HOW TO GET GERMAN CITIZENSHIP
How to become a GERMAN citizen: Your 4 PATHS TO OBTAIN GERMAN CITIZENSHIP
Want to learn more about how to get German citizenship? Maybe you’ve been drawn to Germany because of its rich culture, global stature, incredible economy, high quality of life, or a desire to reconnect with your family who came from Germany.
Depending on the reason, (and there are several benefits), the process of getting German citizenship can vary based on the method that you are applying.
For this reason we have created the guide below—helping you better understand the different ways you can get German citizenship. We will look at each path for how to obtain German citizenship depending on your individual circumstances below.
How Can You Get German Citizenship? 4 Paths
There are 4 primary ways how to obtain German Citizenship. And recent laws passed in January 2024 has fortunately made this process more lenient, opening up options for how to get dual citizenship in Germany.
In general, your paths include:
- By descent
- By marriage
- By naturalization
- By adoption
If you have documented proof that one or more of your ancestors was a German citizen, this is often the most common and popular route to get German citizenship. However, it is important that you obtain information on the current laws when confirming your eligibility. The laws on getting German citizenship have changed, even in just the last year.
Depending on which of your ancestors was a German citizen, this can be more or less difficult. That’s especially true because time windows of when certain laws were in effect can make it confusing.
As an example, children born between 1914 and 1974 to married parents typically received citizenship through the father. Then in 2021, gender discrimination in the relevant law was finally addressed and updated to match the current times. As the German nationality laws currently stand, you can now reclaim your German citizenship based on certain circumstances. These include if your ancestors were Holocaust victims, if they were affected by Nazi-era persecution, or if they were denied German citizenship due to gender-based laws.
If you are trying to apply through this by descent? You’ll have to provide documents proving their lineage, such as birth or marriage certificates. The process may take up to three years, depending on the complexity and documentation required. This pathway offers a legal route to obtaining German citizenship for many descendants, but it requires careful attention to historical details and the specific legal framework in place at the time of their ancestor’s birth.
For that reason, you’ll want to check out our full guide on how to get German citizenship by descent.
Many couples are asking how can you get German citizenship if they’re married to a German citizen. If your are currently married to a German citizen, you’ll be happy to learn this is a very good path to get German citizenship. This process in Germany welcomes both opposite-sex and same-sex couples.
Qualifications obviously begin with legal marriage to a German national. However, there are additional requirements that must be met:
- You must be married for at least 2 years
- You must have lived in Germany for at least 3 years
- You must prove proficiency in the German language at the B1 level
- You must show financial stability
- You must show some understanding of Germany’s legal and social systems
Regarding the required documents, you’ll need a marriage certificate, residence permits, and official language test results. These will all be submitted to the local naturalization office. You’ll also need to show integration into German society. A background check will also be required where criminal convictions may complicate the application, but any minor or outdated convictions are typically overlooked.
The majority of people obtaining German citizenship this way will be happy to learn that—as of June 2024—dual citizenship is now available. This means you won’t need to renounce citizenship in your current country.
Are you married to a German citizen and would like to learn more? Check out our full guide on German citizenship by marriage here.
PATH 3: Citizenship by Naturalization
Among all the ways how to get German nationality, naturalization is the most open to anyone. However, it requires an extended length of time and a significant effort at integration, but there are no requirements around ancestry, marriage, or adoption.
While broad and accepting, it’s definitely a very long and complex process. Eligibility requirements include:
- Living in Germany for at least 5 years
- Residence permit in Germany (or an unlimited right of residence)
- Stable source of income
- Can prove fluency in German up to the B1 level
- Understanding of German laws, society, and political system
- No criminal convictions
- Willing to swear to uphold the values of German society
As you can see, this is a particularly good route for people who have already been living and working in the country for some time. Many foreigners actually fulfill the criteria without knowing it.
The major issue involves going to official testing for German proficiency and for knowledge of the society.
Want to learn more about applying for German citizenship through naturalization? Contact us today for a free consultation call. We can determine if this is your best pathway to getting German citizenship.
