Many of the people turning to us might also have a claim to another EU nationality, such as Poland, Austria, Portugal, Italy, or Romania, to name a few examples. We are often questioned as to why opting for German nationality is preferrable over other potential citizenships.
Sometimes we are even asked whether it would be less costly to take on a different EU nationality.
Unfortunately, we are no experts on the laws of other countries a person might be eligible to naturalize in. We don’t know the documentary or formal requirements, nor do we know processing times or costs. However, we are certain that there are experts out there, who can advise.
What we do know with certainty, is the following:
Any citizenship an applicant entitled to German citizenship has acquired prior to applying German citizenship can be retained, as far as the German authorities are concerned. We know that very many countries like the UK, the USA, Australia, or Canada accept dual or even multiple nationalities and therefore our international clients from these areas can absolutely obtain their German citizenship without having to give up their current nationality.
When it comes to other citizenships, we strongly advise to verify with the original citizenship country whether they allow dual or multiple naturalizations before applying for German citizenship.
In general, once German citizenship is obtained, naturalizing in another country can lead to the loss of German citizenship unless a petition to retain the existing citizenship has been granted by the German authorities prior to the receipt of the new citizenship.
This however does not apply to the acquisition of another EU or Swiss citizenship! Since 2007 naturalizing in any of the other EU countries or Switzerland will not lead to loss of German citizenship.
In the Global Passport Ranking for 2023, when compared to the passports of the world, in regards of visa-free or visa on arrival travel, the German passport holds a very solid 3rd place. Austria places 5th, followed by both Portugal and France in 6th place, Poland is ranked 9th and Romania comes in as 17th.
If you are in the lucky position to be eligible for multiple EU citizenships, we suggest you apply to naturalize in the country you find naturalization the easiest, for which you have or can obtain the strongest documentation to base your case on. Be sure to find professional and efficient guidance to navigate through the formalities and the process.
Should you choose Germany, we would be delighted to assist you!