Definition: What is dual citizenship?
The dual citizenship means that you simultaneously hold the citizenship of at least 2 different countries at the same time. This gives you rights and obligations in both countries, including the right to vote, access to social services and the obligation to pay taxes. In Germany, dual citizenship was often only permitted in exceptional cases until 2024.
With the Citizenship Act of 2024 introduced the possibility of general multiple nationality. It is important that your home country also recognizes dual citizenshipso that no conflicts arise.
Legal situation regarding dual citizenship since 2024
The current Nationality Actwhich entered into force on June 27, 2024 aims to simplify and modernize the Naturalization in Germany. This law, known as the Act on the Modernization of Citizenship Law (StARModG), makes it easier for you to apply for dual citizenship. to apply for dual citizenship.
- Omission of § 10 para. 4 StAG and § 12 StAGYou no longer have to give up your previous citizenship in order to obtain German citizenship. However, it is important that your country of origin also legally recognizes dual citizenship.
- Facilitating dual citizenshipSince you no longer have to give up your previous citizenship, the naturalization process will be less burdensome and complex.
- Naturalization after 5 years: The naturalization period has been shortened from 8 to 5 years. This means that you can apply for naturalization after only 5 years of legal residence in Germany.
- Naturalization after 3 years with special integration achievementsWith a C1 certificate and special integration achievements, your Naturalization already after 3 years is possible.
- Shorter waiting timesThe reduction of naturalization periods enables you to integrate more quickly and participate in all rights and obligations as a German citizen.
- Relief for the guest worker generation: As a member of the guest worker generation and contract workers you benefit from simplified conditions for language certificates and are also exempt from the naturalization test. Also It is now also possible to receive public benefits, which means that you no longer have to pay for all of your living expenses yourself.
In the following table you can see the most important changes with the current Naturalization Act of June 27, 2024.
Amendment | So far | New |
|---|---|---|
Surrender of previous nationality | Required | No longer required |
Length of stay | 8 years | 5 years |
Naturalization with integration services | With special integration services after 6 years | With C1 certificate and special integration achievements after 3 years |
Requirements for guest workers & contract workers | Naturalization test, language certificate | No naturalization test, simplified language certificates |
Advantages and disadvantages of dual citizenship
Dual citizenship brings many advantages as well as certain obligations and possible disadvantages.
Advantages of dual citizenship
- Political rights: Ability to vote and engage in politics in several countries.
- Visa-free travelfacilitated access to other countries without the need for a visa.
- Extended work prospectsPossibility to work in both countries without an additional work permit.
- Tax advantagesPossibility of registering for tax purposes in the country that offers more favorable tax rates.
- Property rightsRight to own property in one or both countries.
Disadvantages of dual citizenship
- Double tax liabilityPossible tax liability in both countries. Not all countries allow the choice of the country in which taxes are to be paid.
- Military service: Compulsory military service exists in some countries and could apply to dual nationals.
- IncreasedIncreased controlsStricter monitoring and controls in countries that do not fully support dual citizenship.
This is how you can obtain dual citizenship
If you meet one of the following requirements, you can apply for dual citizenship.
By birth
A child born in Germany automatically acquires German citizenship if one parent has lived in Germany for has lived in Germany for at least 5 years and has a Settlement permit at the time of birth.
Through marriage
To obtain German citizenship through marriage, you must have been legally resident in Germany for at least 3 years of legal residence in Germany and have been married to a German spouse for at least 2 years. You can then apply for § 9 StAG submit an application to Naturalization .
Through Naturalization
Under the law in force since June 27, 2024, you can retain your previous citizenship when you move to Germany at Naturalization and therefore have multiple citizenships.
Requirements for dual citizenship
To apply for dual citizenship in Germany, you must fulfill certain requirements. These include the following points:
- Legal residenceYou must be legally resident in the country and have a minimum period of residence of at least 5 years.
- Proof of language skillsProof of sufficient language skills is often required. B1 certificate for the Naturalization after 5 years, C1 certificate for the Naturalization after 3 years. Exceptions apply for the guest worker generation.
- Proof of integrationProof of integration is the naturalization test.