PATH 4: Citizenship by Adoption
How do I become a German citizen through adoption? Applying for German citizenship is easiest if you are adopted by German parents. The process should be done through German law to make sure that the government will recognize the adoption.
There are some limitations:
- You are not eligible if you were adopted before January 1, 1959.
- You are only eligible if you declared your German citizenship within the timeframe if you were adopted between January 1, 1959 and December 12, 1976.
- You automatically obtained German citizenship if you were adopted on or after January 1979.
Though it isn’t likely relevant to people looking through this list, adoption is a common way people obtain German citizenship.
How To Become a German Citizen?
Do you think you might be eligible to become German? There’s a good chance you are. Descent, marriage, and naturalization offer particularly viable paths to getting German citizenship.
If you are still not quite sure if you qualify feel free to reach out to our German citizenship team to help confirm your eligibility for how to become a German citizen. We help confirm your eligibility by offering a free preliminary assessment completely free of charge and obligation. We assist people like you to become German citizens throughout the entire process from start to finish.
How to Obtain German Citizenship - Application Process (Step-by-Step)
The basics of claiming German citizenship and applying for how to get the German nationality are more or less similar:
- It all begins by visiting the local nationality authority office (the Staatsangehörigkeitsbehörde). And there, you will be given the proper forms. They can also field questions like what documents to gather and what the fees will be when applying for German citizenship.
- If you are between the ages of 16 and 67, you’ll need to take a naturalization test at an official Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) center. This will give you a certificate that you’ll need to submit with your application.
- Gather whatever documents you need to satisfy an application for the route to becoming a German citizen.
- Now, you are ready to turn in your filled out application along with all necessary documents. Many offices allow you to do this in person or online.
- At this point, you’ll also need to pay a fee (€255 per adult application, €55 for minors applying with you).
- Wait 18 months or more for the application to be processed before becoming a German citizen.
- Attend a naturalization ceremony to officially become a German citizen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 10 year rule for German citizenship?
The 10 year rule for German citizenship marks the deadline to reclaim German citizenship. This was specifically designed for descendants of Holocaust victims or those affected by Nazi-era persecution. Following recent changes in 2021, these individuals have a 10 year window from the law’s implementation (ending in 2031) to apply for citizenship by declaration.
What does German citizenship mean?
German citizenship just means that you are a registered citizen of Germany. As a German citizen, you’ll have the right to live, travel, work, and study in Germany and the broader European Union (including all 27 EU member states). You can also benefit from Germany’s comprehensive healthcare, education, and social services.
Does Germany allow dual citizenship?
Yes, starting June of 2024, Germany now allows dual citizenship, meaning you can hold German citizenship while still being able to retain your current nationality.
How can I become a German citizen by marriage?
If you have been married to a German citizen for at least two years and have lived in Germany for three years you can apply for German citizenship through marriage.
Can Americans become German citizens?
Yes, Americans can become German citizens through marriage, naturalization, or descent without losing their USA citizenship. They would be “dual” citizens.
How do I get dual citizenship with Germany?
German citizenship can be obtained by descent, marriage, or naturalization. Each pathway has its own set of specific requirements, such as residency and language skills, etc.
What are the benefits of German citizenship?
German citizenship grants you the right to live and work in Germany and all 27 European Union member states, access to healthcare, education, and the ability to vote. Click here to learn more about the benefits of German citizenship. The significant benefits are one of the main reason people learn how you can get German citizenship.
How long does it take to get German citizenship?
It depends on the route. Naturalization requires five years of residency, while citizenship through descent can vary based on documentation. The average time frame is 1-3 years depending on your path.
Can USA citizens hold dual citizenship with Germany?
Yes, USA citizens can hold dual citizenship with Germany, keeping their USA citizenship while acquiring German citizenship.
How can you get a German passport?
Once you become a citizen, getting a passport is easy. You will apply for a German passport at your local German consulates.
This page was last updated with help by Marco Permunian
Do You Qualify?
Want to understand if you qualify for German citizenship? Contact us, we offer a free consultation to help determine your eligibility.
