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SZ Legal - Legal advice for private individuals and companies worldwide
Lawyer for Citizenship Law Cologne
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
Are there any references to German ancestors in your family history? Do you have German grandparents or parents, but do not have German citizenship yourself?
I can help you determine whether you can acquire German citizenship based on ancestry. Perhaps you are already a German citizen and just don't know it yet.
I would be happy to support you in particular with the following topics:
- Researching your family history in the German archives
- Acquisition of German citizenship due to German ancestors (acquisition by declaration according to Section 5 of the Nationality Act)
- Acquisition of German citizenship due to persecution of ancestors during the Nazi regime between 1933 and 1945 (Article 116 of the Basic Law, Section 15 of the Nationality Act)
- Acquisition of German citizenship through birth or adoption
- Determination of German citizenship
- Questions of dual nationality
- Loss of German citizenship
You would like a receive an initial assessment as to whether you can become a German citizen?
Residence in Germany
Do you already live in Germany and would like to acquire German citizenship, but are unsure whether you meet the requirements? Do you have specific questions about the naturalization process that you can't find answers to?
Together, we'll find a way to navigate the naturalization process. With my many years of experience in citizenship law, I'm happy to assist you with any questions you may have. I'll provide insights into the process, advice on how to meet the requirements for obtaining German citizenship, and, if you wish, I'll accompany you through the entire naturalization process, from preparing the documents, through the application process, and communicating with the German authorities, to the completion of the procedure.
Please contact me and we will arrange an appointment.
Citizenship, nationality, nationality – an overview of the terms
In German law, the terms "Staatsbürgerschaft" (citizenship) and "Staatsangehörigkeit" (nationality) are largely used synonymously. Both refer to a person's legal affiliation with the German state – with all the associated rights and obligations, from the right to vote and freedom of movement within the European Union to consular protection abroad. While "Staatsangehörigkeit" is the legal technical term (e.g., in the Nationality Act, StAG), "Staatsbürgerschaft" has become the more common term in everyday language. The term "nationalität" (nationality), on the other hand, often refers to cultural or ethnic origin and is not legally equivalent to nationality.
German citizenship (English). German citizenshipCitizenship is regulated in the Nationality Act and additionally in Article 116 of the Basic Law. It can be acquired in various ways: by birth, by descent from German parents, by naturalization, or through special legal provisions such as naturalization as restitution for descendants of Nazi victims.
Pathways to German citizenship – an overview
Acquisition by birth (jus sanguinis and jus soli)
Children acquire German citizenship at birth if at least one parent is a German citizen – the so-called principle of descent (ius sanguinisIn addition, the principle of birthright citizenship has also applied in a limited form in Germany since 2000 (ius soli): Children of foreign parents who are born in Germany acquire German citizenship if one parent has lived legally in Germany for at least five years and has an unlimited right of residence.
Acquisition through naturalization
Adults wishing to acquire German citizenship can apply for naturalization. Since the reform of the Nationality Act on June 27, 2024, naturalization is possible after five years of legal residence – and even after three years in cases of exceptional integration. The previously mandatory renunciation of existing citizenship has been abolished; dual citizenship is now the default legal arrangement.
Acquisition by declaration – Section 5 of the Nationality Act
Descendants of German ancestors who did not acquire German citizenship due to legal discrimination—for example, children of a German mother who was married to a foreign father before April 1, 1953—can acquire citizenship through a simple declaration. This procedure under Section 5 of the German Nationality Act (StAG) is significantly less complicated than a traditional naturalization application.
Naturalization as compensation – Art. 116 para. 2 GG and § 15 StAG
People who were deprived of German citizenship between 1933 and 1945 for political, racial, or religious reasons, as well as their descendants, have a right to naturalization. This applies today in particular to descendants of Jewish families who were persecuted during the Nazi regime.
Acquisition through adoption
If a foreign child under the age of 18 is adopted by a German citizen, the child automatically acquires German citizenship upon adoption. For adoptions abroad, additional requirements apply for recognition in Germany.
Citizenship law reform 2024 – this is what has changed
With the entry into force of the reformed Nationality Act on June 27, 2024, German citizenship law underwent its most significant modernization in decades. Three points are particularly important for applicants:
Dual citizenship as the norm
The requirement to renounce one's previous citizenship upon naturalization has been abolished. Anyone who becomes a German citizen may retain their original citizenship – regardless of their country of origin. Germans who acquire another citizenship abroad no longer automatically lose their German citizenship and no longer require a retention permit.
