Dual Citizenship/Retention Permit

Generally, German law does not provide for dual citizenship; however, as is often the case, there are numerous exceptions. For instance, dual citizenship can be acquired by birth if the parents hold different nationalities. Furthermore, dual citizenship may be granted due to long-term residency in Germany, or if the generally required renunciation of previous citizenship is not possible or only possible under unreasonable circumstances. 

The admissibility of dual citizenship primarily depends on whether an EU citizen or a non-EU citizen seeks to acquire German citizenship. Additionally, there are special regulations for certain third countries. We ensure that your citizenship is properly determined and recognized. 

Please contact us if you have questions about dual citizenship; we are here to help – multilingual and with intercultural understanding.

• The authorities require you to renounce your current citizenship, and you are unsure if this is legally permissible?
• Do you wish to be naturalized without losing your current citizenship?
• Would renouncing your current citizenship entail significant financial disadvantages?
• Does your country of origin deny your release from your current citizenship?

Process and Support

• Initial consultation to discuss the next steps with the immigration authorities
• An initial out-of-court approach is possible with manageable costs.
• If an out-of-court resolution is not achieved, administrative court proceedings may follow.

Goals and Prospects of Success

• Naturalization with retention of original citizenship, where permissible
• If your application is rejected, it is possible to avoid lengthy and costly lawsuits before the administrative court through out-of-court representation with the naturalization authority.
• Should an out-of-court settlement not be achievable, a lawsuit can be filed against the rejection notice before the administrative court.

Time Commitment and Duration of Proceedings

• Consultations are available at any time and on short notice.
• Detailed consultations, including written expert opinions, are available by arrangement.
• The processing time for application approval largely depends on the cooperation of all parties involved.
• The duration of the legal proceedings is primarily determined by the administrative courts.

Costs and Fees

• An initial consultation for consumers is available for a maximum of Euro 190.00 plus statutory value-added tax.
• The costs for further, including written, consultation and representation depend on the scope, complexity, and significance for the client.
• For out-of-court representation, it is possible to agree upon fair flat fees.
• For court representation, billing is based on the Lawyers' Remuneration Act (RVG) or a flat fee agreement, with an early assessment of the anticipated cost risk.