US Renunciation Fee Reduction
Published on September 04, 2025
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In recent years, the US Department of State has indicated its intention to reduce the renunciation fee for giving up US citizenship from US$2,350 to US$450. This would roll back a hefty fee that has been in place since 2014.
Is the renunciation fee going to be reduced to US$450 in 2025?
No, not yet. As of 2025, the official fee to renounce US citizenship is still US$2,350. The State Department’s proposal to cut the fee is still pending in the rulemaking process, so the reduction to US$450 has not been implemented yet. There is no final rule.
In the Federal Register, the fee reduction is still labeled as a ‘Proposed Rule,’ with no final rule issued to date. Simply put, the plan to lower the fee exists on paper but has not yet been implemented as a policy.
📌 Status Today: The fee is still US$2,350 until the Final Rule is published.
Why does the State Department plan to reduce the fee?
The State Department wants to make it more affordable to renounce citizenship. Over the years, Americans abroad have repeatedly raised concerns that the US$2,350 fee is prohibitively expensive and blocks people from renouncing, especially given the hassles they face under US tax laws like FATCA.
Renouncing US citizenship was not always this costly. In fact, before 2010, this process was free; starting in 2010, the State Department introduced a US$450 fee (well below cost).
Returning to US$450 would better align this service with other subsidized citizen services. Lowering the fee is meant to reduce the cost of exercising that right.
Planning to renounce US citizenship? Get in touch for advice.
Why hasn’t the renunciation fee dropped to US$450 yet?
The fee reduction has been delayed for two main reasons:
- Rulemaking takes time: Part of the delay is simply procedural—reviewing comments, drafting responses, obtaining approvals. The public comment period for the proposed rule closed in November 2023. The next step for the State Department is to read and respond to important points from public feedback.
- Unclear timing: The frustrating reality is that no one knows exactly when the fee will actually drop. Currently, it’s just a “Proposed Rule”; when the State Department publishes a Final Rule, it will likely specify when the US$450 fee takes effect. Until then, it’s a waiting game.
📌 Important: The proposal to cut the US renunciation fee to US$450 isn’t cancelled; the State Department still plans to move forward.
How long should US expats wait?
There’s no announced effective date, so it comes down to your situation. Use this simple framework:
- Wait if:
- Saving US$1,900 meaningfully impacts your decision.
- You don’t face urgent pressure (banking, immigration, employment).
- You’re tax-compliant and can maintain your current approach while monitoring updates..
- Don’t wait if:
- You have pressing reasons (transactions, estate/immigration plans, banking restrictions).
- The fee is not your biggest cost.
- You want certainty now—no refunds if the fee drops later.
FAQs
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Is there a payment plan for the renunciation fee?
No, there is no payment plan for the US renunciation fee. The US Department of State requires the renunciation fee (currently US$2,350) to be paid in full at the time of your appointment. There are no government-approved installment or payment plan options.
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How can I check the official fee today?
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What does it mean to “renounce” US citizenship?
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Will I still owe US taxes after I renounce?
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