Understanding voluntary nationality relinquishment
Voluntary relinquishment of nationality distinctly differs from nationality deprivation, a forced measure taken by a state typically following a criminal conviction that impacts national security. Unlike deprivation, voluntary relinquishment happens at the individual's request, often for reasons such as acquiring citizenship in another country that does not recognize dual nationality, inheritance of a parent's nationality, or through marriage.
It's important to note the concept of nationality obsolescence, where a country might revoke citizenship if a person has not maintained any connection with their homeland for an extended period, often over 50 years. This could affect expatriates who have lived abroad across multiple generations without maintaining ties to their country of origin.
Individuals considering relinquishing their nationality should be aware that each country can impose different procedures and fees for this process. Therefore, it's advisable for those living abroad to keep active links with their home country to avoid complications with their citizenship status in the future.
Conditions and costs: Country-specific information
Canada
In Canada, there is a fee of 100 Canadian dollars for voluntarily relinquishing nationality, which is non-refundable. However, individuals who became Canadian citizens due to legislative changes in 2009 or 2015 are not required to pay this fee. Those wishing to renounce their citizenship can submit their applications online or by mail. If you choose to send an application by mail, the government advises you to use a tracked mailing service to confirm delivery.
Canada: Application for citizenship renunciation
Kenya
As of March 1, 2024, the Kenyan government has increased the fees associated with nationality loss. The cost to renounce Kenyan citizenship has risen from 20,000 Kenyan shillings (approximately $155) to 50,000 Kenyan shillings (around $387). Additionally, those who have previously renounced their Kenyan nationality but wish to reclaim it will face a new fee of 50,000 shillings, a significant increase from the previous 5,000 shillings ($39). It's important to note that Kenya permits dual nationality. Consequently, individuals declaring dual citizenship are now required to pay 10,000 shillings ($77) for the necessary processing.
South Africa
The South African citizenship law, effective October 6, 1995, outlines the rules for voluntarily renouncing nationality. The law strictly prohibits statelessness, meaning individuals can only renounce their South African nationality if they already hold another nationality. South Africans who acquire a new nationality after turning 18 without prior permission to retain their South African nationality will automatically lose it on the day they obtain the other nationality. Other cases where adults wish to renounce their South African citizenship can be handled using a specific form, and the procedure does not incur any charges.
India
In India, renouncing citizenship requires a fee of 8,000 Indian rupees (about $95). Applicants need to submit their applications online through the Ministry of Home Affairs website. It's important to note that once an application is submitted, it cannot be modified. Moreover, applicants are required to surrender their Indian passports. Similar to the policy in South Africa, acquiring citizenship of another country without going through the formal process in India will automatically result in the loss of Indian nationality.
India: Application for citizenship renunciation
Singapore
According to the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a citizen must meet specific criteria to renounce their nationality: they must be over 21 years old, possess another nationality, and be of sound mind. Applications for renunciation can be submitted online at a cost of 35 Singapore dollars (approximately $26). The process typically takes about 3 months from when the application is received. It is important to note that the application of a man may be denied if he has not fulfilled his national service obligations.
Singapore: Citizenship renunciation
New Zealand
In New Zealand, adults aged 18 and over who hold another nationality and are fully mentally capable can apply to relinquish their New Zealand citizenship voluntarily. Applicants must demonstrate a clear understanding of the implications of their decision. The application process requires proof of holding another nationality and includes a non-refundable fee of 398.60 New Zealand dollars (approximately $240). Applications may be denied if the applicant resides in New Zealand at the time of applying or if the country is engaged in war. Should an individual wish to regain New Zealand citizenship, they must satisfy all standard eligibility criteria for becoming a citizen again.
New Zealand: Application for citizenship renunciation
Australia
In Australia, the fee to voluntarily relinquish citizenship is 300 Australian dollars (about $199.30). Adults over 18 years old can initiate this process if they already possess another nationality. Additionally, the process accommodates children under 16 years old, but a parent or legal guardian must apply on their behalf. All applications must be completed using paper forms rather than online submissions.
Australia: Application for citizenship renunciation
France
In France, renouncing citizenship is free of charge. The Ministry of the Interior stipulates that renouncing French nationality should not result in statelessness; hence, the process is available only to adults who possess another nationality. There are two primary methods to renounce French citizenship: by declaration or by decree. The declaration, managed by the Ministry of Justice, typically involves French citizens who live abroad and have obtained citizenship in another country. The decree, handled by the Ministry of the Interior, is intended for citizens who hold dual nationality (French and another). Applicants must be legally competent to proceed. For minors under 16, legal guardians must be involved in the application process. If an applicant is legally incompetent, a legal representative must handle the application on their behalf.
France: Application for citizenship renunciation
United States
The U.S. government cautions that renouncing American citizenship is a serious and irreversible action and does not automatically relieve individuals from their tax obligations; they may still be subject to U.S. taxes depending on their specific circumstances. The cost to renounce U.S. citizenship is $2,350, which is non-refundable. The process can only be initiated by adult American citizens personally; they cannot be represented by parents, guardians, or legal representatives in this matter.
USA: Application for citizenship renunciation
United Kingdom
British citizens who wish to renounce their nationality must pay a fee of 450 pounds (approximately $584). Those eligible to apply must be at least 18 years old, already possess another nationality (with an exception for married individuals under 18), and be fully mentally capable unless a legal determination has been made that renouncing nationality is in their best interest. The process is conducted online, and upon approval, the applicant receives a "declaration of renunciation", which officially confirms the loss of their British citizenship. If the applicant does not already hold another nationality at the time of application, they are given a 6-month period to acquire one. Failure to obtain another nationality within this period results in the cancellation of the renunciation request, and the applicant retains their British citizenship.
