People on the path to achieving German dual citizenship may face confusion about their eligibility based on Germany’s nationality laws. In 2024, Germany enforced the Act to Modernize Nationality Law. And with this reform, German descendants can legally reclaim their family’s connection and rights as a citizen of the EU — especially for those with German ancestry seeking to reconnect with their German roots.
Continue reading to find out more about the 2024 law and what qualifies individuals for German dual citizenship by descent.
Changes to German Citizenship Policy: The Act to Modernize Nationality Law
Germany updated its dual citizenship policies on June 27, 2024, with the Act to Modernize Nationality Law. Since then, German nationals could apply for citizenship outside of Germany without relinquishing their German citizenship. And furthermore, this made it possible for U.S. citizens to apply for German dual citizenship.
The law essentially means that individuals do not have to seek permission if they want to retain a nationality when applying for dual citizenship. Applicants are now required to complete the proper application form provided by German authorities, ensuring their documentation aligns with the revised nationality requirements.
Condition of Jus Soli
Before the update to the law, people who acquired several nationalities by having been born in Germany – or by “jus soli” – had to opt out of one nationality. But now, these individuals can retain both.
If You Lost German Citizenship Before the Law Changed
Former German nationals are people who claimed a foreign nationality before the law changed on June 27, 2024, and relinquished their German nationality at that time. These individuals can now reclaim their German nationality and maintain dual citizenship.
Section 13 of the Nationality Act states that these individuals must reclaim their German nationality through the naturalization process.
Dual Citizenship as a Long-Term Resident of Germany
Because of the 2024 reform, people who originally resided in other countries but now reside in Germany can apply for German dual citizenship with more ease. The updates have reduced the period of residence in Germany from eight years to five years.
So if you’re an expatriate of your country and have been living in Germany for at least five years, from June 27, 2024, or after, you can attain German dual citizenship through naturalization. This means that you don’t have to relinquish your original citizenship.
Note, however, that there are stipulations to qualify, including having a valid residence permit, proven German language skills, and other forms of proof of long-term residence. Applicants must also pass a citizenship test as part of the process, ensuring familiarity with Germany’s culture, values, and legal framework.
Applying for German Dual Citizenship by Descent
If you don’t reside in Germany, and haven’t previously held German citizenship as in the cases above, you may be wondering if you qualify for dual citizenship. The Nationality Act does detail exceptional cases in which you may qualify:
- Direct descent
- Descent through an ancestor who was a victim of Nazi-era persecution
So if at least one of your parents is a German citizen, you can apply for German citizenship by direct descent. The only way you can apply for German citizenship through a distant ancestor like a grandparent or great-grandparent, is if your ancestor lost their German citizenship between January 30, 1933, and May 8, 1945, on the basis of Nazi persecution. These conditions are detailed in Article 116 of Germany’s Basic Law.
Where Do Americans Apply for German Dual Citizenship?
If you reside in America, then you’ll be applying abroad and will deal with one of Germany’s diplomatic missions in the U.S. There are nine official consular offices in the United States, which have jurisdictions encompassing residents of U.S. states and territories. They are located in Washington, D.C., Miami, New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, and San Francisco.
Get Started on Your German Dual Citizenship Journey
If you think that you may qualify for German dual citizenship based on the criteria in this post, check out our service packages to determine your eligibility. On our blog, we also post regularly with eligibility guides for citizenship in the EU, including tips on how to prove ancestry for citizenship, and more.