What was officially decided?
According to the announcement on the Pakistani Embassy's website, all legal and administrative requirements for dual citizenship between Pakistan and Germany have been met. Germany is now officially part of Pakistan's multiple citizenship regulations.
Pakistani citizens living in Germany who wish to become naturalized citizens will therefore no longer lose their Pakistani citizenship as a result of Naturalization Germany.
What applied previously – and what is changing now?
Until now, many Pakistani citizens have faced a difficult decision. Anyone who wanted to become a naturalized citizen of Germany usually had to renounce their Pakistani citizenship. This often had far-reaching consequences—for example, in terms of property rights, inheritance law, banking matters, or even ties to their country of origin.
In the past, Pakistan had merely tolerated dual citizenship with Germany, but not in all cases. Many people wishing to become naturalized still had to give up their Pakistani passport.
With the new regulation, this obligation will officially cease to apply as of January 9, 2026. German and Pakistani citizenship can legally coexist in the future.
Pakistani citizenship can be reacquired
The decision is also particularly relevant for people who have renounced their Pakistani citizenship in the past in order to obtain a German passport.
According to the Pakistani Embassy in Berlin, further information on this matter will follow. A procedure is planned that will enable former Pakistani citizens to regain their citizenship. Details on the process, requirements, and necessary documents will be announced shortly.
Outside of Germany, Pakistan allows dual citizenship with 21 other countries, including several European states as well as the US, Canada, and Australia. With the addition of Germany, this circle is now significantly expanded.
According to the German federal government, around 98,800 people with Pakistani citizenship were living in Germany in May 2025.
Significance for everyday life, family, and career
Pakistani citizens who wish to live permanently in Germany and Naturalization will benefit most from this change.
Dual citizenship brings numerous advantages in everyday life for many of those affected. It creates legal certainty and allows political participation, facilitates travel, and enables family reunification.
Dual citizenship also ensures that those affected are recognized as full citizens in both countries and therefore do not lose or have to secure their existing legal rights—for example, in matters of property, inheritance, or family affairs.
Dual citizenship in Germany since 2024
Dual citizenship has been possible in Germany since 2024. The relevant regulation came into force on June 27, 2024, as part of the reform of nationality law.
Since then, it has been possible to acquire German citizenship without having to give up one's previous citizenship (provided that the country of origin also allows dual citizenship). Conversely, German citizens may also take on another citizenship without losing their German passport.
Anyone wishing to apply for dual citizenship in Germany must meet certain requirements. However, these do not differ from the regular requirements for Naturalization Section 10 of the German Nationality Act (StAG).
The requirements include:
- Residence: at least five years of legal and habitual residence in Germany
- Residence permit: a Residence permit Naturalization for Naturalization
- Identity: Proof of identity and previous nationality(ies)
- Livelihood: independently securing a livelihood for oneself and dependent family members (without social assistance or citizen's income)
- Language skills: sufficient knowledge of German at least at B1 level
- Naturalization test: passed the "Living in Germany" test or obtained a German school or vocational qualification
- Commitment: to the free democratic basic order, to Germany's historical responsibility, and to peaceful coexistence
- Immunity from prosecution: no serious crimes
Conclusion: What happens now?
Since January 9, 2026, Pakistan has officially allowed dual citizenship with Germany. For those wishing to become naturalized, this means that in future they will no longer have to choose between a Pakistani and a German passport – both nationalities are legally permissible.
In addition, the Pakistani Embassy in Berlin has announced that individuals who have renounced their Pakistani citizenship in the past can reacquire it. Specific information on the requirements and procedure will be published shortly.
However, one thing is already certain: in future naturalizations in Germany, it will no longer be necessary to renounce Pakistani citizenship.
