For SBA lenders
Short answer
The SBA verifies U.S. citizenship for dual citizens using the same methods as for single citizens, typically through a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers.
For SBA 7(a) loan eligibility, the key is U.S. citizenship or Qualified Alien status. Holding dual citizenship does not negate U.S. citizenship. The lender must obtain valid documentation proving U.S. citizenship from the owner, regardless of any other citizenships held.
An owner presents a valid U.S. passport as proof of citizenship. The lender accepts this document, even if the owner states they also hold a German passport. The existence of a second citizenship does not alter the verification process for U.S. citizenship.
Policy Notice 5000-876441 - Citizenship and Residency Requirements
Procedural Notice 5000-876626 - Revised Applicant Ownership, Citizenship and Residency
SOP 50 10 - Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
Last checked 2026-06-13. Official sources control — verify before relying on any rule for a live deal.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 · SBA sources checked through 2026-06-13. DealRoom analysis of public SBA 7(a) lending records (FY2020–present). Grounded in the current SBA rulebook; verify against the official sources above before relying on it for a live deal. Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an approval decision.
More on citizenship/residency
Terms in this answer
Pre-qualify your SBA 7(a) deal
Tell us the business, the price, and where you are — we'll point you to the lenders most likely to fund a deal like yours and flag anything that trips up approval.
Free · No documents · Usually same-day