Reduced minimum stay
The standard waiting period for naturalization has been reduced from eight to five years. In cases of exceptional integration achievements – such as outstanding language skills, voluntary work, or exceptional professional accomplishments – naturalization is even possible after just three years.
Relief for the guest worker generation
For members of the so-called guest worker generation and former East German contract workers who came to Germany under recruitment agreements, the language requirements have been lowered. The written language test and the naturalization test are completely waived for this group.
Dual citizenship – the norm since 2024
The question of dual citizenship (multiple citizenship) is one of the most frequent in my consulting practice. Since the reform of June 27, 2024, the situation is significantly simpler: Whether you become a German citizen or acquire a foreign citizenship, you are allowed to retain your German citizenship – regardless of your other country of origin.
It is important to note, however, that what is permitted under German law may not necessarily be valid under the law of another country. Some countries (such as Austria, Japan, India, and China) stipulate that their citizens automatically lose their original citizenship upon acquiring a foreign nationality. Therefore, it is advisable to examine the legal systems of both countries before naturalization to avoid any unintended consequences.
Detailed information on multiple citizenship can be found here: Dual citizenship.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions about Citizenship Law
In German law, both terms are largely used synonymously. The legal term is "Staatsangehörigkeit" (nationality) – it appears, for example, in the Nationality Act and the Basic Law. "Staatsbürgerschaft" (citizenship), on the other hand, is the more common expression in everyday language. Both terms denote a person's legal affiliation with the German state.
There are several ways to become a German citizen: by birth (if one parent is German), by naturalization after at least five years of legal residence, by declaration under Section 5 of the German Nationality Act (StAG) if you have German ancestors, or by renaturalization as a descendant of victims of Nazi persecution. Which path is right for you depends on your individual circumstances and family history. As a specialist lawyer in immigration law, I will review your eligibility and guide you through the process.
The reform of June 27, 2024, introduced three key changes: First, dual citizenship is now the default legal arrangement – the existing citizenship no longer needs to be relinquished. Second, the minimum residency requirement for naturalization was reduced from eight to five years (three years in cases of exceptional integration). Third, the written language proficiency test and the naturalization test are no longer required for the guest worker generation.
The requirements are generally at least five years of legal residence, a secure livelihood without social welfare benefits, sufficient German language skills at B1 level, a passed naturalization test, a commitment to the free and democratic basic order, and no significant criminal record. Since the 2024 reform, you no longer have to relinquish your previous citizenship.
The processing time currently ranges from six to 24 months – depending on the responsible naturalization authority and the completeness of the documents. Since the 2024 reform, the number of applications has risen sharply, which is why the authorities in many cities are overloaded. In cases of unreasonably long processing times, an action for failure to act can expedite the process.
Yes – if you can prove that you are descended from German ancestors and that your ancestors did not voluntarily relinquish their German citizenship, acquisition by descent is possible. Descendants of mothers who were married to a foreign father before April 1, 1953, can also acquire citizenship by declaration according to Section 5 of the German Nationality Act (StAG).
Those eligible are persons who were deprived of German citizenship between January 30, 1933, and May 8, 1945, for political, racial, or religious reasons, as well as their descendants. This applies in particular to descendants of Jewish families who had to flee the Nazi regime or were denaturalized.
Yes – since the reform of June 27, 2024, dual citizenship is the legal norm. Whether you become a German citizen or acquire a foreign citizenship, you are allowed to retain your German citizenship. However, please note that some other countries (such as Austria and Japan) still restrict multiple citizenship.
The standard fee is €255 per adult; for minor children being naturalized along with the applicant, there is an additional fee of €51. Further costs will be incurred for the required documents (naturalization test, language certificate, certified translations, and, if necessary, apostilles). Legal counsel can also be advisable, particularly in complex cases or if applications have previously been rejected.
Yes, in certain circumstances, loss of citizenship is possible – for example, by entering the military service of another state without permission, by participating in combat operations for a terrorist organization abroad, or by explicitly renouncing it. However, since the 2024 reform, acquiring foreign citizenship only leads to the loss of German citizenship in rare exceptional cases.
