The number of Americans giving up their citizenship, as well as long-term green card holders ending their U.S. tax residency, has reached a peak not seen since 2020. This conclusion is based on an analysis of Federal Register data. Over the past year, the U.S. expatriation list included 5,790 names. These represent individuals whose loss of U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status was reported to the Treasury Department. Greenback Expat Tax Services notes that this is the highest four-quarter total in six years.

The rise was most notable between April and June, with 1,781 names listed, marking a 68.5% increase from the same period last year. This brought the first-half total to 3,243, up by 38.5% compared to the first half of 2025.

The register lists only when the Treasury was notified about a change in status, not necessarily when the change happened.

Over the past decade, yearly data shows significant growth in Americans leaving the country for good.

The Trend Behind the Increase

Historically, the average number of Americans losing citizenship was below 500 annually between 2000 and 2008. Only 452 names were reported each year during this time. This changed sharply after the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) came into effect in 2010. FATCA requires foreign entities to report on U.S. account holders’ foreign assets, increasing expenses for American expatriates.

Alexander Marino from Moody’s renunciation law practice explained that over 190 countries agreed to FATCA, which became active in 2014. This law made it harder for U.S. citizens abroad who haven’t filed their tax returns.

“Every euro, pound, or peso you earn is subject to U.S. tax, no matter where you go,” Marino said. Living in low-tax areas like the UAE or high-tax areas like the UK comes with double taxation issues. For American expats, this double taxation is a strong reason for renunciation.

In 2016, after the law passed, annual names reported reached 5,409. There was a decrease to 2,071 in 2019 but jumped to a record 6,705 in 2020. Despite a minor dip, numbers remain high.

Reasons Behind Increased Renunciations

Many Americans abroad have attempted to renounce their citizenship recently. Lawyers like Marino are offering advice to bypass long embassy wait times.

Some renounced to avoid U.S. taxes in their current country. Others cited ideological reasons linked to President Trump’s policies.

“Given the political situation and my opposition to Trump, I decided to give up,” said Alice (name changed), an American living in Europe. A further spike occurred after the government reduced the renunciation fee by 80% earlier in the year. Before 2010, renouncing U.S. citizenship was free; the fee then increased to $2,350 in 2015, making the U.S. one of the countries with the highest fees globally. On April 13, the fee dropped to $450.

Applying to Renounce Citizenship

Americans abroad can renounce citizenship at U.S. embassies or consulates. The process involves filling forms, undergoing reviews, attending interviews, and taking an oath before the procedure is approved.

The State Department warns of potential statelessness and possible entry bans if renunciation is seen as tax avoidance. Tax compliance remains a key reason for giving up citizenship.

Contact for this story: Matthew Robinson and Sam Wilson.