Dual citizenship in Germany: much more open than before
Germany receives a rating of 100 out of 100 points for Dual Citizenship Allowed. The assessment is very strong because Germany now permits multiple nationality much more broadly after the reform of nationality law.
For immigrants, long-term residents and international families, this is a major practical change. A person who lives in Germany and wants to naturalise has to treat the previous nationality as an obstacle much less often than under the older default approach.
The review is still two-sided. Germany may allow multiple nationality, but the origin country may have its own loss rules. The open approach also does not remove the requirements for naturalisation, identity evidence, language and livelihood.
What the measured value means
The measured starting point is a legal category: multiple nationality is generally allowed in Germany. Nomadino rates countries higher when this rule is clear, broad and practically usable for typical naturalisation cases.
The assessment considers whether a previous nationality can be kept during naturalisation, whether multiple nationality through birth and descent is stable, and whether the system is based on a broad rule rather than narrow exceptions.
Germany receives a very high rating because the former expectation to give up a previous nationality is no longer the normal barrier in many cases. Limits can still come from the law of other states, security questions or special situations.
Practical meaning for naturalisation and families
For many people living permanently in Germany, the more open law lowers the emotional and practical threshold for naturalisation. Family ties, inheritance, property, travel rights and identity no longer have to be weighed against German citizenship as often.
For families with more than one nationality, it creates more predictability. Children, spouses and naturalised parents can combine rights in Germany with ties to other countries, while still monitoring passport duties and possible obligations elsewhere.
From a relocation perspective, this makes Germany more attractive for people who plan to stay long term. Citizenship becomes more of an integration route and less of an either-or decision.
Rules, access and evidence
The German federal government and the Federal Ministry of the Interior explain the reformed naturalisation framework and the broader acceptance of multiple nationality. The Nationality Act and local authority practice remain decisive.
A person applying for naturalisation still needs to check the concrete requirements: residence time, identity, language, commitment to the constitutional order, livelihood and possible exclusion grounds.
The origin country’s law is crucial. Some states allow another nationality, some require permission and some treat it as an automatic loss event. That point should be checked before applying.
Limits of the assessment
The indicator does not measure how fast a local citizenship office processes an application or how hard document collection may be. Appointment availability and local administration remain practical bottlenecks.
Tax duties, military-service issues, inheritance and consular protection are not fully captured by this value. Multiple nationality can be possible without being consequence-free.
The high value therefore does not mean every case is simple. It means Germany now offers an open baseline rule in international comparison.
What to check before relying on this indicator
Before naturalisation, check whether the origin country allows the existing nationality to be kept after German citizenship is acquired.
Then review German naturalisation requirements, local authority, documents, translations and possible waiting times.
Families should also check children’s status, passport duties, naming rules, travel permissions and obligations in the second country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Germany allow dual citizenship?
Yes. Germany now permits multiple nationality much more broadly. The other country’s law still determines whether the existing nationality remains.
Has the old requirement to give up the previous nationality disappeared completely?
For typical naturalisation cases it is no longer the former default barrier, but special cases and foreign loss rules still need review.
Does this make naturalisation automatic?
No. Identity, language, residence time, livelihood and other legal requirements still apply.
Why is Germany rated so highly?
Because the baseline rule is now open, publicly explained and usable for many typical multiple-nationality cases.
Related indicators
- 🏠 Time to Permanent Residency or Citizenship
- 👪 Family Reunification
- 📜 Naturalization Requirements
- 🛡 Residence Status Stability
- 🧒 Residence Status for Spouses and Children
Sources
- German federal government - naturalisation and citizenship law
- Federal Ministry of the Interior - citizenship law modernisation
- Gesetze im Internet - German Nationality Act
This article was created on June 27, 2026
