Can you keep your Nicaragua citizenship when you become a U.S. citizen?
Allowed with conditions
Only in some cases
Birthright Nicaraguans keep their citizenship when they become U.S. citizens, but naturalized Nicaraguans can lose it.
What the law says
- Birthright Nicaraguans cannot lose their nationality, even if they obtain another nationality.
- Naturalized Nicaraguans can lose their nationality by entering or exiting the territory using another nationality.
- Changes were made to eliminate the possibility that birthright Nicaraguans could lose their nationality.
- Nicaragua has dual nationality treaties with Argentina, Central American nations, Italy and Spain.
- Children born abroad to naturalized Nicaraguan parents must ratify their choice of Nicaraguan citizenship at age 16.
“Birthright Nicaraguans cannot lose their nationality, even if they obtain 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 Nicaragua lets you keep yours.
Source: Nicaraguan nationality law (Wikipedia, summarized on 2026-11-11). Laws change — confirm with the Nicaragua embassy or consulate before your oath ceremony. This is not legal advice.
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