Pakistan allows dual citizenship with Germany

For many Pakistani citizens in Germany, the decision to obtain German citizenship was a difficult one. Those seeking full political participation and legal equality in their new home often had to sacrifice a part of their identity: their Pakistani citizenship. This bureaucratic renunciation was not only an emotional hurdle but also brought tangible legal and economic disadvantages back home . However, since January 9, 2026, the situation has changed. An official announcement from the Pakistani Embassy in Berlin marks the end of an era of exclusivity. Pakistan has officially added Germany to the list of countries with which dual citizenship is permitted. As your visa law experts at VISAGUARD, we are following this change closely, as it fundamentally alters the life plans of nearly 100,000 people in Germany.

The legal breakthrough: What has changed since January 2026

Behind the scenes, the legal and administrative groundwork has been laid to establish a solid foundation for dual citizenship between Pakistan and Germany . Previously, the situation was characterized by uncertainty. While German law paved the way for dual citizenship as early as June 2024 , Pakistan remained restrictive in its implementation. Pakistani citizenship was often merely tolerated upon naturalization in Germany or was lost altogether. Now, Germany is officially part of Pakistan's dual citizenship regulations. This means that, as an applicant, acquiring German citizenship no longer automatically results in the loss of your Pakistani passport. We see this as a milestone for integration, as the legal bridge between the two nations can now be crossed without the loss of property rights or inheritance claims in the country of origin .

Returning to identity: Reacquiring Pakistani citizenship

A particularly interesting aspect of this new regulation concerns those who have already undergone the naturalization process in the past and, with a heavy heart, had to relinquish their Pakistani passport. We know from our experience advising clients that many former Pakistani citizens wish to regain their original nationality . The Pakistani Embassy has sent promising signals in this regard: a special procedure is planned to facilitate the reacquisition of citizenship. Although the detailed implementing regulations and the list of required documents are still being finalized, it appears that Pakistan intends to pave the way for a streamlined, unbureaucratic process. We are closely monitoring announcements from diplomatic missions to inform our clients immediately as soon as the first applications for reacquisition can be submitted.

The German perspective: Naturalization according to § 10 StAG

On the German side, this decision aligns perfectly with the reform of the Nationality Act (StAG) of June 27, 2024. The legislature has abandoned the principle of avoiding dual citizenship. If you now seek naturalization, the standard requirements of Section 10 of the Nationality Act apply . Our law firm reviews applications daily to determine whether the individual requirements are met. This primarily includes at least five years of legal residence in Germany. Furthermore, you must hold a residence permit that entitles you to naturalization and be able to support yourself and your dependents without public assistance.

In our consultations, we place particular emphasis on demonstrating language skills at the B1 level and successfully completing the "Living in Germany" test. The new regulations from Islamabad simply mean that the previously often necessary step of renouncing Pakistani citizenship is no longer required in the German naturalization process. This not only speeds up the process with the German naturalization authorities but also relieves applicants of considerable psychological pressure.

Practical advantages and long-term security

The effects of this decision extend to almost all areas of life. By obtaining dual citizenship, you secure extensive rights in both countries . In Germany, naturalization grants you full voting rights and unrestricted freedom of movement within the EU . At the same time, your rights in Pakistan—for example, regarding banking matters, property acquisition, or inheritance—remain fully intact. We often observe that dual citizenship strengthens ties to extended family , as travel and longer stays in the country of origin remain possible without visa restrictions. Germany's inclusion among the 22 countries with which Pakistan permits dual citizenship is therefore a clear commitment to the reality of global mobility.

Conclusion: A new path for Pakistani citizens

In summary, Pakistan's official recognition of dual citizenship represents a historic opportunity . The conflict between Pakistani identity and full integration as a German citizen has been legally resolved. Since January 9, 2026, dual citizenship is no longer a privilege, but an accessible path for all who meet the requirements of Section 10 of the German Nationality Act (StAG) . Our law firm will support you in navigating this path with legal certainty, whether you are applying for German citizenship for the first time or reacquiring your Pakistani nationality in the future. The legal security this new regulation provides is the foundation for a worry-free future in both worlds.

Further information on dual citizenship in Germany as Pakistani can be found on the homepage of the Pakistani Embassy in Germany .