Can you keep your Malaysia citizenship when you become a U.S. citizen?
Not allowed
No, in general
Malaysian citizens who acquire another nationality, such as U.S. citizenship, risk losing their Malaysian citizenship.
What the law says
- Holding another nationality while being a Malaysian citizen over the age of 21 is disallowed.
- A Malaysian citizen risks losing their citizenship if they acquire another nationality.
- Restrictions in Malaysian law on exercising citizenship rights in a foreign country would result in the loss of Malaysian citizenship.
- Foreign nationals may naturalise as Malaysian citizens only after renouncing any previous nationalities.
“a Malaysian citizen risks losing their citizenship if they acquire another 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 Malaysia lets you keep yours.
Source: Malaysian nationality law (Wikipedia, summarized on 2026-11-11). Laws change — confirm with the Malaysia embassy or consulate before your oath ceremony. This is not legal advice.
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