News

Update-Dual Citizenship Act Signed

Before a new law can go into effect, it must be passed by the German Parliament and the Bundesrat, and then sent to the German President to be signed. This usually occurs within a few weeks after the law has been passed in parliament. German presidents do have veto power by not signing a law (i.e. not allowing it to go into effect). Historically presidents have not used their authority in this way. Once the law has presidential approval (or is signed), the law would then go into effect 14 days later.

I last wrote in January that the Dual Citizenship Act (known as the Modernisation of the German Nationality Act in German) had passed in the German parliament and no modifications were made in the Bundesrat.  Since then, weeks have passed with little update and many in Germany were anxiously waiting for the next steps in applying for German citizenship. On 22 March 2024, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier signed the law. However, no official date was set for the law to go into effect. The law was then entered into the official register of bills in Bonn on 26 March. Original estimates had indicated that the law may go into effect as early as April or May and most recently the government indicated a three-month preparation period-so perhaps we will see the law go into effect in late June.

The Act is slated to allow for multiple citizenships as well as reduce the current residency and language requirements.

Stay tuned here for more information about the timelines for implementation, how the authorities will respond to increased application, what waiting times will look like and more.

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