As of July 31, 2025, Germans can now hold dual citizenship with Taiwan thanks to a major change in the German Nationality Law. This new law, which took effect on June 27, 2024, allows naturalized citizens to keep their original citizenship, marking a big shift from Germany’s old “single nationality” rule.
Germany’s Citizenship Modernization Act now lets all naturalized citizens keep their original nationality, as long as their home country also allows dual citizenship or does not automatically take away citizenship when someone becomes German. For Taiwanese nationals, this means they can become German citizens without losing their Taiwanese citizenship, since Taiwan does not have laws that remove citizenship when another nationality is gained.
Since the law changed, Germany has seen a sharp increase in naturalization applications. Over 200,000 people have applied for German citizenship, which is about two to three times more than the usual yearly average. Many of these new applications come from Taiwanese residents living in Germany, who are eager to take advantage of the new dual citizenship option.
The new German Nationality Law has made it easier and faster for people to become German citizens. The required time living in Germany has dropped from eight years to five years. Applicants must have a valid residence permit, show they pay taxes, prove they are integrated into German society, and pass a citizenship exam that covers German history, politics, and society. The process usually takes three to six months from start to finish.
For Taiwanese nationals living in Germany, these changes bring many benefits. They can now apply for German citizenship without giving up their Taiwanese nationality. This means they can vote in German elections, enjoy the rights of German citizens, and still keep their ties to Taiwan. Dual citizenship makes it easier to travel, work, and live in both countries, giving people more freedom and flexibility.
To help Taiwanese nationals understand the process, here is a step-by-step guide to becoming a German citizen under the new law:
Step 1: Meet Residency Requirements
– Live legally in Germany for at least five years with a valid residence permit.
Step 2: Prepare Documentation
– Collect proof of residency, tax payments, language skills (usually B1 level German), and evidence of integration into German society.
Step 3: Submit Application
– Apply through your local district office (Landratsamt) by filling out and submitting the official citizenship application form. You can find the form and more details on the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) website.
Step 4: Pass Citizenship Exam
– Take a multiple-choice test on German history, politics, and society. This exam checks your understanding of life in Germany and is required for most applicants.
Step 5: Receive Decision
– If your application is approved, the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) will issue your citizenship certificate.
Step 6: Retain Taiwanese Citizenship
– Thanks to the new law, you do not need to give up your Taiwanese citizenship. Taiwan allows dual citizenship, and Germany now permits it under the new rules.
Before this reform, Germany’s strict “single nationality” policy meant that most people had to give up their original citizenship to become German. This discouraged many, especially those from Taiwan, who wanted to keep their original nationality for personal, family, or business reasons. Now, with the new law, dual citizenship is possible for many more people.
Taiwan’s own nationality law does not automatically remove citizenship when someone becomes a citizen of another country. This makes dual citizenship possible for Taiwanese nationals who want to become German citizens. The change in German law reflects a wider trend in Europe and around the world, where countries are starting to recognize that people often have strong ties to more than one country and should not have to choose between them.
The new German Nationality Law aims to help immigrants become full members of German society. By allowing dual citizenship, Germany hopes to make it easier for people to participate in political and social life without losing their connection to their home country. As reported by VisaVerge.com, experts see this reform as a big step forward for immigrants, including those from Taiwan, who can now join in German society more fully while keeping their original nationality.
Not everyone agrees with all parts of the new law. In April 2025, some conservative parties in Germany (CDU/CSU) suggested adding rules to take away citizenship from dual nationals who are found to be extremists or supporters of terrorism. Critics say this could lead to unfair treatment and possible human rights problems. As of July 2025, these ideas have not become law and are still being debated in the German parliament.
Legal advisors recommend that anyone thinking about applying for dual citizenship should get professional advice. The process involves many steps and requires careful attention to both German and Taiwanese laws. Mistakes or missing documents can slow down the process or lead to rejection. It is important to stay up to date with the latest rules and to use official resources for guidance.
For those interested in applying, here are some important contacts and resources:
- Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF): Handles citizenship applications and provides information on the process. Visit the BAMF official website for details.
- Local Landratsamt (District Office): This is where you submit your application and get help with paperwork.
- Federal Office of Administration (Bundesverwaltungsamt): Offers information on citizenship law changes and retention permits.
- Taiwanese Representative Offices in Germany: Can help with questions about Taiwanese nationality and dual citizenship.
The new dual citizenship rules are expected to stay in place, with only minor changes possible as debates continue in the German parliament. Both Taiwan and Germany seem likely to keep supporting dual citizenship, which helps people move, work, and live between the two countries more easily.
For many people, dual citizenship is not just about legal status. It is about being able to belong to two places at once, keep family connections, and have more choices for the future. The German Nationality Law reform recognizes these needs and gives people more freedom to shape their lives.
The surge in applications shows that many people want the benefits of dual citizenship. For example, a Taiwanese engineer living in Berlin can now become a German citizen, vote in local elections, and still return to Taiwan to visit family or work on projects. A German business owner in Taipei can keep German citizenship while also becoming a Taiwanese citizen, making it easier to run a business and travel between the two countries.
This change also helps families with children born in Germany to Taiwanese parents. These children can now have both German and Taiwanese citizenship from birth, giving them more options as they grow up.
The new law also helps Germany attract skilled workers and students from around the world. By making it easier to become a citizen, Germany hopes to keep talented people who contribute to the country’s economy and society.
In summary, the changes to the German Nationality Law have opened new doors for Germans and Taiwanese nationals alike. Dual citizenship is now possible for many more people, making it easier to live, work, and participate fully in both countries. Anyone interested in applying should use official resources, seek professional advice, and make sure they meet all requirements before starting the process.
For more information on the application process and requirements, visit the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) official website. This site provides up-to-date details on forms, fees, and steps needed to apply for German citizenship.
As the world becomes more connected, laws like these help people keep their ties to more than one country. The German Nationality Law reform is a strong example of how countries can adapt to the needs of their people and the realities of global life.
Learn Today
Dual citizenship → Legal status of having citizenship in two countries simultaneously.
German Nationality Law → Legislation defining rules for acquiring and losing German citizenship.
Naturalization → Legal process by which a non-citizen becomes a citizen of a country.
Residence permit → Official document allowing a foreigner to live legally in Germany.
Citizenship exam → Test covering German history, politics, and society for naturalization applicants.
This Article in a Nutshell
Germany’s new nationality law now allows dual citizenship with Taiwan, reducing residency requirements and increasing naturalization applications, benefiting Taiwanese residents seeking expanded political and social rights in Germany while retaining their original nationality.
— By VisaVerge.com
