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Renounce German citizenship
All information on voluntarily renouncing German citizenship.
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how you can renounce your German citizenship
what conditions must be met to renounce German citizenship
what the difference is between dismissal and resignation
how the practical administrative procedure for relinquishing citizenship works
1. How does one renounce German citizenship?
2. Requirements for renouncing German citizenship
3. Difference between resignation and renunciation of German citizenship
4. Waiver procedure at the Federal Office of Administration
5. FAQ: Renounce citizenship
6. Conclusion: Renounce citizenship
1. How does one renounce German citizenship?
Renunciating German citizenship is a significant legal step that should be carefully considered. Anyone who decides to give up their German citizenship loses all associated rights – such as the right to vote, freedom of movement within the EU, and diplomatic protection from German authorities. Release from citizenship is only possible upon application and generally requires that another citizenship has already been acquired or that its acquisition is guaranteed. The process is final and should therefore only be undertaken after careful consideration of the personal, legal, and practical consequences.
Individuals with multiple nationalities can renounce their German citizenship by submitting a declaration of renunciation ( § 26 para. 1 StAG ). This is often necessary if they assume political office in another country, enter the civil service, or if the other country does not permit dual citizenship. Tax and social security reasons can also motivate the relinquishment of German citizenship.
2. Requirements for renouncing German citizenship
For the renunciation to become legally effective, the nationality authority (Federal Office of Administration (BVA)) must approve the declaration and issue a certificate of renunciation (§ 26 para. 2 StAG). Renunciation of German citizenship is only possible under the following conditions:
Multiple citizenship: The person must possess at least one other citizenship so that they are not stateless after renouncing their citizenship.
Approval by the Federal Office of Administration (BVA): The application must be submitted in writing to the Federal Office of Administration (BVA).
For minors and those under guardianship: For minor children or adults under guardianship, court approval is required.
No compulsory military service: If the applicant is subject to compulsory military service, approval must be obtained from the responsible military authority.
3. Difference between resignation and renunciation of German citizenship
Until the Law on the Modernization of Nationality Law (StARModG) came into force on June 27, 2024, it was possible to apply for release from German citizenship. This so-called release primarily served individuals who wished to acquire another nationality without becoming stateless. A prerequisite was that the other state provided a binding assurance that it would naturalize the applicant after the release. The release only became effective upon issuance of the certificate of release, and from that point on, those affected were considered non-Germans under immigration law. Release was generally excluded for certain professional groups, such as civil servants, judges, and soldiers.
Since the change in the law, the only option is to renounce German citizenship. Renunciation differs fundamentally from the previous process of release from citizenship: it requires that the person in question already possesses another citizenship. Therefore, renunciation is primarily aimed at individuals with dual citizenship who wish to relinquish their German citizenship at the request of another state or for personal reasons. Renunciation is thus not a preparatory step towards naturalization, but rather a conscious decision to terminate existing dual citizenship .
4. Waiver procedure at the Federal Office of Administration
Renunciation of German citizenship is a formal process that can be applied for at the Federal Office of Administration (BVA) or – if residing abroad – through a German embassy. The application is initiated by a declaration of renunciation , which must be submitted with the necessary supporting documents. These include, among other things, a valid German passport or identity card, as well as proof of another nationality. In certain cases, approval from the family court or guardianship court may also be required (see above).
After successful processing of the application, the Federal Office of Administration (BVA) issues a certificate of renunciation . The renunciation of German citizenship only becomes legally effective upon issuance of this certificate (§ 26 para. 3 of the Nationality Act). From this point on, affected individuals are considered foreigners in Germany and are subject to the corresponding residence regulations under the Residence Act (AufenthG). It is important to note that the loss of German citizenship can have consequences for pension entitlements, civil service status, or social benefits.
5. FAQ on renouncing German citizenship
What are the requirements for renouncing German citizenship?
The most important requirement for renouncing German citizenship is that you still possess another citizenship. Avoiding statelessness is therefore a fundamental principle of international law.
What is the legal basis for relinquishing German citizenship?
Legally speaking, renouncing German citizenship is a renunciation (§ 26 StAG).
Are there any formal requirements for renouncing German citizenship?
Yes, persons with multiple nationalities must renounce their German nationality by means of a written declaration.
When do I need permission from the family court to renounce my German citizenship?
In some cases involving minors, the family court must approve the waiver. The family court is responsible for granting this approval.
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When does the renunciation of German citizenship become effective?
The waiver becomes effective upon delivery of the waiver certificate (§ 26 para. 3 StAG).
6. Conclusion: Renouncing German citizenship
Renunciating German citizenship is a far-reaching legal step that requires careful preparation and sound justification. Anyone taking this path is required to hold another citizenship and must undergo a formalized procedure at the Federal Office of Administration . Particular attention must be paid to the legal requirements, formalities, and potential consequences – for example, regarding residency or social welfare law. At the same time, it is possible to be naturalized again under certain conditions after a voluntary renunciation. Due to the scope and complexity of these issues, individual legal advice from a specialized lawyer is strongly recommended in every case.
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List of Sources (Paywall)
[1] Prof. Dr. Uwe Berlit, Joint Commentary on Nationality Law (GK-StAR), 1st edition 2000 (last supplement LBW 14.02.2025)
[2] Hofmann, NK-AuslR, § 26 [Renouncing Nationality], Geyer in Hofmann, Ausländerrecht | StAG § 26 | 3rd edition 2023
[3] Kluth/Pettersson in BeckOK AuslR | StAG § 26 Rn. 1-18 | 45th Edition | Status: 01.07.2025
[5] Hailbronner/Kau/Gnatzy/Weber, Nationality Law, 7th edition 2022