What does German citizenship mean?
Anyone who holds German citizenship is legally considered a German citizen. This confers special rights that individuals with a Residence permit do not have these rights, or have them only to a limited extent.
German nationals are permitted to live permanently in Germany and do not need Residence permit to do so. They can apply for a German identity card and passport and vote in elections. At the same time, they are citizens of the European Union and therefore enjoy the right to free movement within the EU.
Difference: Citizenship or Residence permit?
German citizenship is not the same as the right of residence. A Residence permit a foreign national to live in Germany for a specific period of time or permanently. However, that person remains a citizen of their country of origin.
Only by acquiring German citizenshipwill you legally become a German citizen. You will then no Residence permit need Residence permit to live in Germany.
Difference: Nationality or Citizenship?
The terms “German nationality” and “German citizenship” are usually used interchangeably in everyday language. In principle, they also describe the same thing: legal affiliation with Germany and the status of being a German citizen.
In laws and by government agencies, the term “German nationality” is predominantly used. “German citizenship,” on the other hand, is more commonly used in everyday language. However, there is no legal difference between the two.
How to Obtain German Citizenship
German citizenship can be acquired in various ways. Among the most important options are acquisition by descent and Naturalization.
In addition, there are special rules for
- Spouses or registered domestic partners of German citizens
- adopted children
- former German citizens
- as well as for people who were denied German citizenship due to past discrimination during the Nazi regime.
In the next section, we'll explain the different ways you can obtain German citizenship.
German Citizenship by Descent or Birth
A child automatically acquires German citizenship at birth if at least one parent is German. As a rule, it does not matter whether the child was born in Germany or abroad. This principle is known as the principle of descent.
Children of foreign parents can also obtain German citizenship by birth in Germany. To qualify, at least one parent must have been living legally in Germany for five years at the time of birth and must have a permanent right of residence.
The child acquires German citizenship in addition to the citizenship of his or her parents if the law of the country of origin also permits this.
German Citizenship Through Naturalization
For most foreigners, the path to German citizenship is through Naturalization. To do so, they must file an application for Naturalization with the competent citizenship authority and meet various requirements. Naturalization most commonly takes place Naturalization Section 10 of the Nationality Act.
In addition, there are other forms of Naturalization. Spouses or registered domestic partners of German citizens may be naturalized after just three years of lawful residence, pursuant to Section 9 of the German Nationality Act (StAG).
Discretionary naturalization under § 8 of the German Nationality Act (StAG) may be possible if, although Naturalization no legal entitlement to Naturalization , the authorities nevertheless approve Naturalization a specific case—for example, because Naturalization exceptional circumstances or a special interest in Naturalization .
German Citizenship Through Adoption or Restitution
A minor foreign child may acquire German citizenship through adoption. The prerequisite is that the adoption is valid under German law and that at least one adoptive parent holds German citizenship.
Special provisions apply to individuals who were stripped of their German citizenship during the Nazi regime (1933–1945) for political, racial, or religious reasons. They and their descendants may regain or acquire German citizenship as part of the process of restitution (Art. 116 of the Basic Law).
German Citizenship: Reacquisition by Former Germans
Anyone who previously held German citizenship may be re-naturalized under certain conditions. For former German citizens living abroad, re-naturalization is governed by Section 13 of the German Nationality Act (StAG). In these cases, the Federal Office of Administration is responsible.
Re-naturalization requires that there be a public interest. In addition, the authorities review other requirements. These include, among other things, sufficient knowledge of German, close ties to Germany, a secure means of support, and a clean criminal record.
German Citizenship for Foreigners: Requirements
Foreign nationals can Naturalization German citizenship through Naturalization . To do so, they must meet the following requirements:
- Legal residence in Germany for at least five years
- Confirmed identity and nationality
- Residence permit Naturalization for Naturalization
- A secure livelihood in the long term and through one's own efforts
- German language skills at level B1
- Knowledge of the German legal and social system
- Commitment to the free democratic basic order
- no serious crimes
Depending on your personal situation, exceptions or concessions may apply.
Dual Citizenship: Is It Possible in Germany?
Dual citizenship has been permitted in Germany since 2024. This means that anyone who obtains German citizenship is no longer required to renounce their previous nationality.
