Renaturalization for former Germans
Lost German Citizenship After Naturalization Abroad? You May Qualify for Restoration
Until June 28, 2024, German citizens who voluntarily became naturalized in a non-EU country (USA or Canada) after January 1, 2000* automatically lost their German citizenship, unless they had first obtained a special permit called the Beibehaltungsgenehmigung (retention permit).
This rule, based on § 25 of the German Nationality Act (StAG), applied even if you never intended to renounce your German citizenship. Many only discovered this loss when applying for a passport renewal, or when realizing they could no longer pass citizenship on to their children.
Dual Citizenship Is Now Allowed — But the Change Isn’t Retroactive
The 2024 reform of German citizenship law now allows dual citizenship without a retention permit. However, if you became naturalized before June 28, 2024, and didn’t secure a Beibehaltungsgenehmigung beforehand, you are still considered to have lost your German nationality under the old law.
Restoration is only possible under § 13 StAG, which provides a pathway for re-naturalization in specific cases, but the process is far from simple.
Why Is It So Complex?
The wording in § 13 StAG is short and sounds straightforward. But the real rules are buried in internal regulations and decades of administrative practice that are not public or easy to find. These define:
- What counts as a valid case for restoration
- When the loss of nationality may be reversed
- How re-naturalization is granted in practice
Working with a lawyer experienced in German citizenship law for applicants living abroad is essential.
*Please note: Germans who naturalized as American citizenship prior to January 1, 2000, have a very small chance to re-naturalize and we don’t accept these cases.
How Stenner Law Can Help
At Stenner Law, we specialize in restoring German citizenship for clients live abroad. Many of them unknowingly lost their German citizenship. We:
Comprehensive Case Evaluation
Before you commit to applying, we assess whether your circumstances meet the legal requirements.
In-depth Naturalization History Review
We analyze your and your ancestors’ citizenship and naturalization records.
Application Preparation under § 13 StAG
We draft your application carefully to comply with the law and internal requirements.
Legal Presentation to the BVA
We structure your submission to meet the standards used by the Bundesverwaltungsamt (Federal Office of Administration).
Every case begins with a paid consultationand document review. If your case qualifies, we’ll support you through the full process with experience and precision.
Begin your Declaration of Citizenship today.
Contact Stenner Law for a consultation.
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office@stennerlaw.com
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ADDRESS
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Philadelphia, PA 19103
USA