U.S. State Department Reduces Citizenship Renunciation Fee by 80%

The U.S. State Department has officially reduced the fee for Americans wishing to renounce their citizenship from $2,350 to $450, marking an 80% decrease. This change, effective April 13, 2026, is a response to years of legal challenges and advocacy from various groups, particularly the France-based Association of Accidental Americans (AAA), which represents individuals who hold U.S. citizenship by birth but have lived abroad for most of their lives. The fee reduction returns the cost to the level established in 2010 when the State Department first implemented a charge for renunciation.

LA TimesAssociated PressNewsweek

The fee for renouncing U.S. citizenship was raised significantly in 2015, primarily to cover administrative costs as the number of renunciation requests surged. This increase was largely driven by new tax reporting requirements under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), which many expatriates found burdensome. The AAA and other advocacy groups argued that the high fee created a financial barrier to a fundamental right, prompting multiple lawsuits challenging its constitutionality.

Newsweek

Fabien Lehagre, president of the AAA, stated, “This victory is the direct result of six years of relentless legal action and advocacy.” The association highlighted that since the announcement of the fee reduction in 2023, at least 8,755 Americans had paid the previous fee to renounce their citizenship. The State Department has not disclosed the total number of individuals who have renounced their citizenship overall.

Fox News (website)

The State Department described the fee reduction as a policy decision aimed at alleviating the financial burden on individuals seeking a Certificate of Loss of Nationality (CLN). Officials noted that the new fee does not fully cover the government's processing costs but was intended to strike a balance between recouping some expenses and ensuring accessibility for those wishing to renounce their citizenship. The department has rejected calls for refunds or waivers for those who paid the higher fee.

Newsweek

Despite the fee reduction, some critics argue that any charge for renouncing citizenship is unjust. The AAA continues to pursue legal avenues to challenge the constitutionality of the fee, asserting that renunciation should not incur any cost. This ongoing legal battle reflects broader concerns regarding the treatment of U.S. citizens living abroad and the implications of U.S. tax laws.

Newsweek

The recent fee reduction may lead to an increase in renunciation requests, as potential expatriates may now find the process more financially feasible. However, the rigorous nature of the renunciation process remains unchanged, requiring multiple interviews and confirmations of understanding before a formal oath can be taken. The AAA's legal challenges are expected to continue, potentially influencing future discussions on citizenship and taxation policies affecting Americans abroad.

Newsweek

• “This victory is the direct result of six years of relentless legal action and advocacy.” — Fabien Lehagre, President, Association of Accidental Americans

Associated Press

• “This action is being taken to help alleviate the cost burden for those individuals who decide to request CLN services by returning to the below-cost fee that was in place from 2010–2014.” — U.S. State Department Federal Rule

Newsweek