Do Indians still need to renounce citizenship before they can become German citizens?

India’s Citizenship Act from 1955 has until recently been interpreted in such a way that any Indians gaining another citizenship had to renounce their Indian nationality and surrender their passport, with their children automatically losing Indian citizenship too.

It's one of the reasons many Indians living here still won't get German nationality - even after the passage of Germany's new dual citizenship law. That's simply because both countries must allow dual citizenship for their nationals - not just one - for it to work in practice.

Now, a new Office Memorandum from the Ministry of External Affairs has clarified how the act should be interpreted.

READ ALSO: 'Won't give up my passport': Why Indians in Germany face hurdles to citizenship

According to the new memorandum, Indians no longer need to renounce their citizenship once they have gained citizenship of another country – the process happens automatically. 

“As prescribed u/s 8(1) of the Citizenship Act, 1955 Any ‘Citizen of India’ of full age and capacity can renounce Indian citizenship,” it reads.

Indeed, even if they wanted to renounce Indian citizenship, the mere act of becoming a citizen of another country means they are no longer eligible to do so.

“Accordingly, those foreign nationals of Indian Origin who have already acquired citizenship of any other country are not eligible to renounce their citizenship. In fact, their citizenship has already been terminated… by acquiring citizenship of other country,” it continues.

Ultimately though, even if you don't need to prove renunciation, you will need to hand in any documents related to your Indian citizenship, such as your passport or voter card. This is a separate service to renunciation.

There is more information available on the Indian Embassy's website. You will receive a passport surrender certificate once the process is complete.

You'll need that certificate first before you apply for an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card - which comes with a few rights most ordinary visitors to India wouldn't get.

The Local is looking into how children are affected by the rules and what the new guidance means for families. 

READ ALSO: Indians in Germany: Who are they and where do they live?

Indians in Germany

According to Germany's statistical agency Destatis, there were around 246,000 Indians living in Germany at the end of 2023. 

That compares to around 53,000 in 2011 - with the Indian community in Germany being one of the fastest growing groups of foreigners in the country.

Indian residents in Germany have previously told The Local how they have struggled with the strict citizenship rules.

Yadav, who lives in Berlin with her husband, said: "I have a very strong opinion about not giving up my Indian passport. It’s something that connects me to my country and means a lot to me.

"It’s deeper than just a document. It stands for the values of where you come from, the sense of belonging and culture."

With reporting by Becky Waterton