Dual Citizenship - Two Passports After Naturalization in Germany

Dual Citizenship After German Naturalization - What Matters

For many people, dual citizenship is the central question when considering naturalization in Germany. The concern used to be serious: becoming German might mean giving up your original nationality.

Today the situation is considerably different. Under German law, multiple nationality is in principle possible upon naturalization. This means many people can obtain the German passport without being required under German law to give up their original nationality.

Nevertheless the topic should not be underestimated. Because alongside German law, the law of the country of origin always plays a role too.

"Dual citizenship sounds simple. In practice, however, it must be examined what Germany permits and what the country of origin makes of it."

• →Tom Beisel, Attorney

Attorney Tom Beisel advises clients on naturalization, multiple nationality and questions relating to the German passport.

What Dual Citizenship Means

Dual citizenship means that a person is simultaneously a national of two states - holding for example both a German passport and a Russian, Turkish, Ukrainian or Syrian nationality, or the nationality of another EU or non-EU state. In practice people also speak of a dual passport or multiple nationality.

Under German law, giving up the original nationality is no longer the standard requirement it once was. This is a significant advantage for many applicants. But it does not automatically mean that the country of origin will also retain the original nationality. Some states recognize dual citizenship, others do not or only to a limited extent.

Why Dual Citizenship Matters So Much

For many people the original nationality is more than just a document. It is connected to family, heritage, property, inheritance law, travel, professional ties and identity.

Typical reasons for wanting to keep the original nationality include family remaining in the country of origin, real estate or inheritance matters there, simplified travel, professional connections across two countries, and the emotional bond to one's origins. At the same time the German passport brings full political participation, EU freedom of movement, no further requirement for a residence permit, and long-term legal security in Germany.

What Must Be Checked Before the Application

Before naturalization, several points should be examined. The most important is whether the country of origin permits dual citizenship or whether acquiring a foreign nationality leads to automatic loss of the original one. Some states require notification or registration when a further nationality is acquired. Others may have implications for military service, tax obligations, family law or inheritance rights.

Mistakes in this area can have consequences that cannot easily be reversed. Those who are naturalized as German without checking the position of their country of origin may find that they have unexpectedly lost their original nationality.

Common Misunderstandings

Several misunderstandings arise frequently. Many people assume that because Germany permits dual citizenship, nothing will happen in their country of origin. Or that both passports can automatically be retained. Or that the embassy of the country of origin must simply accept the situation.

These assumptions can be dangerous. Each case requires a separate look at what the country of origin provides for when its national acquires German citizenship.

Families, Children and Special Constellations

Children can acquire multiple nationalities through birth, descent or later naturalization. In families where one parent is German and the other has a different nationality, or where children were born in Germany to foreign parents, the nationality situation can be complex.

Family cases should never be examined in isolation for just one person. Spouses and children should be considered together, since the naturalization of one family member can affect the nationality status of others.

When the authority asks follow-up questions - about name spelling, conflicting dates of birth, old passports, documents from the country of origin or translations - these must be answered in a structured and complete way. Unresolved inconsistencies are one of the most frequent causes of delays and rejections.

When Legal Advice Makes Particular Sense

Legal advice is particularly valuable when multiple nationalities are involved, documents from the country of origin are missing, names are spelled differently in different documents, the authority is asking follow-up questions, the naturalization authority has not responded for months, children or spouses are also affected, earlier nationalities are unclear, or the country of origin treats dual citizenship problematically.

In straightforward cases an application without a lawyer can work. But where there is uncertainty, follow-up questions or delay, the proceedings should not be left to chance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dual citizenship permitted in Germany?

Under German law, multiple nationality is in principle possible upon naturalization. Nevertheless the consequences under the law of the country of origin must always be examined separately.

Do I have to give up my old passport?

Under German law, giving up the original nationality is no longer the standard requirement. Whether the old passport is retained under the law of the country of origin is a separate question that depends on that country's rules.

Can my country of origin strip me of my nationality?

This depends on the law of the country of origin. Some states permit multiple nationality; others provide for loss or restrictions when a foreign nationality is acquired.

Can I as a German acquire a further nationality?

Under current German law, acquiring a foreign nationality no longer automatically leads to loss of German citizenship. The law of the other state must however be examined separately.

Does dual citizenship also apply to children?

Children can hold multiple nationalities depending on birth, descent and naturalization. Family cases should always be examined together.

Would you like to apply for the German passport while keeping your original nationality? Attorney Tom Beisel examines your situation, structures the required documents and supports you throughout the naturalization proceedings. Get in touch directly.