Verlust/Beibehaltung der deutschen Staatsangehörigkeit

A German citizen loses their citizenship when they voluntarily acquire a foreign citizenship (Section 25 (1) sentence 1 of the Citizenship Act - StAG). In addition to an application for naturalization, voluntary acquisition also includes acquisition on the basis of an option, registration or declaration.

The loss of German citizenship does not occur if the German acquires the citizenship of another member state of the European Union, Switzerland or a state with which the Federal Republic of Germany has concluded a corresponding treaty under international law - there are currently no such treaties under international law (§ 25 Para. 1 Sentence 2 StAG).

In all other cases, the loss of German citizenship is only avoided if written permission to retain German citizenship has been granted prior to the acquisition of foreign citizenship. Subsequent approval is not possible.

The decision in the retention procedure must be awaited before the other nationality is accepted or acquired. Otherwise, German citizenship is automatically lost by law when the foreign citizenship is acquired, e.g. through naturalization.

The retention permit should be kept carefully, as it serves as proof of continued German citizenship despite the acquisition of another citizenship. Descendants who derive their German citizenship may also have to be able to prove this one day.

• Application for a retention permit
• German passport or identity card
• extended registration register information not older than 6 months
• Documents on birth, parentage and marital status
• curriculum vitae
• Statement on the continued existence of ties to Germany
• Detailed explanation of the reasons for the necessity of acquiring the other nationality and proof thereof
• Confirmation of naturalization from the other country (if available)

The original documents must be submitted with the application. Further documents may be required.

The retention permit can be granted if public or private interests justify the acquisition of foreign citizenship and the continuation of German citizenship and if there are no intergovernmental interests to the contrary.

The retention permit is subject to a fee: 255.00 euros

The application should be made in writing. An official form is not required. As a rule, a personal visit is required. It is advisable to make an appointment in advance.

The retention permit must be issued before the foreign nationality is acquired.

For an individual consultation and application, please contact if you are a permanent resident

• in Germany (Rhineland-Palatinate) to the citizenship authority responsible for your place of residence (in rural districts the district administration, in independent cities the city administration)
• outside Germany to the competent German diplomatic mission abroad or the Federal Office of Administration in Cologne

The decision on the retention application is made by the citizenship authority in the case of residence or permanent residence in Rhineland-Palatinate. In the case of permanent residence abroad, the Federal Office of Administration decides on the application for retention.