With Germany’s new citizenship law (Staatsangehörigkeitsreform) taking effect in June 2024, the rules on naturalization, dual citizenship, and revocation have changed significantly. If you’re a German citizen or applying for one, here’s what you need to know about deportation risks, loss of citizenship, and the latest legal updates.
Can You Lose German Citizenship Under the 2024 Law?
Germany still allows citizenship revocation under the Nationality Act (StAG), but has adjusted the rules in 2024. Here’s when you can lose German citizenship in 2024:
1. Automatic Loss of Citizenship (No Longer Applies for Most Dual Citizens!)
Old Rule (Pre-2024):
- Germans who acquired another citizenship without permission automatically lost their German passport (unless exempt, e.g., EU/Swiss nationals).
New Rule (2024):
- Germany now fully allows dual citizenship! Germans may hold multiple nationalities without forfeiting their German citizenship.
- Exception: If you renounce German citizenship voluntarily, you lose it.
2. Revocation Due to Fraud (Still Applies – Section 35 StAG)
If you obtained German citizenship by:
- Lying on your application (e.g., fake identity, hidden criminal record).
- Bribery or forged documents.
Example: In 2023, a Syrian man lost his citizenship after hiding his involvement in war crimes.
3. Terrorism & National Security (Section 28 StAG – Now Stricter)
- Dual nationals who join foreign terrorist groups (e.g., ISIS, Al-Qaeda) can lose German citizenship.
- New in 2024: The law now explicitly covers extremism and hate crimes that threaten Germany’s security.
Example: A German-Turkish citizen was stripped of citizenship in 2023 for ISIS membership.
Can You Be Deported After Getting German Citizenship?
No! Once you’re a German citizen, deportation does not apply to you. However:
Before Naturalization: Deportation Risks
German authorities can still deport permanent residents (before citizenship) for:
| Reason | 2024 Changes |
|---|---|
| Serious crimes (e.g., violent offenses, drug trafficking) | Stricter enforcement – even long-term residents can be deported. |
| Terrorism/extremism | Expanded definition (now includes hate crimes). |
| Asylum fraud | Faster deportations under new laws. |
| Public welfare dependency (long-term unemployment) | Easier deportation if no integration efforts are shown. |
Example: German authorities deported an Afghan man in early 2024 following his robbery conviction, even though he had lived in Germany for 10 years.
Can You Return to Germany After Deportation?
If German authorities deported you before you became a citizen:
✅ Entry bans (1–10 years) still apply.
✅ New 2024 rule: Deportees must prove rehabilitation (e.g., no new crimes, stable income) before returning.
❌ Lifetime bans for terrorism or severe crimes.
Key Takeaways (2024 Update)
✔ Germany now permits dual citizenship and no longer automatically revokes German nationality.
✔ German authorities can still revoke citizenship for fraud or terrorism.
✔ German citizens cannot be deported.
✔ Before naturalization, stricter deportation rules apply.
🔗 For official updates:
