Die doppelte Staatsbürgerschaft – explained!

Dual citizenship is an important topic for many people with a migration background. It allows individuals to be legally rooted in two countries at the same time – whether for family, professional, or personal reasons. In this article, we will discuss what dual citizenship means, the requirements, and the benefits it brings.

What is Dual Citizenship? 

Dual citizenship refers to the condition where a person holds the nationality of two countries simultaneously. This means that they are legally bound to both countries and are entitled to the rights and responsibilities in both. Dual citizenship can arise through birth, descent, naturalization, or special legal provisions. It offers numerous benefits, such as unrestricted residency rights and access to social benefits in both countries, but it may also bring obligations like taxes or compulsory military service.

Dual Citizenship in Germany since June 2024 

Until June 2024, individuals had to renounce their previous nationality to acquire German citizenship. With the reform of the Citizenship Law, dual citizenship is now allowed, meaning you can acquire German citizenship without giving up your original nationality. This new law reflects the growing recognition of global living realities.

Is More than Two Nationalities Allowed? 

Since June 2024, Germany has allowed not only dual citizenship but also multiple citizenships. It is possible to have more than one nationality in addition to German citizenship. However, the other countries must also permit dual citizenship.

Can a Former Citizenship Be Reclaimed? 

If you had to renounce your original citizenship to acquire German nationality, there is now an option to reclaim it without losing your German citizenship. This is only possible if your country of origin also permits dual citizenship. Contact the relevant consulate for information and to potentially apply for naturalization.

Benefits of Dual Citizenship

• Freedom of Travel: Dual citizens enjoy the benefits of both passports, such as visa-free travel or preferred entry conditions in multiple countries.
  

• Unrestricted Residency Rights: You can live, work, and study in both countries without needing additional permits or facing restrictions.
  

• Social Security: Dual citizens have access to social services, including healthcare and pension systems, in both countries.
  

• Career Opportunities: Dual citizenship opens up better career prospects by granting access to labor-law-protected professions in both countries.
  

• Strong Ties to Both Countries: You can maintain cultural, familial, and legal connections to both home countries.
  

• Inheritance and Property Rights: Dual citizens benefit from legal provisions in both countries regarding property acquisition and inheritance.
  

• Security: In times of crisis, dual citizenship can offer the option to relocate to another country.
  

Countries That Allow Dual Citizenship:

Africa Egypt, Algeria, Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Djibouti, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, Kenya, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lesotho, Malawi, Mali, Morocco, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, South Sudan, Chad, Tunisia, Uganda

Asia Afghanistan, Armenia, Bahrain, Georgia, Iraq, Israel, Yemen, Jordan, Cambodia, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Oman, Palestine, Philippines, Russia, Syria, Tajikistan, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam

Oceania Australia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

Europe Albania, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Denmark, Germany, Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Croatia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, Serbia, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Turkey, Hungary, United Kingdom, Vatican City, Cyprus

Americas Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Canada, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Peru, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Uruguay, Venezuela, United States

Countries that do not allow dual citizenship:

Africa Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Botswana (allowed until the age of 21), Ivory Coast (after approval, a foreign nationality can be acquired, with the original nationality being renounced), Eritrea, Eswatini, Guinea, Cameroon (allowed until the age of 18), Democratic Republic of the Congo (allowed until the age of 21), Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Mauritania, Senegal, Zimbabwe (only permissible with a contrary nationality), South Africa (for citizens who were naturalized before birth; South African citizenship is affected if a foreign nationality is acquired), Tanzania (allowed until the age of 18), Togo (only in exceptions, if the original nationality is renounced), Central African Republic (except in cases where a foreign nationality is applied for and approved)

Asia Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei (allowed until the age of 18), China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan (allowed until the age of 22), Kazakhstan, Qatar, Kuwait, Laos, Malaysia (allowed until the age of 22), Myanmar, Nepal, North Korea, Oman (only allowed by royal decree of the Sultan), Saudi Arabia (allowed by decree of the Prime Minister), Singapore, South Korea (possible under special circumstances), Uzbekistan

Europe Andorra, Azerbaijan, Estonia, Lithuania, Monaco, Netherlands (the Dutch government is already working on easing dual citizenship), Austria (only possible in exceptional cases, such as birth with two nationalities or after state approval), San Marino (allowed until the age of 18), Slovakia, Ukraine

Americas Cuba, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago (only for citizens by birth or descent)

How to Obtain Dual Citizenship 

You may be eligible for dual citizenship through:

• Birth: If you were born in Germany, you may automatically acquire German citizenship if one of your parents has lived in Germany for at least five years.
  

• Marriage: If married to a German citizen, you may apply for citizenship after three years of legal residence and at least two years of marriage.
  

• Naturalization: Since June 2024, it is now possible to retain your previous nationality when naturalizing in Germany, allowing you to hold multiple nationalities.

Conclusion 

Dual citizenship offers many advantages, particularly in terms of freedom of travel and access to rights in multiple countries. As of June 2024, it will be easier to retain German citizenship while preserving your heritage.

If you have any questions or are interested in obtaining citizenship, feel free to reach out to us. As experienced professionals in migration law, we are here to assist you with personalized legal advice.