FAQ Loss
How do you lose German citizenship?
1. I have applied for another citizenship. Am I still a German citizen?
It depends on which citizenship you applied for and on the date you acquired the other citizenship, because as of June 27, 2024, Germany allows dual citizenship. That new law is not retroactive. Hence, for cases before that, applying for another citizenship and then naturalizing to become a citizen of another country did in most cases result in the loss of German citizenship. That could have only been prevented if a retention permit (Beibehaltungsgenehmigung) had been issued before the naturalization was finalized. The legal basis for this was the former Section 25 Paragraph 2 Citizenship Act. In 2007, the legal situation had changed regarding Germans who want to be naturalized in an EU country or in Switzerland: in these cases, no retention permit was required. However, if, for example, you yourself applied for naturalization to become a citizen of the USA, Canada, New Zealand or Australia without a permit, the German citizenship would have been lost. If you lost your German citizenship between January 1, 2000 and June 26, 2024 and are interested in reobtaining it, please contact us to schedule a consultation.
2. I automatically became American as a child because my parents became US citizens by application while I was a minor. Have I lost my German citizenship?
No, generally the loss of German citizenship only occurs if you have submitted your own application. In the event of automatic acquisition, for example by the Child Citizenship Act 2000 in the USA, German citizenship is not lost. Under very rare circumstances a loss might have occurred if the requirements of Section 19 StAG would be fulfilled.
Since June 26, 2024 Germany allows dual citizenship as a general rule. The law is not retroactive, hence the above still applies for pre-June 26, 2024 cases.
3. Loss due to persecution by the Nazi regime
Special regulations apply that we treat separately on this website. See “Restoration of Citizenship According to Article 116 par. 2 of the Basic Law” or the new Section 15 StAG.
4. Can you lose German citizenship by joining a foreign armed force?
Voluntary entry into the foreign armed forces or comparable armed associations of a foreign state, of which the applicant is also a national, has basically been a reason for loss since January 1, 2000. However, this is only the case if entry occurs without the prior consent of the German Federal Ministry of the Defense. As of July 6, 2011, the procedure has been simplified and approval is deemed to have been granted to Germans who are citizens of EU or NATO member states. Please note that there are a few other countries added, that are not listed here.
5. Are there other reasons for loss of German citizenship?
Yes, German citizenship can be lost through waiver, discharge and, since January 1, 1977, through adoption by foreign parents.
German citizenship is complicated and of course each situation is unique and navigating the legal requirements and application process is complex. This FAQ does not substitute, nor constitute, legal advice.
ELLEN VON GEYSO, P.A.
Attorney at law
Admitted in Florida and Germany
1395 Brickell Ave., Suite 900
Miami, Florida 33131, USA
Phone: +1 (305) 967-9003
Fax: +1 (305) 200-8801
Email: info@vongeyso.com
Website: https://www.vongeyso.com