Can You Keep Your Current Citizenship? German Dual Citizenship Explained
Whether you can hold a German passport alongside your existing nationality — and when Germany allows it.
In the descent and restoration routes covered by this guide — Article 116(2) and the StAG declaration routes — Germany generally allows dual citizenship, so you usually keep your existing nationality. Since 27 June 2024 Germany also permits dual citizenship for ordinary naturalisation. Rules can change, so confirm your specific case with the authority.
Does Germany allow dual citizenship?
For the routes in this guide, yes. People restoring citizenship under Article 116(2), or acquiring it by declaration under §5 or §15 of the Nationality Act (StAG), are permitted to hold German citizenship alongside another nationality. You are not asked to give up the passport you already have.
What changed in 2024
On 27 June 2024 a major reform of the German Nationality Act took effect, dropping the general requirement to renounce a previous nationality. Dual citizenship is now broadly accepted, including for ordinary naturalisation — not only the descent and restoration cases where it was already allowed.
Will your other country let you hold two passports?
That depends on the law of your current country of nationality, not on Germany. Some countries freely permit dual citizenship; a few restrict or discourage it. Check your own country’s rules before you apply, and confirm anything specific with the responsible authority.
Will I lose my current passport?
No — the descent and restoration routes allow dual citizenship.
Did the 2024 reform change this?
Yes — since 27 June 2024 Germany broadly permits dual citizenship, including for naturalisation.
Does my home country allow two passports?
That depends on your country’s own law — check locally.