also called denaturalization · automatic loss of nationality
Losing a citizenship, whether by renouncing, taking another where dual is barred, or government action.
Losing a citizenship, whether by formally renouncing it, by taking another where dual nationality is banned, or through a government stripping it. The twist that catches travellers is the middle one: gaining a new nationality can automatically cost you an old one where two are forbidden. Renunciation is the deliberate route to this; loss of citizenship is the wider category that also covers losing it without meaning to.
Someone naturalises in a new country to settle down, not realising their birth country bans dual citizenship. The moment the new passport is granted, the old one is automatically void, and they discover too late that they have given up a citizenship they wanted to keep.
Acquiring a new nationality can automatically cost an old one in countries that forbid dual citizenship.
The difference is the whole point, so here is each one in a line.
Loss of citizenship is the broad event of no longer holding one, whether by government action, taking another where dual is barred, or your own choice.
Renunciation is that deliberate choice, formally giving it up to shed its obligations, and statelessness is the danger at the end of the road: being recognised as a citizen by no country at all.
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