As of 27 June 2024, German nationals may apply for any foreign nationality without relinquishing their German nationality. It is therefore no longer necessary to seek permission to retain a nationality. The corresponding naturalization certificate is sufficient as proof that the additional citizenship was not accepted before 27 June 2024 and that German citizenship was not lost.

Persons having acquired several nationalities by being born in Germany (i.e., by jus soli) must no longer decide between their German and the other nationality. There is no longer an obligation to opt out of one nationality.

Furthermore, persons can now be naturalised after having lived in Germany for five years, as opposed to the previous eight years.

The Act’s provisions are not retroactive regarding events prior to 27 June 2024. Previous provisions related to acquisition and relinquishment continue to apply to such “legacy” cases.

We provide answers to the most frequently asked questions below: