Can you keep your Montenegro citizenship when you become a U.S. citizen?
Not allowed
No, in general
Citizens of Montenegro who voluntarily become U.S. citizens generally lose their Montenegrin citizenship, unless they held dual citizenship before independence.
What the law says
- The 2008 Citizenship Act does not permit people who obtain another citizenship after independence to retain dual citizenship, requiring them to give up one citizenship within a year.
- The Law on Implementation allowed people who had dual citizenship before independence to retain that dual citizenship.
- The 1999 nationality law stated that a Montenegrin citizen who acquired citizenship of a foreign country would lose his citizenship.
- Naturalisation applicants must provide proof of having given up their previous citizenship.
“it did not permit people who obtained another citizenship afterwards to retain dual citizenship”
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 Montenegro lets you keep yours.
Source: Montenegrin nationality law (Wikipedia, summarized on 2026-11-11). Laws change — confirm with the Montenegro embassy or consulate before your oath ceremony. This is not legal advice.
Getting ready for your citizenship interview?
Practice all 128 civics questions and the full interview with an AI officer. Free to start.
Start practicing free