Renouncing German Citizenship

German Citizenship Lawyers

Renouncing German Citizenship

German Citizenship Lawyers

Renouncing German citizenship can be a prerequisite for obtaining the citizenship of another country. As a rule, German nationality law does not permit dual nationality, especially when applying for citizenship of third countries (non-EU countries). However, there are other reasons for renouncing citizenship, ranging from tax and business decisions to personal reasons.

To provide our clients with the clarity they need, Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte offers expert legal assistance. Our lawyers have in-depth expertise in German citizenship law based on their many years of experience handling application procedures. They will be happy to take over the entire application process for you and ensure that all open questions are clarified with the relevant authorities so that the path to your new citizenship is cleared as quickly as possible and you can concentrate fully on your core tasks.

If you require expert assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our team directly.

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Our Services

Representation in the application process
  • Advice on the legal consequences of giving up German citizenship

  • Advice on the application procedure

  • Application for renunciation of German citizenship

  • Clarification of all open questions with the competent authorities

  • Obtaining all necessary documents

  • Representation in conflicts | Litigation | Out-of-court settlements | Arbitration
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Renouncing German Citizenship: What is Needed?

To renounce German citizenship, you must have dual or multiple citizenships. Voluntary renunciation of citizenship is not possible in Germany if this leaves the person without a recognised citizenship. Renunciation of German nationality is regulated in § 26 (1) StAG (Nationality Act) and states:

Germans may renounce their citizenship if they have multiple citizenships. Such a renunciation must be declared in writing.

Persons who wish to renounce their citizenship must present their documents and submit an application to the German embassy or consulate general responsible. Only after examination and approval can German citizenship be renounced, as § 26 (3) StAG standardises:

The loss of citizenship takes effect when the certificate of renunciation issued by the approving authority is handed over to the applicant.

The processing time is usually about four months. However, errors in the application can hinder the procedure and thus lead to a longer processing time. Our residence and immigration lawyers will assist you with your application and ensure all formalities and requirements are met. We advise clients worldwide to avoid any mistakes and pitfalls in their applications.

All minors or adults under care also need the consent of the German family court to renounce their nationality. In addition, there are certain occupational groups, such as soldiers in the German Armed Forces and active German civil servants, where an applicant cannot renounce their German citizenship. However, an exception is provided that the applicant has lived abroad continuously for at least ten years.

The Consequences of Renouncing German Citizenship

Renouncing German citizenship is an important decision and should not be taken lightly, as it can have significant consequences. The extent of the loss depends on which citizenship is accepted.

For example, if the other nationality is that of another EU country, you will still have the right to live, work, study and retire in Germany without needing a residence permit. However, if the other nationality is that of a third country, you lose EU freedom of movement. Such a loss can have significant consequences for your professional and private life.

If you have lost German citizenship and do not have citizenship of an EU country, you will need a residence permit in future to stay in Germany. This residence title should be suitable for the desired purpose, e.g. to take up gainful employment. By renouncing your German citizenship, you will basically be “regarded as a foreigner” in Germany.

Permission to retain German Citizenship

If you are a German citizen and take on the citizenship of another country, you often have to give up your German citizenship. However, it is possible to retain your German citizenship. According to § 25(2) StAG, German nationals can apply for a retention permit. However, this must be applied for before acquiring the other country’s citizenship.

Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte advises German nationals worldwide who wish to retain their nationality on all matters relating to the retention permit. It is advisable to consult legal counsel to ensure that the application meets the expectations of the German authorities. The application procedure has a processing time of about 14 months. However, errors in the application can still prolong the procedure.

Permission to Retain German Citizenship

According to § 13 StAG, former Germans can regain their citizenship after they have lost it. However, re-naturalisation can only be granted after a successful application. The criteria for regaining German citizenship include whether there is a public interest in the re-naturalisation. Among other things, this refers to the applicant not being a danger to the state and whether the applicant has a criminal record (and to what extent).

In addition, further naturalisation requirements must be met, such as a good knowledge of the German language, close ties to Germany and securing a livelihood.

When submitting the application, the applicant should act as if they failed to apply for the retention permit in time. It is assumed that the applicant would have been granted a retention permit if the application had been submitted in time and that the connection to Germany (which is required for the retention permit) still exists at the time of the application.

Insofar as the applicant lost their German citizenship before 1 January 2000 due to the lack of a retention permit, the re-acquisition can only be considered if there is a particular public interest. The private interest of the applicant is only given secondary consideration.

Our citizenship lawyers will support you in applying for the restoration of German citizenship. We will examine your case and advise you on your legal options and the requirements to be met. Our legal team will also assist you with the professional translation of the required documents.

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Contact our Lawyers for German Citizenship Law

Please use our online form to outline your request to us. After receiving your request, we will make a brief initial assessment based on the facts described and provide you with a cost offer. You can then decide whether you would like to engage our services.

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Email: info@se-legal.de
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Locations & Office Times

Mo – Fr: 09:00 – 19:00
24h Contact: 0221 93295960
Email: info@se-legal.de
Appointments made by telephone only.

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