New paths in German citizenship law: Germany opens up to dual citizenship

With the passing of the new law on the modernisation of citizenship law by Germany’s federal parliament, which will come into force on 26 June 2024, Germany is experiencing a turnaround in its policy on dual citizenship. Until now, Germans who took on citizenship of another country regularly had to give up their German citizenship unless they received special authorisation to retain their German citizenship. This is now changing fundamentally.

Following the change in the law, individuals who acquire foreign citizenship after the end of June can automatically retain their German citizenship without the need for a retention permit. The aim of this regulation is to facilitate living and working across national borders and to promote intercultural exchange.

The innovation is particularly significant for intercultural families and Germans living abroad. This legislative step sends a signal to German communities worldwide, recognises the realities of a globally connected life, and allows citizens to live in other countries without worrying about losing their citizenship rights.

It aims to strengthen ties to the homeland and facilitate integration into new environments. At the same time, it should be noted that multiple nationality must be accepted on both sides, meaning that the receiving state must also allow the retention of German citizenship.