FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ANSWERS TO THE MOST COMMON QUESTIONS WE RECEIVE ABOUT GERMAN CITIZENSHIP

Can Americans hold dual citizenship?

Yes, dual citizenship is allowed by both American and German law. In other words, legislation does not penalize it.

Direct descendants of German citizens are often eligible for citizenship by descent. Likewise, those with German spouses and those who have lived and worked in the country for many years may also be eligible.

To find out if you qualify for German citizenship, please find our resource here. 

Applications for German dual citizenship go through the Naturalization Office (called the Einbürgerungsamt).

German citizenship can be obtained through various means: descent (Jure Sanguinis), naturalization after legal residency, or by marriage to a German citizen. Find more information for different ways how to get German citizenship. 

Documents typically required to apply for German citizenship include:

  • birth certificates
  • parents’ birth and marriage certificates (if applicable)
  • valid passports
  • any name change documents
  • proof of German language proficiency
  • passed citizenship test

The process can take anywhere from 1-3 years, depending on the complexity of your case and the local processing times of the Einbürgerungsamt.

The government fee for an adult applying for German naturalization is €255. Minors can be included in their parents’ applications for €55 per child.

Yes, if you qualify you can apply for German dual citizenship and become a dual citizen of America and Germany.

Dual citizenship in Germany is now allowed as of 2024. So as long as the country you are currently a citizen of also allows it, then you can become a dual citizen.

Not automatically. The country bases citizenship on jus sanguinis (the rule of blood), meaning one of your parents must be a citizen.

Typically, 8 years of continuous legal residency are required for naturalization. This can be reduced to 7 years with integration courses or 6 years for extraordinary integration achievements that include activities like getting an education in the country.

Yes. If your current home country allows it, then becoming a German national will result in dual citizenship.

No. Germany does not offer unconditional birthright citizenship. Children born in Germany to foreign parents can acquire citizenship if at least one parent has been a legal resident for 8 years and has a permanent residence permit.

Yes, Germany allows dual citizenship.

Yes, Germany allows triple citizenship. More accurately, it doesn’t have rules against it.

Being the parent of a German child does not automatically grant citizenship. However, it may aid in obtaining a residence permit and can act as a step toward naturalization after meeting other criteria.

While Germany allows dual citizenship, it is generally more restrictive compared to other countries like Italy or Ireland. For instance, German citizenship by descent is sometimes restricted to people with a German parent, while many other countries extend this to grandparents and even great-grandparents.

Yes, American citizens can stay in Germany for up to 90 days without a visa. For stays beyond this, a residence permit is required for purposes such as work, study, or family reunification.

A US citizen can live in Germany for up to 90 days without a visa. For longer stays, a residence permit is required and must be obtained before the 90-day period ends.

Germany’s cost of living varies by city, with cities like Munich and Frankfurt being more expensive than rural areas. On average, it is moderately priced compared to other Western European countries.

After residing in Germany for at least 5 continuous years with a residence permit and fulfilling language, financial stability, and integration requirements, you can apply for a permanent residence permit.

To establish residency, register your address at the local registration office (Bürgeramt) within 14 days of arriving in Germany. This is necessary to obtain an Anmeldung (residence registration certificate).

It depends on the region. Cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg are more expensive, while smaller towns and rural areas are more affordable. Overall, Germany has a cost of living comparable to other developed European nations.

Yes, with the appropriate work visa or residence permit. American citizens need to secure a job offer and apply for a visa before moving to Germany.

A good salary varies by region and industry but averages between €40,000 and €60,000 annually. A monthly net income of around €2,500-€3,000 allows for comfortable living in most parts of Germany.

Yes, Americans can purchase property in Germany without residency or citizenship. But the ability to buy certain financial instruments is restricted.

Yes, but a long-term residence permit is needed. US citizens planning to retire in Germany must demonstrate financial stability and health insurance coverage. Many retirees seek out Germany because it is cheaper to live in than the US while providing a very high quality of life.

Yes, Germany is part of the Eurozone and uses the Euro as its currency.

US citizens do not require a visa for short stays up to 90 days. For longer stays or purposes like work, study, or family reunification, a visa or residence permit is required.

GDC - German Dual Citizenship

GDC is dedicated to assisting people of German descent to restore their heritage and connection to Germany. Obtaining German dual citizenship by descent opens many opportunities for you and your family in Germany and the European Union.

German Citizenship Resources

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