Considering Renouncing U.S. Citizenship? Important things you need to know

Whether you’re in the UK, Australia, Singapore, or Berlin, the decision to surrender your US passport is becoming less taboo and more pragmatic.

03:52 27 June 2025

For many Americans living abroad—especially those who’ve spent years building a life outside the U.S.—the idea of renouncing their U.S. citizenship goes beyond numbers and paperwork. It’s not always about taxes. It can be about freedom. About clarity. About finally letting your new identity, lifestyle, and legal footprint align with your reality.

Whether you’re in the UK, Australia, Singapore, or Berlin, the decision to surrender your US passport is becoming less taboo and more pragmatic. But before you take that bold step, let’s explore what this choice really means—culturally, legally, and personally.

Why Would Someone Renounce U.S. Citizenship?

It’s not just about tax forms. Here are a few real reasons why people take the leap:

• You’re fully rooted elsewhere. Your home, family, career, and investments are all in another country. You haven’t lived in the U.S. in decades, and you have no plans to return.
  
  
• Travel freedom. Holding only a U.S. passport can complicate travel to countries under political tension with the U.S. Some dual citizens want to travel more freely without being tied to American foreign policy.
  
  
• Banking frustrations. Under FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act), many foreign banks hesitate to open or maintain accounts for U.S. citizens, making everyday life difficult abroad.
  
  
• Simplifying paperwork. Each year, U.S. citizens abroad must report their income, assets, and bank accounts—even if they owe no taxes. Some simply want to free themselves from this lifelong compliance treadmill.
  
  
• Global career flexibility. Some international positions, particularly in government or finance, can be off-limits to dual citizens for legal or security reasons.
  
  

The Emotional and Identity Side of Renouncing

Renouncing isn’t always a tax strategy—it’s a personal choice. For some, it’s about letting go of a label that no longer fits. For others, it’s about stepping more fully into the identity they’ve created abroad.

Still, the process can feel heavy. People describe it as “strangely sad,” “liberating,” or “like the final goodbye to a former self.” It’s not unusual to feel torn, especially if you have family back in the U.S. or were born there.

But for many, clarity comes with the final signature.

What Happens Legally When You Renounce?

1. You must appear in person at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
   Embassies in London, Sydney, or Paris have appointment systems specifically for renunciation. You’ll fill out forms, pay the fee ($2,350), and take an oath.
2. You’ll receive a CLN (Certificate of Loss of Nationality).
   This is your official document proving you’re no longer a U.S. citizen. Expect processing to take a few months.
3. You lose your U.S. passport and access to U.S. citizen benefits.
   This includes voting rights, consular protection, and some eligibility for U.S. financial aid or grants.
4. You’ll file a final tax return (Form 8854).
   Yes, taxes still play a role. If you meet certain wealth or income thresholds, you may be subject to an exit tax. But if you’re under the thresholds and have filed five years of U.S. returns, you’ll likely avoid it.

Q&A: What Expats Are Asking Before Renouncing

Q: Will I still be able to visit the U.S. after renouncing?
Yes, but you’ll need a visa or apply via the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA). Entry is not guaranteed.

Q: What happens to my U.S. Social Security?
You can still receive Social Security payments abroad in most countries, including the UK and Australia.

Q: Can I renounce and then change my mind later?
No. Renunciation is final and irrevocable, barring rare legal errors in the process.

Q: Do I need to become a citizen of another country first?
Yes. You must hold another citizenship to avoid becoming stateless. Many renunciants already have dual nationality.

Real People, Real Decisions

Olivia, 42, living in Edinburgh
“I hadn’t lived in the U.S. since college. I was raising a family here in Scotland, but still doing all this IRS paperwork every year. Renouncing felt like stepping into who I already was.”

Markus, dual German-American in Frankfurt
“I loved America, but I couldn't accept how complicated it made my work and banking life in the EU. Renouncing wasn’t political—it was practical.”

People Also Ask (PAA)

1. How long does it take to renounce U.S. citizenship abroad?
   Usually 4–6 months, depending on embassy appointment availability and processing times.
2. Is it expensive to renounce U.S. citizenship?
   The fee is $2,350, plus potential tax preparation or legal support.
3. Will renouncing affect my children’s U.S. citizenship?
   No. Renunciation affects only the individual—it doesn’t automatically impact dependents or family members.
4. Can I still own property in the U.S. after renouncing?
   Yes. Non-citizens can own property in the U.S., but may face different tax and estate rules.

Final Thoughts

Renouncing U.S. citizenship is more than a tax decision—it’s a personal declaration. It says: “My life is here now. I’m no longer split between two systems, two sets of rules, or two bureaucracies.”

If you’re considering it, take your time. Speak with legal and tax professionals, connect with others who’ve done it, and assess what it truly means for your lifestyle, family, and future goals.

Because in the end, it’s not just about surrendering a passport—it’s about choosing the life that feels most like your own.