Can you keep your North Korea citizenship when you become a U.S. citizen?
Allowed
Yes, in general
North Korean citizens who become U.S. citizens appear to keep their North Korean citizenship, since the law permits multiple citizenship.
What the law says
- The law permits multiple citizenship.
- Nationality treaties with other countries take precedence over the text of the law.
- It is legally possible to renounce DPRK nationality, and the DPRK issues certificates of loss of nationality in such cases.
- Such certificates may be required by other states in which a former DPRK national seeks to naturalise, but have become more difficult to obtain as of 2011.
“The law permits multiple 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 North Korea lets you keep yours.
Source: North Korean nationality law (Wikipedia, summarized on 2026-11-11). Laws change — confirm with the North Korea embassy or consulate before your oath ceremony. This is not legal advice.
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