Does Germany allow dual citizenship with the UK after Brexit?

German UK dual citizenship post Brexit 

Dual citizenship allows an individual to hold two citizenships concurrently. Due to the UK leaving the EU, dual citizenship regulations have changed between British citizens and people of German citizenship. Dual citizenship will remain granted for certain individuals who acquired dual nationality before the Brexit transition period. For those wishing to acquire dual citizenship from now on, you will be required to renounce your current nationality.

Germany is one of the few EU countries with strict controls on dual citizenship, so it is important to understand the regulations and your eligibility as British citizens before considering acquiring dual citizenship. The United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union has directly impacted the dual nationality process between Great Britain and Germany.

Whilst Germany allows dual nationality for EU citizens from other EU countries, after Britain’s departure, some British nationals will be required to choose between the two nationalities due to the new absence of free movement.

Page Contents

• What if I applied for dual citizenship before or during the transition period?
• What if I wish to apply for dual citizenship after 31st December 2020?
• Is It Worth Renouncing My British Citizenship To Acquire German Citizenship?
• How Can Birmingham Immigration Lawyers Help?
• Frequently Asked Questions

What if I applied for dual citizenship before or during the transition period?

Dual German UK citizenship was permitted by naturalization during the Brexit transition period. Up until the end of the transition period (31st December 2020), applicants could apply for dual nationality as EU citizens do not need to give up their previous citizenship to attain dual citizenship.

Provided that all of your naturalization requirements were met by December 31st, 2020, and your application was made by this date, your application for dual citizenship would have been valid. You can retain this dual citizenship indefinitely.

What if I wish to apply for dual citizenship after 31st December 2020?

For those seeking dual German UK citizenship after the Brexit transition period has ceased, it will be a case of renouncing your current nationality status and applying for the naturalization process. It was strongly advised to apply for dual German UK citizenship before the transitional period ended.

British citizens wishing to attain German citizenship, will be required to renounce their British citizenship to be eligible to apply for German Citizenship. Germany is fast becoming an increasingly popular destination for UK nationals looking to emigrate.

Typically, most German Citizens will acquire German Citizenship through birth or familial routes, but for British people looking to reside in Germany permanently as German citizens, naturalization is the best route for formally abiding with the German law on living in the country as German citizens.

If you need help understanding whether you are eligible for dual citizenship, speak to our legal experts today by calling: 0121 667 6530 or contact us online.

Is It Worth Renouncing My British Citizenship To Acquire German Citizenship?

Since German and British dual citizenship is not allowed the decision to renounce your British citizenship in exchange for German citizenship is an entirely personal decision based on your own circumstances.

Those living within Germany as British nationals are able to remain and remain protected under the EU-UK withdrawal agreement.

Although your residence status will be protected, British nationals will not have access to the same rights as German nationals or others with EU Citizenship now the United Kingdom has left the European Union.

Applying before the deadline would have allowed you access to both sets of rights for British and German citizens.