What is dual citizenship?
Dual citizenship occurs when you want to retain the nationality of your country of origin at Naturalization and become German at the same time. When applying for German citizenship, the previous nationality remains and a separate application for dual citizenship is not necessary, as the current Naturalization Act allows multiple citizenship.
Where can I apply for dual citizenship?
You apply for dual citizenship in the same way as for normal citizenship Naturalization at the naturalization authority responsible for your main place of residence (where you are registered as living). When organizing the documents before applying for dual citizenship, you will also come into contact with the embassy of your home country as an authority.
Applying for dual citizenship: all the steps explained
If you are applying for dual citizenship for foreigners, it is important to have all documents fully organized beforehand and to be well informed about the application process. Let's go through all the important stages of the application step by step!
1. what you should consider before applying
You can consider the following things before submitting your application:
- Get help if necessary: If you have questions or do not understand something, get support in good time. The legal experts at migrando can actively help you with your dual citizenship application.
- No pre-registration necessary: You submit the application online or hand it in personally at the relevant naturalization office.
- Good preparation is important: the more complete and earlier you prepare the documents for the application for Naturalization with dual citizenship, the easier it is for the authorities to process them.
2. prepare the following documents
When applying for dual citizenship, a distinction is made between the usual application after 5 years of legal residence and the application for dual citizenship after 3 years with a C1 language certificate and special integration achievements.
You will need these documents when applying after 5 years:
- Correctly and completely filled out application form
- Successfully completed naturalization test (or proof of exemption from the naturalization test)
- signed declaration of loyalty with information sheet on commitment to the free democratic basic order of the Federal Republic of Germany
- Proof of Clarification of identity (passport or valid passport replacement)
- Proof of B1 certificate in German (or alternative proof, e.g. school or training qualification)
- Documents to prove that you and your family have sufficient means of subsistence
You can use this checklist to check whether your application is complete.
You will need these documents when applying after 3 years:
- Proof of a C1 certificate in German
- Correctly and completely filled out application form
- Successfully completed naturalization test (or alternative proof)
- signed declaration of loyalty with information sheet on commitment to the free democratic basic order of the Federal Republic of Germany
- Proof of Clarification of identity (passport or valid passport replacement)
- Documents to prove that you and your family have sufficient means of subsistence
- Proof of a special integration achievement (voluntary work, special school achievements, special professional achievements or professional qualifications)
You can use this checklist for the application after 3 years to check whether your application is complete.
When clarifying your identity, there may be situations where you are unable to have your identity clarified. In this case, it is important to provide precise evidence that you have attempted to clarify your identity and have followed the step-by-step model for Clarification of identity ! Legal assistance from a lawyer who will record your efforts in writing is important here.
3. how to submit the application
To apply, you must go to the naturalization authority responsible for you. Each adult and minors who apply alone pay 255 euros in accordance with § 38 StAG. Minor children who are naturalized together with their parents pay 51 euros.
You should have all the documents for the application and the money for the costs with you. It is important that you ask the authority for a confirmation of receipt as proof. This is necessary if you want to submit an Lawsuit for failure of act due to long waiting times.
4. what happens after the application
The naturalization authority now has 3 months to process your application for dual citizenship in accordance with administrative regulations. You can keep asking how far the processing has progressed. If the authority does not respond after 12 weeks, you have the option of lodging an appeal with the administrative court. Lawsuit for failure of act to the administrative court. The authority will then be given a binding deadline and will process your application more quickly.
5. if the authority approves dual citizenship
If the application was successful and approved, the following happens:
- Appointment for naturalization certificate: The naturalization authority will arrange an appointment with you for the ceremonial awarding of the Naturalization with certificate.
- Receiving the naturalization certificate: When you receive the certificate, you must now apply for a German passport yourself.
6. if the authority rejects your application
If the authorities reject your application for dual citizenship, various scenarios are possible.
- You have the option of appealing against this decision to the administrative courts.
- When lodging an objection, please observe the deadline of 2 weeks after the negative decision.
- Alternatively, you can sue directly (this is often the case in Bavaria).
If your application is rejected, always take a good look at the enclosed information on legal remedies. The options for reacting to the rejection of an application for naturalization vary from authority to authority!
How long it takes to apply for dual citizenship
In our experience, the time it takes to apply for dual citizenship varies depending on the location of the naturalization authority. Example: In Cottbus, the Naturalization usually takes 6-15 months. In Leipzig, however, it can take over 50 months to apply for dual citizenship. The reason for long waiting times is usually a lack of staff combined with a large number of applications.
Costs for the application for dual citizenship
The costs for applying for dual citizenship are specified throughout Germany in § 38 StAG. There are no differences between the federal states. An adult always pays 255 euros when applying for dual citizenship. A minor child who is naturalized with their parents pays 51 euros. If a minor child is naturalized alone, he or she pays 255 euros in the same way as adults.
We support you in applying for dual citizenship
When it comes to applying for dual citizenship, our many years of experience have equipped us with expert legal knowledge and we know how to communicate with the authorities. Let us walk the path to your dual citizenship together. We are here to support you!
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about applying for dual citizenship
Is it possible to apply for dual citizenship retrospectively?
Yes, unlike the former option obligation, dual citizenship is permitted under the current Naturalization Act. If you previously decided against German citizenship because you gave up the citizenship of your home country, you can now apply for German citizenship and thus become a dual citizen.
When can you apply for dual citizenship?
You can apply for dual citizenship regularly after 5 years or after 3 years of residence (with a C1 certificate and special integration achievements) in Germany. The decisive factor is that you fulfill the requirements according to § 10 StAG.
Can I apply for dual citizenship online?
Yes, you can apply for Naturalization with dual citizenship online at many authorities in Germany. Alternatively, you always have the option of submitting the application in person at the authority and having the application countersigned as confirmation upon receipt.
What does dual citizenship cost?
Dual citizenship costs 255 euros for adults. If underage children are naturalized at the same time, they pay 51 euros. Minor children who apply for dual citizenship on their own pay 255 euros in the same way as adults.
How long does dual citizenship last?
The duration of dual citizenship depends on the location of the naturalization authority where you submit your application. For some authorities it takes 6-18 months and for others over 50 months.
Where do I apply for dual citizenship?
You apply for dual citizenship at the naturalization authority responsible for you. This is the authority responsible for your place of residence.
