17 March 2026

The US government has announced a significant reduction in the fee to renounce US citizenship. Effective April 13, 2026, the Department of State (DOS) will reduce the government fee from $2,350 to $450.

The fee reduction follows the issuance of a final rule by the DOS on March 13, 2026, more than two years after the change was first proposed.

Background to the Fee Change
Until 2010, there was no government fee to renounce US citizenship. In that year, following consultations with consular officers and staff and alongside broader increases in consular fees, the DOS introduced a $450 fee.

Between 2010 and 2014, however, the number of renunciation requests rose sharply. In response, the DOS increased the fee to $2,350, effective November 9, 2015, citing the substantial resources required to process renunciations and issue Certificates of Loss of Nationality (CLNs).

Advocacy and Rationale for the Reduction
The newly finalised rule reflects sustained advocacy and legal challenges from organisations representing Americans living abroad, particularly those with limited ongoing ties to the United States. Advocacy groups have long highlighted the burdens faced by US citizens overseas, including complex and ongoing US tax compliance obligations, as well as practical difficulties opening bank accounts or making investments in their countries of residence.

In announcing the final rule in the Federal Register, the DOS acknowledged these concerns, explaining:

“The proposal to lower the fee for CLN services took into account the not‑insignificant anecdotal evidence regarding the difficulties that many U.S. nationals residing abroad have reported they are encountering. It is designed to help alleviate the cost burden for requesting CLN services, even though the fee of $450 reimburses only a fraction of the cost to the U.S. government of providing such services.”

During the rule‑making process, the DOS considered and ultimately rejected a number of proposals from public commenters, including suggestions that individuals who paid the $2,350 fee should receive partial refunds. The DOS relied on the governing statute for user fees, which directs agencies to set fees at a level that allows services to be “self‑sustaining to the extent possible” (31 U.S.C. § 9701(a)). On that basis, the DOS concluded that the $2,350 fee accurately reflected the cost of providing CLN services at the time it was implemented.

Practical Considerations and Timing
Renunciation of US citizenship requires a personal, in‑person appearance at a US embassy or consulate. Appointment availability varies significantly by location, and wait times can be lengthy. Following the interview, renunciation is not effective until the DOS approves the case and issues the CLN, which can take many additional months.

By way of example, the current wait time in London exceeds 10 months, with renunciation appointments scheduled approximately a year after being added to the waitlist. Recent cases have seen CLNs issued around three months after the interview, resulting in total processing times well in excess of a year.

Given the substantial reduction in cost, global demand for renunciation appointments is expected to increase further, potentially lengthening wait times at already backlogged consular posts.

How We Can Help
We regularly assist clients with US citizenship renunciation across multiple jurisdictions and are familiar with appointment availability, local consular practices, and procedural nuances worldwide. This experience allows us to guide clients through what can otherwise be a lengthy and complex process as efficiently and quickly as possible.

If you are considering renunciation of US citizenship, we would be pleased to assist. For tailored advice, contact your Laura Devine Immigration attorney or email enquiries@lauradevine.com.