Mehrstaatsangehörigkeit

Mehrstaatsangehörigkeit, also known as dual or multiple citizenship, refers to the condition of being a legal citizen of more than one country simultaneously. This can arise through various means, most commonly through birth. For instance, if a child is born in a country that grants citizenship based on birthplace (jus soli) to parents who are citizens of a country that grants citizenship based on descent (jus sanguinis), the child may acquire citizenship of both nations.

Another common way to acquire Mehrstaatsangehörigkeit is through descent. Many countries grant citizenship to children born abroad if one or both parents are citizens. In such cases, if the child also acquires citizenship of the country where they were born, they may hold multiple citizenships. Marriage can also lead to Mehrstaatsangehörigkeit, as a person may become a citizen of their spouse's country through naturalization while retaining their original citizenship.

Naturalization, the process of becoming a citizen of a new country, can also result in multiple citizenships. Some countries permit individuals to naturalize without requiring them to renounce their previous citizenship. Conversely, other countries have laws that automatically revoke citizenship if an individual voluntarily acquires citizenship of another country or serves in a foreign military. The recognition and regulation of Mehrstaatsangehörigkeit vary significantly from country to country, leading to complex legal situations for individuals holding multiple citizenships. International agreements and bilateral treaties sometimes address these issues, but the primary framework remains national law.