Dual Citizenship Russia-Germany: New Law 2024

The question of whether to have dual citizenship Russia-Germany has always been relevant for many Russians seeking to broaden their horizons. For a long time, German legislation aimed to avoid multiple citizenships, but as of June 27, 2024, the situation has fundamentally changed. The Act to Modernize Citizenship Law (StARModG) has come into force, opening new perspectives for obtaining German citizenship without the need to renounce Russian citizenship. Let’s examine the key changes and the opportunities they provide.

New German Citizenship Law 2024: What Has Changed?

The main innovation of the Act to Modernize Citizenship Law (StARModG), effective June 27, 2024, is the abandonment of the principle of avoiding multiple citizenships. This means that German citizens can now acquire foreign citizenship without losing their German citizenship, and conversely, foreigners can obtain German citizenship while retaining their original nationality.

Key Changes for Obtaining German Citizenship:

• Permission for multiple citizenships: The requirement to renounce previous citizenship when obtaining German citizenship has been abolished. This applies to all countries without exception. This means it is now possible to obtain dual citizenship Germany and Russia.
• Reduced residency period: The minimum period of legal residence in Germany for applying for naturalization has been reduced from eight to five years. In special cases, with outstanding integration achievements, this period can be shortened to three years.
• Abolition of the “option duty” (Optionspflicht): Children of foreign parents born in Germany who automatically acquired German citizenship by right of soil (ius soli) are no longer required to choose between citizenships upon reaching 21 years of age.
• Simplified procedure for former citizens: Former German citizens who previously lost German citizenship when obtaining foreign citizenship can now restore it through a simplified procedure if they maintain close ties with Germany.

It is important to note that the new rules apply exclusively from the date the law came into force and do not have retroactive effect for events that occurred before June 27, 2024.

Dual Citizenship Russia-Germany: Advantages and Features

For Russians wishing to get dual citizenship Russia-Germany, these changes open up significant opportunities. Previously, as a general rule, Germany required renouncing Russian citizenship, with the exception of certain categories of citizens (e.g., EU citizens). Now, obtaining dual citizenship Germany and Russia has become much more accessible.

Advantages of Dual Citizenship:

• Freedom of movement: The ability to move freely between Russia and Germany, as well as within the Schengen area, without visa restrictions.
• Social guarantees: Access to social programs, healthcare, and education in both countries.
• Voting rights: Participation in the political life of both countries (if provided by their legislation).
• Protection of rights: Protection by the consulates of both countries.

However, it is important to remember that having multiple citizenships can impose certain obligations, such as tax payments or military service, depending on the legislation of each country. UAE citizenship, for example, also opens new opportunities but has its own specific regulations.

Conditions for German Citizenship for Russians

To get German citizenship for Russians, one must meet a number of criteria, most of which have remained unchanged, except for the residency period and the stance on multiple citizenships:

• Legal residency: At least five years of legal residency in Germany. In cases of special integration achievements (e.g., very good language skills, volunteer work), this period can be reduced to three years. For spouses of German citizens, the period is usually shorter.
• German language proficiency: Sufficient knowledge of the German language (level B1 or higher).
• Knowledge of the legal and social system: Successful completion of an integration test (Einbürgerungstest), confirming knowledge of the legal order, social life, and living conditions in Germany.
• No criminal record: No criminal convictions, especially for antisemitic, racist, xenophobic, or other hate crimes.
• Financial independence: Ability to support oneself and one’s family independently without recourse to social benefits (except in special cases).
• Commitment to the Constitution: Recognition of Germany’s free democratic constitution.

The process of obtaining citizenship begins with submitting an application to the relevant naturalization authority. Residency in Serbia for Russians or Montenegro residency may also be interesting as first steps towards European citizenship, but they have their unique conditions.

Second Citizenship Germany: What You Need to Know?

With the new law, when talking about second citizenship Germany, it effectively means multiple citizenships. Previously, second citizenship for German citizens was mainly possible for EU and Swiss citizens, as well as in exceptional cases with special permission (Beibehaltungsgenehmigung). Now, starting June 27, 2024, German citizens can acquire any foreign citizenship without losing their German one. This significantly simplifies the possibility to get second citizenship.

What is important to consider when having Russia Germany citizenship:

• Legislation of the other country: It is necessary to clarify whether Russian legislation allows for second or multiple citizenships. The Russian Federation recognizes the existence of foreign citizenship for its citizens but considers them exclusively as citizens of the Russian Federation, except in cases provided for by an international treaty of the Russian Federation or federal law.
• Military service: Men with dual citizenship may be subject to military service in both countries if provided by their legislation.
• Tax obligations: Tax residents of both countries may have tax obligations in accordance with the legislation of each.

Having second citizenship Germany and Russia does not mean that you can choose which state to obey in a specific situation. As a rule, on German territory, you will be considered a German citizen, and on Russian territory, a Russian citizen.

Dual Citizenship Russia-Germany: Entry into Russia

For citizens holding dual citizenship Russia-Germany, entry into Russia is governed by Russian legislation. According to the Federal Law “On Citizenship of the Russian Federation,” a citizen of the Russian Federation who also has other citizenship is regarded by the Russian Federation solely as a citizen of the Russian Federation, except in cases provided for by an international treaty of the Russian Federation or federal law.

Practical aspects of entering Russia with dual citizenship:

• Russian passport: To enter and exit the territory of the Russian Federation, a citizen of the Russian Federation who also has other citizenship must use a Russian passport.
• Notification of second citizenship: Citizens of the Russian Federation are obliged to notify the territorial bodies of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs about the presence of foreign citizenship. Failure to comply with this obligation may entail administrative or criminal liability.
• Consular protection: While in Russia, a dual citizen cannot rely on consular protection from Germany.

Thus, even if you possess dual citizenship Russia-Germany, for Russian authorities, you are primarily a citizen of Russia, and all rights and obligations associated with Russian citizenship apply to you in full. Similarly, Armenian citizenship for foreigners also has its nuances that are important to consider.

FAQ: Dual Citizenship Russia-Germany

Is it possible to obtain dual citizenship Russia-Germany in 2024 under the new law?

Yes, as of June 27, 2024, a new German citizenship law came into effect, which allows foreigners, including Russians, to obtain German citizenship without renouncing their original citizenship. This means you can have dual citizenship Russia-Germany, provided Russian legislation also permits it.

How many years do you need to live in Germany to get citizenship?

The period of legal residency in Germany for obtaining citizenship has been reduced from eight to five years. In cases of special integration achievements (e.g., very good language skills, volunteering), this period can be shortened to three years.

Do I need to renounce Russian citizenship when obtaining German citizenship?

No, according to the new German citizenship law, which came into effect on June 27, 2024, you no longer need to renounce your previous citizenship to obtain a German passport. The principle of avoiding multiple citizenships has been abolished, which facilitates getting dual citizenship Germany Russia.

What is the “option duty” and has it been abolished?

The “option duty” (Optionspflicht) previously required children of foreign parents born in Germany who held two citizenships to choose one of them upon reaching 21 years of age. With the new law, this obligation has been abolished, and such children can retain both citizenships permanently.

How is entry into Russia for individuals with dual citizenship Russia-Germany handled?

To enter and exit the territory of the Russian Federation, a citizen of the Russian Federation who also has other citizenship must use a Russian passport. Russian authorities consider you exclusively as a citizen of the Russian Federation. You are also obliged to notify the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs about the existence of your foreign citizenship.

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