Majority of new citizens retain old nationality after naturalisation

The German naturalisation reform of 2024 is showing its first concrete results: Die Zeit reports that a large majority of newly naturalised Germans retain their old nationality. Der Spiegel documents that almost all new Germans take advantage of this option and consciously choose dual citizenship.

The reform had precisely this goal: people who decide in favour of Germany should not have to give up their countries of origin. Die Welt reports that the figures now demonstrate how strong the demand for this regulation is. Instead of having to choose between two identities, new citizens can now hold both passports.

Cultural ties remain intact

This development differs significantly from previous regulations, under which naturalised citizens had to give up their old nationality. Die taz explains that the new practice shows how important many people's cultural and family ties to their countries of origin are. Dual citizenship allows them to preserve these while simultaneously becoming full German citizens.

For integration policy, this represents a confirmation of the reform course: N-TV reports that the high acceptance rate of dual citizenship suggests that the regulation enjoys broad approval. Experts see this as a signal that people do not have to choose between their new and old home in order to establish themselves in Germany.