permission from the Government of Latvia is received due to important national interests.
- Retention is possible for a country not previously referred to if citizenship was acquired automatically (ex lege), through marriage, or as a result of adoption.
- Children of Latvian citizens may hold dual citizenship with any country.
“citizenship of Latvia may be retained for persons who have acquired the citizenship of”
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 Latvia lets you keep yours.
Source: Latvian nationality law (Wikipedia, summarized on 2026-11-11). Laws change — confirm with the Latvia embassy or consulate before your oath ceremony. This is not legal advice.
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