Can you keep your Zimbabwe citizenship when you become a U.S. citizen?
Allowed with conditions
Only in some cases
Zimbabweans by birth may hold dual nationality, but those with nationality by descent or registration may be denied the ability to hold another citizenship.
What the law says
- Under the 2013 Constitution, Zimbabweans by birth are allowed to hold dual nationality.
- Those who have nationality by descent or registration may be denied the ability to have other nationality.
- A 2011 High Court ruling confirmed dual nationality could not be prohibited for nationals by birth, but legislation could address its applicability to nationals by descent or by registration.
- The 2014 Constitutional Court ruling held that a Zimbabwean by birth was entitled to dual nationality.
- As of 2018, legislation had not been amended to conform the Citizenship of Zimbabwe Act with constitutional changes.
“Zimbabweans by birth are allowed to hold dual nationality, but those who have nationality by descent or registration may be denied the ability to have other 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 Zimbabwe lets you keep yours.
Source: Zimbabwean nationality law (Wikipedia, summarized on 2026-11-11). Laws change — confirm with the Zimbabwe embassy or consulate before your oath ceremony. This is not legal advice.
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