German Citizenship Requirements, do you Qualify?

REQUIREMENTS FOR GERMAN CITIZENSHIP & HOW TO APPLY FOR GERMANY CITIZENSHIP

With the recent citizenship law changes in Germany its is often very confusing to confirm if you meet the German citizenship requirements to apply.

Fortunately, in recent years the laws have become more lenient and Germany now allows dual citizenship.

As you’re looking through the German citizenship requirements, you might find that you have a good chance at qualifying for German dual citizenship. If you are uncertain, feel free to reach out to us for a free consultation call so we can get you started off in the right direction in confirming your eligibility.

General Qualifications for German Citizenship

Below are the essential qualifications for German citizenship that you must fulfill, no matter which route you take:

Proof of identity and legal status
No criminal record
Proof of financial stability

German Naturalization Requirements

If one or both of your parents (or possibly grandparents) were German citizens at your birth, then you probably can become one yourself. It’s called “citizenship by descent,” and among the thousands of clients we work with, this is probably the most common route.

A lot of people are surprised to learn about this because they think of citizenship as being based on where you were born. But Germany cares much more about heritage—it’s a legal principle called jus sanguinis (right of blood).

Seem like a pathway that fits your situation? Please check our guide on citizenship by descent.

Germany Citizenship Requirements - What if My Parents or Grandparents Lost Their Citizenship?

This becomes slightly more complex.

Germany does not always allow you obtain citizenship based on the status of your grandparents—but you might still have a chance depending on the specifics of your case. It is something that is definitely worth looking into a bit deeper.

Recent legislative changes in 2021 have made it easier for descendants of those who were persecuted during the Nazi era to reclaim citizenship. If this applies to your grandparents, special provisions could simplify the process.

In a similar vein, gender discrimination in previous laws means that many people would have been citizens who were not. If that’s true for one of your parents, they can reclaim their citizenship—and that will retroactively apply to you.

Again, we know this can be complicated. So we offer free consultation calls to help you confirm your eligibility.

What Are the Requirements for German Citizenship by Birth?

Can being born in Germany automatically make you a citizen? The answer is yes—but only under specific circumstances.

Jus Soli (Right of the Soil)

Since 2000, Germany has allowed children born on German soil to claim citizenship if: at least one parent has been a legal resident for at least eight years and holds a permanent residency permit.

Other Notes

Children born to foreign parents without long-term residency status might not qualify. In such cases, the child may need to apply for citizenship later through German naturalization requirements once they meet the criteria, including residency duration and language proficiency.

Can You Obtain German Citizenship by Marriage?

Does marriage to a German fast-track you to becoming a citizen?

The answer is: Often yes, assuming the requirements are met.

Spouses must meet specific German citizen requirements to apply for naturalization. These include:

Residency: You must have lived in Germany legally for at least three years.
Marriage duration: Your marriage must have lasted at least two years at the time of application.
Language proficiency: You need to demonstrate adequate German language skills, typically at a B1 level or higher.

As you might have picked up on, this can be a fairly smooth path to citizenship. But it’s a bit more involved than just tying the knot, so it’s worth looking through our full guide here for applying through marriage.

What Does the Naturalization Process Entail?

Naturalization is one of the most common ways non-Germans become citizens. But what are the specific German naturalization requirements? This process involves several steps, and meeting these requirements is key to your success.

Residency and Legal Status

Applicants must have legally lived in Germany for at least eight years. This period can be reduced to seven if you complete an approved integration course or to six if you demonstrate exceptional integration, like fluency in the German language.

Language and Integration

Speaking of language, proficiency is essential. You’ll need to pass a German language test at a B1 level or higher and complete an integration course that covers German laws, culture, and values.

Financial Stability and Employment

Having a stable income that keeps you on your feet for the foreseeable future is one of the single across-the-board requirements for German citizenship. It shows you won’t rely on public assistance—at least not right away. That lowers the stress on these institutions.

Citizenship Test

Meeting German citizenship requirements means testing you knowledge about the country’s laws and society. An official 33-question written exam will be given to you for your application, and you’ll need to get at least 17 questions right.

Dual Citizenship

Is it possible to retain your original citizenship while becoming a German citizen? If the country you are currently a citizen of allows it, then you almost certainly can become a dual citizen.

TIP

Where Should You Start?

Wondering if you’re eligible to apply for German dual citizenship? Begin by collecting some essential details about your German ancestors:

Their full name, estimated date of birth, and birthplace in Germany
Dates related to their immigration from Germany to the USA
The direct family connection linking you to your German ancestor through the bloodline

If you’re missing any of this information or would like to verify whether you meet the requirements for German citizenship, reach out to us for a free consultation for a preliminary assessment. Also you can use the following websites to help:

GDC offers free support to our clients to help confirm your eligibility. Scheduled a free consultation call with us to start your journey to becoming a German citizen.

This page was last updated with help by Marco Permunian

Additional Resources:

Dual Citizenship Services

– Determine if you qualify to apply
– Free phone consultation
– Full Service Package
– Qualifying for citizenship by descent
– Apply for German citizenship
– Basic Services (records/translation/Genealogy, etc)