Miami, FL Law Blog for Entertainment Law, Business Law, and Public Interest

Do You Lose German Citizenship When You Become American? (2025 Update)

If you’re a German citizen living in the United States and thinking about naturalizing, one of the most common concerns is: Will I lose my German citizenship if I become a U.S. citizen?

This used to be a real risk. But thanks to Germany’s 2024 reform, the answer for most people moving forward is: No, you won’t lose it – if you naturalize after the new law came into effect.

The Old Rule: Retention Permit Required

Until June 2024, German citizens needed a Beibehaltungsgenehmigung (retention permit) if they wanted to take another nationality-like U.S. citizenship-without giving up their German one. Without this permit, German citizenship was automatically lost upon naturalization in most non-EU countries.

The New Rule (Since June 27, 2024)

Under the reformed Staatsangehörigkeitsgesetz (Nationality Act), German citizens no longer need a retention permit when acquiring a second nationality. This means you can now become a U.S. citizen and keep your German citizenship-as long as your naturalization takes place after June 27, 2024.

What If You Became American Before 2024?

Unfortunately, the law is not retroactive. If you naturalized before June 27, 2024 without a valid retention permit, you most likely lost your German citizenship. However, you might be eligible for simplified re-naturalization under §15 StAG – especially if you can show ties to Germany or were impacted by outdated laws.

Conclusion

Germany’s updated law means dual citizenship with the U.S. is now widely allowed. But your timeline matters. If you already naturalized or are unsure about your current status, it’s a good idea to speak with an attorney who understands both U.S. and German citizenship law.