Can you keep your Namibia citizenship when you become a U.S. citizen?
Allowed with conditions
Only in some cases
Namibian nationals by origin generally keep their citizenship when they acquire another nationality, but naturalised Namibians can be denaturalised for obtaining another nationality.
What the law says
- Namibia prohibits dual nationality for naturalised persons.
- High Court rulings in 2008 and 2011 confirmed that nationals of origin cannot be deprived of their nationality.
- Naturalised persons can be denaturalised for obtaining another nationality.
- Naturalisation requires renunciation of any other nationality.
- Namibians may renounce their nationality through registration processes, though the government may oppose during wartime.
“the High Court of Namibia issued rulings in 2008 and 2011 confirming that nationals of origin cannot be deprived of their 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 Namibia lets you keep yours.
Source: Namibian nationality law (Wikipedia, summarized on 2026-11-11). Laws change — confirm with the Namibia embassy or consulate before your oath ceremony. This is not legal advice.
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