Whether you can actually retain your previous citizenship, however, also depends on the laws of your country of origin . Germany only determines the conditions under which you can obtain German citizenship. Other countries have their own rules regarding multiple citizenship. Some countries allow multiple citizenships, while others revoke your previous citizenship or require prior approval.
Before applying for Naturalization , you Naturalization therefore check which laws apply in your country of origin. You can obtain information from the embassy or consulate of your country of origin, as well as from the relevant authorities there.
Advantages of German citizenship
German citizenship comes with many rights. German citizens are allowed to live in Germany permanently and do not need Residence permit.
Furthermore, they cannot be expelled from Germany or deported to another country. Loss of German citizenship is also possible only under rare and very strictly regulated conditions.
As a German citizen, you can apply for a German identity card and passport. These documents serve as proof of your identity and citizenship. The German passport also allows for visa-free or simplified entry into numerous countries.
One of the most important rights associated with German citizenship is the right to vote. Among other things, German citizens are allowed to participate in federal and state elections and thereby help shape political decisions. They can also cast their votes in elections for the European Parliament.
Since German nationals are also citizens of the European Union, they enjoy freedom of movement within the EU. This means they can live, work, or study in other EU countries. German citizenship also grants access to certain government positions and public service roles.
German citizenship also offers advantages when you are abroad. In an emergency, you can contact a German embassy or consulate. If Germany does not have a diplomatic mission in a country outside the EU, you can also receive assistance at the embassy of another EU member state.
Obligations of German Citizenship
German citizenship comes with certain rights as well as some obligations. However, many of these obligations apply not only to German citizens but, in principle, to everyone living in Germany.
Responsibilities include:
- Compliance with German laws and constitutional principles
- Compulsory Education for Children and Adolescents
- Tax liability
- Mandatory military service for German men aged 18 and older (compulsory basic military service is currently suspended)
- a possible obligation to serve in certain public honorary positions, such as a lay judge or election official
- Identification Required for Those 16 and Older
Is it possible to lose German citizenship?
German citizenship is protected. It may be revoked only in rare cases that are strictly regulated by law. Arbitrary revocation is not permitted under the Basic Law.
If you hold at least one other nationality in addition to German citizenship, you may voluntarily renounce your German citizenship. To do so, you must submit a written declaration. The renunciation must also be approved by the competent citizenship authority.
Naturalization be revoked if it was obtained through fraudulent misrepresentation, threats, bribery, or the intentional provision of false or incomplete information. Such revocation is possible up to ten years after Naturalization. If Naturalization is Naturalization , the person is treated legally as if they had never acquired German citizenship.
In addition, anyone who voluntarily joins the armed forces of a country of which they are also a citizen, without the consent of the German Ministry of Defense, may lose their German citizenship. Participation in combat operations carried out by a terrorist organization abroad may also result in the loss of citizenship.
FAQ: Questions and Answers About German Citizenship
What should you enter in the "Nationality" field on forms: "German" or "Germany"?
On forms, “German” is entered in the nationality field. “German” refers to nationality, while “Germany” is the name of the country. Therefore, the correct entry is, for example, “Nationality: German.”
How do you obtain German citizenship?
German citizenship can be acquired in various ways. These include birth or descent, Naturalization, adoption by German parents, and special provisions for reparations. For most foreign nationals, however, the path to citizenship is through Naturalization.
After how many years can you obtain German citizenship?
Regular Naturalization possible after five years of lawful habitual residence in Germany. Additional requirements must also be met. These include, among other things, sufficient knowledge of the German language, familiarity with the German legal and social systems, and a secure means of support.
Does a child born in Germany automatically receive German citizenship?
A child acquires German citizenship if at least one parent is German. A child of foreign parents can also become a German citizen by birth in Germany. For this to happen, at least one parent must have been living legally in Germany for five years at that time and must have a permanent right of residence.
Is it possible to hold another citizenship in addition to German citizenship?
Yes. Germany has recognized dual citizenship since June 27, 2024. Under German law, individuals who are naturalized are no longer required to renounce their previous citizenship.
Is it possible to lose German citizenship?
German citizenship may be revoked only under strictly defined exceptional circumstances. For example, a person may voluntarily renounce their citizenship if they hold another nationality. Naturalization also be revoked if it was obtained through deception, threats, bribery, or the intentional provision of false or incomplete information.
