Did your father, mother, grandparents or other previous proceedings have German citizenship?
Would you like to know whether you can also acquire German citizenship?
Even if you no longer have any relatives living in Germany or you haven't visited Germany in many years, this option may still be available. Even if you don't speak German.
On August 20, 2021, the fourth amendment to German citizenship law came into force and is the basis for significant simplifications in the acquisition of German citizenship on the basis of German ancestors.
According to Section 5 of the Nationality Law, descendants of German citizens are entitled to acquire German citizenship if it could not be acquired by birth.
When did I not automatically acquire German citizenship by birth?
In these situations, the child could not automatically acquire German citizenship by birth.
As early as 1975, German lawmakers briefly granted these children the opportunity to become German citizens by declaration. Those who did not take advantage of this opportunity were initially unable to acquire German citizenship.
Since 2012, it has been possible to apply for naturalization because of a German parent, because one did not automatically become a German citizen by birth. Until August 2021, close ties to Germany were generally required, such as regular visits, having relatives living in Germany, or attending German schools abroad. To make matters worse, one had to prove that one could speak German at level B1. Thus, there was no entitlement to naturalization; instead, the authorities could decide, based on the evidence provided, whether this was sufficient for acquiring German citizenship.
Since August 20, 2021, significant simplifications for naturalization have been in place in these cases:
All persons born after the entry into force of the Basic Law, i.e. from 24 May 1949, have the right to acquire German citizenship by making a declaration.
The German authorities no longer have any discretionary power. This includes the following persons:
Have you found your family situation reflected in this article, or are you unsure whether you fall under the applicable regulations and would like to know whether you are entitled to acquire German citizenship?
Please send me the essential information using the questionnaire and I will get back to you.
I would be happy to assist you throughout the entire naturalization process, especially in communicating with the relevant German authorities. Experience shows that it can take some time to obtain the necessary documents. It is important when applying that you can provide appropriate documentation to prove your family connection to your German ancestors.
You have recognized your family constellation in this article or are unsure whether you are covered by the applicable regulations and are entitled to the German citizenship have?
Please send me your information via the questionnaire – I will review your opportunities and get back to you.
I will accompany you throughout the entire process of acquiring the German citizenship, especially when communicating with the German authorities. Experience has shown that obtaining the necessary documents can take some time. It is important that the family connection to German ancestors can be proven with appropriate documentation.
German citizenship law follows the so-called Principle of descent (ius sanguinis)This means that a child automatically acquires German citizenship if at least one parent is German at the time of birth – regardless of the place of birth.
Yes, under certain conditions. If German citizenship was never lost in the family line or the loss occurred unlawfully, a claim may exist. In other cases, a Renaturalization or Discretionary naturalization possible.
Many Germans who were forced to leave Germany between 1933 and 1945—for example, for political, racial, or religious reasons—illegally lost their citizenship. Their descendants can regain German citizenship under Article 116, Paragraph 2 of the Basic Law.
Birth, marriage, and descent certificates are important, as they demonstrate a continuous connection to a German ancestor. Emigration and citizenship certificates are often also required to prove the loss or retention of citizenship.
Yes. The decisive factor is whether the German ancestor was a German citizen at the time of emigration or birth. Earlier forms of government such as the German Empire will be taken into account provided there is legal continuity.
In many cases, German citizenship was lost through the acquisition of a foreign nationality. However, there are exceptions—for example, in cases of forced naturalization or when the loss occurred in violation of applicable law or due to discrimination.
Yes, at least historically. Before 1975, children of German mothers could not always acquire citizenship automatically. This has since been corrected by changes in the law, and those affected can apply for naturalization retroactively (Section 15 of the Citizenship Act).
This article regulates the Renaturalization of Nazi victims and their descendantsIt enables descendants of persons who lost their nationality between 1933 and 1945 for political, racial, or religious reasons to regain German citizenship.
The duration depends on the individual case, particularly on the completeness of the documentation. The process typically takes between six and 18 months. It may take longer for complicated parentage documents or foreign documents.
Monday – Friday 9:00 – 18:00
