Right to Keep Your Original Nationality When Acquiring German Citizenship: List of Countries That Require Renunciation of the Original Nationality

When applying for German citizenship, most applicants are required to give up their original nationality. However, there are exceptions and facilitations that depend on the country of origin and on individual circumstances. The rules differ according to the nationality of origin and the specific case.

General rule in Germany
As a rule, applicants are required to renounce their previous nationality when acquiring German citizenship, in accordance with Section 12 of the German Nationality Act (Staatsangehörigkeitsgesetz – StAG).

Exceptions: Cases in which keeping the original nationality is allowed include, for example:

• Citizens of EU member states or Switzerland.

• Situations where the country of origin does not allow renunciation of its nationality.

• Other exceptional cases in which the German authorities permit dual nationality.

Countries that usually require renunciation of the original nationality

The majority of countries require their citizens to give up their original nationality when they acquire a foreign one. Among them are:

• Most Middle Eastern and North African countries (such as Syria, Iraq, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia).

• Asian countries such as India, China, Pakistan.

• Latin American countries such as Mexico, Brazil, Argentina.

• Most countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

Countries whose citizens are usually allowed to keep their original nationality easily or automatically

• EU member states such as: France, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, Austria, and others.

• Switzerland

• Canada

• United States of America (with certain conditions and limitations).

• Australia

• New Zealand

What to do if your country requires you to renounce your nationality

• Check the nationality laws of your country of origin to understand the procedures and conditions.

• Submit a formal renunciation request before or after acquiring German citizenship, depending on the specific requirements.

• In some cases, you may apply for an exemption from the renunciation requirement when submitting your German citizenship application, provided you give convincing reasons.

Important tips

• Consult the embassy or consulate of your country of origin to clarify your exact legal situation.

• Seek advice from an immigration lawyer to ensure that you follow the correct procedures.

• Keep all documents relating to renunciation or exemption requests as proof to protect your legal rights.

Conclusion

Whether you can keep your original nationality when acquiring German citizenship depends on your country of origin and its nationality laws. In most cases, renunciation is required, but there are important exceptions, especially for EU countries and some other states. Understanding these rules in detail and obtaining legal advice will help you make the right decision without losing important rights.

The editorial and writing team of this website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and consultation of multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors may occur, or certain details may be incomplete or not fully confirmed. Therefore, the information contained in these articles should be regarded as a preliminary reference, and you should always contact the competent authorities and official bodies for definitive and legally binding information.