- Proof of means of subsistenceYou must prove that you can support yourself and your family without state support.
- Signed declaration of loyalty: According to § 10 para. 1 sentence 1a StAG you must sign the form for the declaration of loyalty and declare your support for the free democratic basic order of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Applying for dual citizenship: Step by step guide
In the following, we will tell you which documents you need for the application and what you need to do and in what order you need to do.
Step 1: Preparation of the necessary documents
To apply for dual citizenship, you will need the following documents:
- Valid passport and identity card
- Birth certificate
- Proof of legal residence. You will need documents that prove your long-term residence in the country (e.g. rental contracts, invoices).
- Language certificates, such as the B1 certificate
- Proof of integration (e.g. naturalization test)
- Proof of livelihood, e.g. your employment contract with wage statement, tax assessment, business analysis (BWA), etc.
- signed declaration of loyalty according to § 10 para. 1 sentence 1a StAG with a commitment to the free democratic basic order.
You can download a complete checklist with all the documents you need here:
Checklist for dual citizenship after 3 years
Checklist for dual citizenship after 5 years
Step 2: Submitting the application
- Make sure that all required documents are complete.
- Submit the application to the competent authority.
- Ask for confirmation that you have submitted the application (confirmation of receipt).
Step 3: Waiting for the decision
- Once the application has been submitted, the waiting period begins. The naturalization authority will now examine your application.
- During this time, you may be able to submit additional information or documents. Please noteYou must always inform the authority of any personal changes and provide proof, e.g. whether you have moved house (new tenancy agreement) or whether your salary has changed (new payslip).
- The processing time varies depending on the federal state and individual situation.
- If there is no response from the naturalization authority after 12 weeks, you can file an Lawsuit for failure of act against the authority at the administrative court.
Step 4: Naturalization is successful
- You will receive notification from the naturalization authority that you will be naturalized.
- The naturalization authority will arrange an appointment with you to award the naturalization certificate.
- You will receive a certificate at the award ceremony.
- You apply for your documents (German national passport and German identity card) at the relevant registration office.
Country-specific regulations
There are many countries that, like Germany allow dual citizenship allow dual citizenship. We will show you which countries that allow dual citizenship and in which countries it is (still) prohibited. is prohibited.
These countries allow dual citizenship
These countries do not allow dual citizenship
Get help with your application for dual citizenship now
Dual citizenship is associated with numerous advantages and has been made much easier in Germany thanks to the current Naturalization Act of 27 June 2024. Nevertheless, there may be long waiting times or complications, especially if your home country does not allow dual citizenship. We will be happy to assist you with your dual citizenship application!
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about dual citizenship
Who is allowed to have dual citizenship in Germany?
Anyone who now applies for Naturalization in Germany can have dual citizenship. The current Naturalization Actwhich came into force on June 27, 2024, allows multiple citizenships. It is important that you meet the requirements for Naturalization in Germany. Your home country should also allow dual citizenship.
How do I apply for dual citizenship in Germany?
To apply for dual citizenship, you must submit an submit an application to the relevant naturalization authority and submit all the necessary documents to Naturalization in accordance with § 10 StAG must be submitted. It may also be helpful to seek the assistance of a lawyer.
What are the advantages of dual citizenship?
By belonging to several countries you may live and work in these countrieshave unrestricted access to education and healthcare as well as the opportunity to acquire property. You benefit from visa facilitation, extended freedom to travel and the opportunity to exercise your political rights.
Which countries allow dual citizenship?
Countries like Germany, the USA, Canada, Italy, the Philippines and Turkey allow dual citizenship. In Germany, citizens of all countries can in principle have dual citizenship as long as the laws of their home country allow it.
Which countries are not eligible for dual citizenship in Germany?
As a rule, dual citizenship is not possible with countries that do not recognize dual citizenship themselves or have strict regulations against it. Examples of this are: China, Japan, Austria, the Netherlands, Senegal.
What disadvantages or obligations are associated with dual citizenship?
Due to your multiple citizenship, you are generally obliged to pay taxes and perform military service in to pay taxes and perform military service in these countries. Stricter controls in these countries are also possible.
