Have you heard the good news? Dual citizenship is now allowed in Germany!

In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about obtaining dual citizenship in Germany, including the recent changes, the requirements and how Polaron can assist you throughout this process.

What are the changes to Germany’s citizenship laws?

Previously, to obtain German citizenship, you had to renounce your current citizenship; this is no longer the case, assuming your current citizenship allows you to hold dual passports.

Becoming a German Citizen through Naturalization

Obtaining German citizenship through naturalization has always been an option, but it wasn’t the most straightforward process, as it required giving up your current citizenship. Fortunately, things have changed.

• Here are the updated requirements for becoming a German citizen through naturalization: 5 years of residence in Germany (reduced from 8 years of residence).
• Provide a B1 language certificate.
  • Alternatively, this can be reduced to 3 years of residence if you:
    • Provide a C1 language certificate (if applying after 3 years of residence).
    • Demonstrate special achievements in a German school, work or volunteer activities (Ehrenamt).
• Declare allegiance to the German Basic Law (German Constitution).
• Have no criminal record.
• Demonstrate the ability to support yourself (and family members) financially without social assistance from the German government.
• You need to be a legal resident in Germany.
• You need to pass the German citizenship test.
• You need to be 16 years or older to apply independently; if you are younger, you need to apply with your parent.
• You will no longer need to renounce your current citizenship!

What do these German Citizenship Law Changes mean for Children?

Are you wondering whether your (future) children will get German citizenship if they are born in Germany?

Your child born in Germany will only receive German citizenship if you or the other parent has been legally a resident in Germany for at least 5 years. However, if one or both parents are German citizens at the time of the child’s birth, the child will also be a German citizen.

Please note, this only applies to children born after this law came into effect on the 27^th of June 2024. If your child was born before this law was implemented, you or the other parent must have been a legal resident in Germany for at least 8 years or a German citizen at the time of the child’s birth.

What about the pathway to discretionary naturalization/re-naturalization? 

Discretionary naturalization and/or re-naturalization is an option for individuals to obtain/re-obtain German Citizenship by proving significant ties to Germany. One such successful case saw our client receive a positive decision within a year of receiving a quotation from Polaron European Citizenship. Our client displayed exemplary ties to Germany – Born to a German mother, speaks fluent German, has spent extensive time and owns property in Germany, and displayed a strong desire to reconnect with his heritage. If this sounds like you, get in touch below.

How can Polaron help me?

If you are interested in discovering if you are eligible for German citizenship through descent, restitution or discretionary naturalization (re-naturalization) please schedule a call with one of our EU Citizenship Experts .

We will ask you a few questions to better understand your family history and we will guide you through our assessment process as the first step to obtaining your German citizenship with Polaron.

Our assessments are free of charge and we will ask you to fill out our family tree template so we can carefully assess your eligibility and determine which pathway suits you best. We will consider all possible application options and in most cases can guarantee the outcome of your application if you proceed with our services.