Citizenship; application to renounce German citizenship

It sometimes happens that multiple nationals have to or wish to give up their German citizenship, e.g. because they want to join the army or the civil service of another country (whose citizenship they also hold) or take up political office there. In this case, it is possible to renounce German citizenship.

A certificate of renunciation is issued as proof of renunciation of German citizenship.

• Proven possession of a foreign nationality
• No grounds for refusal

The application for a waiver must be submitted in writing to the responsible district administrative authority (district administration office/district-free city).

The application can be submitted to many authorities online or alternatively in paper form.

The waiver certificate will be issued by the competent authority after checking the requirements and reasons for refusal.

The renunciation of German citizenship becomes effective on the day the certificate of renunciation is issued, which is usually done by the competent authority. Please note that you will be treated as a foreigner by German authorities from this date. Your German passport and/or identity card will be confiscated upon delivery.

If you are an active civil servant, judge, soldier or otherwise employed under public law, you can only renounce your German citizenship if you have been permanently resident abroad for at least 10 years.

The renunciation of German citizenship may also have an effect on an existing public employment relationship (civil servant relationship) or on current or future pension payments (e.g. retirement/pension payments, orphan's or widow's benefits).

Please enquire with your employer or your benefits office before submitting your application as to whether and to what extent you will suffer any (financial) disadvantages as a result of giving up your German citizenship.

• Application available from the competent authority or online procedure
• Proof of foreign citizenship (usually a national passport)
• Approval from the German family court for applicants who are minors or adults under guardianship
  

  Bei minderjährigen und unter Betreuung stehenden volljährigen Antragstellern ist ein Verzicht auf die deutsche Staatsangehörigkeit nur mit Genehmigung des deutschen Familiengerichtes (beim Amtsgericht) möglich. Das entsprechende Verfahren beim Gericht müssen Sie eigenständig beantragen und durchführen.

• Clearance certificate from the military replacement authority for persons subject to compulsory military service in accordance with Section 1 of the Conscription Act (WPflG)
  

  Bei der Wehrpflicht nach § 1 WPflG unterliegenden Personen ist ein Verzicht nur möglich, wenn die Wehrersatzbehörden (Karrierecenter der Bundeswehr) keine Bedenken haben. Dies gilt unabhängig davon, dass die Wehrpflicht seit 01.07.2011 ausgesetzt ist. Die Unbedenklichkeitsbescheinigung wird daher derzeit regelmäßig erteilt.

The waiver procedure is free of charge.