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SZ-Legal - Legal advice for private individuals and companies worldwide
German citizenship by descent application from the USA
As a specialist lawyer for immigration law, I am happy to assist you with any questions you may have regarding immigration, residence, company formation or obtaining German citizenship.
German citizenship by descent
Does your family have German roots? Were your parents or grandparents German citizens?
Then you may be entitled to German citizenship by descent.
According to the German Nationality Act (StAG), citizenship is in many cases acquired automatically through descent from a German parent – regardless of where you were born.
This rule is also known as Jus Sanguinis (“right of blood”) and applies to children, grandchildren and, in certain cases, great-grandchildren of German citizens.
This rule is also known as Jus Sanguinis (“right of blood”) and applies to children, grandchildren and, in certain cases, great-grandchildren of German citizens.
Who is eligible for German citizenship?
Eligibility depends on the date of birth and the legal status of the parents.
Typical cases in which an application is possible:
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Your father or mother was a German citizen at the time of your birth.
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Her family left Germany and she lost her German citizenship.
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You are a descendant of a person who was deprived of German citizenship due to discrimination (e.g. during the Nazi era).
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Your mother was German, your father a foreigner, and you were born before 1975 – even then you may be entitled to benefits today.
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Your grandparent was German, and you would like to regain citizenship through the line of descent.
Many of these regulations have been expanded through legislative changes in recent years.
This means that descendants who were previously excluded can now apply for German citizenship.
Application from the USA
Do you live in the United States and want to apply?
The procedure is also possible without residing in Germany.
SZ Legal supports you in the legal review of your claim and in preparing the necessary documents.
Processing is usually carried out by the German embassy or the responsible Federal Office of Administration.
We support you in compiling and legally compliant translating all relevant documents, such as:
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Birth and marriage certificates,
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Proof of German citizenship of parents or grandparents,
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previous German passports or naturalization certificates,
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Documents proving the loss or withdrawal of citizenship.
Advantages of German citizenship
Having German citizenship brings numerous personal, legal and economic advantages:
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Visa-free travel within the EU and to many other countries;
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Right to reside, work and study in Germany and the European Union;
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Entitlement to German social benefits and protection under German law;
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Possibility of passing on citizenship to children;
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In many cases: Retention of US citizenship.
Make an inquiry now
Would you like to determine whether you are entitled to German citizenship by descent? We offer personal, confidential, and professional advice – including for applicants residing in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
In many cases, yes. US citizens who acquire German citizenship through descent can retain both. We will review your individual situation.
Yes, this is possible if your grandparents were German at the time of your parent's birth. Proof of ancestry through official documents is crucial.
Usually birth and marriage certificates, proof of German citizenship (e.g. old passports, citizenship certificates) and documents proving family ties.
No. The application can be submitted entirely from the USA through the responsible German diplomatic mission abroad.
The processing time depends on the completeness of the documents. The process typically takes several months.
