British German Dual Citizenship (Dual Nationality)
Due to the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union, there are new legislations that apply to German citizens who intend to acquire British citizenship.
To learn more about the rules regarding British German dual citizenship and how you can navigate the citizenship application process, speak to an expert immigration advisor. Call us at 0333 305 9375 or contact us online.
What Is Dual Citizenship?
Dual citizenship is the legal status of being a citizen of two countries simultaneously.
The advantage of holding dual citizenship is that you can effortlessly live, work, study, and travel between the two nations freely and without immigration restrictions. This is especially beneficial if you have strong family ties in more than one country.
Additionally, you will be able to access social benefits from both countries and have the right to vote in their elections.
While there are benefits to enjoy as a dual passport holder, you may also be subject to certain obligations, such as double taxation, mandatory national service, and more.
Page Contents
- What Is Dual Citizenship?
- Does the UK Allow Dual Citizenship?
- What Are the Eligibility Requirements For Dual Citizenship in The UK?
- Documents Required for Dual Citizenship in the UK
- How to Apply For Dual Citizenship in the UK?
- Processing Times for Dual Citizenship UK Applications
- Which Countries Allow Dual Citizenship with the UK?
- How Can Total Law Immigration Lawyers Help?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Does UK Allow Dual Citizenship?
The UK immigration laws permit dual citizenship. This means the UK government does not require foreign nationals to relinquish their previous nationality to acquire British citizenship.
However, anyone seeking British citizenship must consider if the laws in their home country also permit dual citizenship. For certain countries, like Germany, the German government sets restrictions on how citizens can obtain a second nationality.
Generally, Germans can obtain dual citizenship from an EU member state and retain their German citizenship. However, they may lose their German nationality if they obtain citizenship by naturalisation from non-EU states.
Since the UK withdrew from the European Union, the dual nationality agreement between Great Britain and Germany has changed. In line with the new regulations, Germans will automatically lose their citizenship if they acquire British citizenship themselves, without first obtaining permission from the Federal Office of Administration to retain their German citizenship.
However, this law does not apply to those who already held dual citizenship before Brexit.
If you are a German national seeking to obtain British citizenship, it’s important to understand how the immigration laws between both countries can affect your UK citizenship application.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements For Dual Citizenship in The UK?
There are different routes to obtaining dual citizenship in the United Kingdom, and each has specific requirements you must fulfil.
Requirements for Citizenship by Birth or Descent
There are two ways you can become a dual citizen by descent.
First is, if you were born to one German parent and one British parent. You will automatically acquire both German and British nationalities at birth.
An automatic citizenship means that you are not required to submit an application for dual citizenship. Instead, apply for a UK passport or request a letter from the Home Office to confirm your immigration status.
The second way is if you are a German national but raised in the UK before turning 10. However, at least one of your parents must have become a UK citizen or permanent resident before you turned 18.
In this case, you can apply for British citizenship and retain your German nationality with permission from the German government.
Requirements for Citizenship by Naturalisation
One of the most common ways to become a British citizen is through naturalisation. To naturalise as a British citizen, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have lived for at least 12 months on any of the following immigration statuses:
- Indefinite leave to remain (ILR)
- Settled status under the EU settlement scheme
- Indefinite leave to enter the UK
- Have sufficient knowledge of the English language
- Book and pass the Life in the UK test.
- Meet the good character requirement
- Intend to continue living in the UK after acquiring citizenship.
- Provide 2 referees who can endorse your application.
- Meet the residency requirement.
Note that if you attained settled status due to your marriage to a British citizen or settled person, you do not have to wait for 12 months before naturalising as a citizen.
What is the Residency Requirement for Dual Citizenship by Naturalisation?
As part of the requirements for citizenship by naturalisation, you must prove to the Home Office that you have lived in the UK for exactly 5 years on the date you submit your application.
During your stay, you must:
- Not have spent more than 450 days outside the UK in the last 5 years
- Not have spent more than 90 days outside the UK in the last 12 months.
If you are married to a British citizen or settled person, you only need to have lived in the UK for 3 years before the date on your citizenship application. During your stay, you must:
- Not have lived more than 270 days outside the UK in the last 3 years.
- Not have spent more than 90 days outside the UK in the last 12 months.
In calculating the period you’ve lived in the UK, you will not be allowed to add any time spent when you were exempt from immigration control as a diplomat, a diplomat’s family or staff, or a member of a visiting armed forces.
Documents Required for Dual Citizenship in the UK
To apply for British dual citizenship, you should provide the following documents:
- Evidence of identity with documents such as your German passport or other valid travel documents.
- Your biometric residence permit (BRP) card or any other proof that you hold settled status.
- Proof of your previous immigration status, including any visa you held before settling in the UK.
- Two signed and acceptable references.
- Your marriage certificate, where necessary.
- Your birth certificate and your parent’s birth certificate, where necessary.
- Proof of lawful residential presence in the UK during the qualifying period.
- Details of any time spent outside the UK during the qualifying period.
- Proof that you meet the English language requirement.
- Your Life in the UK test result.
How to Apply For Dual Citizenship in the UK?
There are two ways to make your dual citizenship application: you can apply yourself or through a legal representative. Note that if you’re using a representative, they must be registered with the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC).
To begin your application, you can visit the UK government website and fill out Form AN, the application form for British citizenship. You can also apply via post by downloading and completing the form and mailing it to the UK Visa and Citizenship Application Service (UKVCAS).
If you apply online, you can upload your supporting documents before you submit your application. Then, you should book an appointment at a UKVCAS service point to provide your biometrics.
An immigration officer might ask you some questions regarding your application. If you didn’t upload your documents to the online service or you applied via post, you will be able to scan them at your UKVCAS appointment.
Processing Times for Dual Citizenship UK Applications
After your appointment, the Home Office will spend some time reviewing your submissions. It usually takes 6 months for the authorities to decide on citizenship applications.
Which Countries Allow Dual Citizenship with the UK?
There are several countries that permit their citizens to hold dual citizenship with the UK, and some of them include
- Commonwealth Countries: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, India, and South Africa.
- European Countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, and Switzerland
- Other Countries: Argentina, Armenia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Mexico, Philippines, Thailand, and the United States.
Note that some of these countries have restrictions and regulations on acquiring dual citizenship. Consider discussing with an immigration lawyer before applying for British citizenship.
How Can Total Law Immigration Lawyers Help?
The regulations surrounding German immigration laws are complex. As a German national, it is important to understand how the laws in your home country can affect your claims for British citizenship before proceeding with your application.
Our immigration lawyers at Total Law can help you. We will analyse your case to determine your eligibility for dual citizenship. If you need to request to retain your citizenship first from the German Federal Office of Administration, we will guide you.
Our lawyers will also help you prepare your citizenship application to increase your chances of a successful outcome.
For more information on how we can help you, call us at +44 (0) 333 305 9375
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Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are applying for naturalisation, it’ll cost you £1,605
Nationality refers to the place you or your parents were born, while citizenship refers to the legal status granted to you by the government after fulfilling certain criteria.
Due to Brexit, freedom of movement between the UK and Germany has ended. Your German passport will only let you live in the UK visa-free for up to 6 months. If you intend to live longer in the country, you must apply for a visa.
