The number of Americans renouncing their citizenship, along with long-term green card holders ending their United States tax residency, has reached its highest level since 2020 over the past 12 months. Federal Register data shows that a total of 5,790 names appeared on the register’s U.S. expatriation list in the last four quarters. This list includes individuals whose loss of U.S. citizenship or long-term permanent resident status was reported to the Treasury Department. According to Greenback Expat Tax Services, this is the highest four-quarter total in six years.
The increase was notably sharp between April and June. During this period, 1,781 names were recorded in the register’s list, marking a 68.5% rise from the same quarter last year. The first-half total reached 3,243, up 38.5% from the first half of 2025.
The list only reflects notifications given to the Treasury regarding a person’s change in status, not necessarily when it occurred.
Over the past decade, there has been a significant increase in Americans deciding to leave the country permanently.
The Trend Behind the Rise
Between 2000 and 2008, less than 500 Americans, on average, lost their citizenship each year, with only 452 names reported annually during that time. These figures rose significantly after the enactment of the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) in 2010. FATCA requires foreign financial institutions and certain non-financial foreign entities to report foreign assets held by U.S. account holders, increasing the financial burden on American expatriates.
“More than 190-plus countries agreed to this program, which began in 2014,” Alexander Marino, head of Moody’s renunciation law practice, previously stated in Newsweek. According to Marino, the law intensified efforts to identify U.S. citizens who hadn’t filed tax returns. This affects their finances globally.
In jurisdictions with low taxes, like the United Arab Emirates, American expatriates find U.S. taxation burdensome. In high-tax areas, like the U.K., the situation is equally challenging. American expats’ desire to escape double taxation is evident in the number of names reported on the expatriation list following the law’s passage. In 2016, the list reached a record 5,409 names, according to Greenback. Though the count fell to 2,071 in 2019, it surged to a modern-day record of 6,705 in 2020. Numbers have remained high since then.
Reasons Behind the Increase
The significant spike in Americans renouncing their citizenship recently involves several factors. Renunciation law experts, like Marino, advise clients on managing embassy and consulate waiting times globally to expedite the process.
Some individuals report doing this to avoid U.S. taxes alongside those of their current residence or for political and ideological reasons, often associated with President Donald Trump’s return to the office. Alice (not her real name) expressed her dissatisfaction with the political direction and her personal dislike of Trump’s policies.
A recent spike in renunciations might result from the State Department’s decision to reduce the citizenship renunciation fee by 80% earlier this year. Before 2010, there was no fee to renounce U.S. citizenship. A $450 charge was implemented afterward, but in 2015 it increased to $2,350, making it one of the highest fees globally. As of April 13, the fee has reverted to $450.
Steps to Renounce U.S. Citizenship
If you are an American living abroad considering this option, you need to formally renounce your U.S. citizenship before a diplomatic or consular officer at a U.S. embassy or consulate overseas.
The process involves completing forms, undergoing State Department review, attending interviews, and taking an oath of renunciation in person. The State Department must approve and acknowledge any request.
The State Department cautions that renouncing citizenship may result in statelessness. Additionally, former citizens might be restricted from entering the United States if authorities determine they renounced citizenship to evade U.S. tax obligations.
For further insights, contact Newsweek editors Matthew Robinson and Sam Wilson.
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