German citizenship can be obtained in numerous different ways. This also applies to individuals who were German nationals before.
Naturalization in a foreign state
A German national who accepted a foreign citizenship would simultaneously automatically lose their German citizenship. This did not require any effort on the individual’s or the competent authority’s part. Instead, German citizenship would be lost in the moment in which one took the oath for different state. This could be avoided by applying for a so-called retention permit in advance. This certificate would allow someone to become a dual citizen and not lose their respective German citizenship.
As of June 27, 2024, the German citizenship will no longer be lost automatically. If one was naturalized in a foreign state on or after June 27, 2024, one did not lose the German citizenship and became a dual citizen instead. This new law is not retroactive.
If you as a German national accepted a foreign citizenship bevor June 27, 2024, without obtaining a retention permit first, you automatically lost your German citizenship.
Re-naturalization possibilities
In this case, German citizenship can be regained under particular, individual circumstances. There are two different re-naturalization procedures:
Loss of German citizenship before 01.01.2000
Loss of German citizenship after 01.01.2000
For individuals who were naturalized in a foreign state after January 1, 2000, there is the option of a so-called simplified re-naturalization. However, this name is misleading as it describes a procedure just as lengthy and complex before the competent authority. For a simplifies re-naturalization, one must prove that one would have received a retention permit on the day of the loss of the German citizenship. It must also be proven that one is still fluent in German and maintains strong connections to both Germany and the new home country.
For all naturalizations in foreign states before January 1, 2000, one must prove that Germany has a significant public interest in the re-naturalization. The standard for this procedure is high.
In both situations, an individual assessment is required. Every respective circumstance must be scrutinized to evaluate whether a re-naturalization procedure would be successful.
Outcome of a re-naturalization procedure
After a successful re-naturalization application, you will receive a certificate of naturalization which can then be used to apply for a German passport. Your naturalization is not retroactive and does not extend to other family members. Everyone must file their own application with the competent authority.
We at SNP Canada Ltd. have specialized in German citizenship law over many years and have filed numerous, successful re-naturalization applications for our clients. We would be happy to assist you in assessing your chances for a successful procedure in an individual consultation.
