Dual citizenship in Germany: can I keep my original nationality?
Translated from the Arabic original. Read in Arabic
For many years, having to give up your original citizenship was the biggest obstacle to naturalisation for many immigrants in Germany. Plenty met every requirement but never applied, because giving up the citizenship of their homeland was emotionally and practically hard because of inheritance, property and family. The 2024 reform changed this fundamentally.
What changed in 2024?
Until mid-2024 Germany generally required you to give up your original citizenship when naturalising, except for citizens of EU countries and Switzerland and some special cases. With the Nationality Modernisation Act (StARModG) taking effect on 27 June 2024, dual citizenship became generally allowed for everyone who naturalises, whatever their country of origin, without giving up their previous citizenship.
But note: Germany is not the only party
German law only decides whether Germany requires you to give up your citizenship. Whether your country of origin lets you keep its citizenship after you acquire another is decided by that country’s law alone. Some countries explicitly allow multiple citizenship, some withdraw it automatically when you acquire a foreign one, and some require prior permission. So before applying, ask your country’s embassy or consulate about its current law, in writing if possible.
Does dual citizenship affect the other requirements?
No. The dual citizenship question is completely separate from the other requirements: at least 5 years of residence, German at B1, self-sufficiency, a clean criminal record and the constitutional commitment. All must be met regardless of what you decide about your original citizenship.
What about children born in Germany?
The same reform made it easier for children born in Germany to become German at birth: it is usually enough for one parent to have lived lawfully and habitually in Germany for 5 years (previously 8) and to hold a permanent right of residence. These children no longer have to choose between two citizenships as adults, as they once did, and can keep both.
Practical points after naturalisation
If you keep two citizenships, you will usually need to enter your country of origin with its passport, and Germany and the EU with your German passport. In your country of origin you are normally treated as its citizen only, so do not expect full German consular protection there. Check your obligations in your country of origin, such as military service or renewing documents, because German citizenship does not cancel them.
This article is general information, not legal or tax advice. Laws change, so check the official sources below or the competent authority for your situation. Found a mistake? Tell us.