German citizenship by descent

On June 27, 2024, a new citizenship law came into force in Germany. Briefly speaking about its content, this legal act provides for a simplified naturalization procedure and also allows dual citizenship. For those who want to get advice on this matter or order legal support for the procedure for acquiring German citizenship, the services of the "Prikhodko & Partners" Law Firm will be relevant. We specialize in such client cases and know how to help in them, because the field of migration law is one of our key practice areas.

What should you know about acquiring citizenship in Germany?

Following these legislative changes, foreigners were given the opportunity to apply for German citizenship after legally living in the country for 5 years. And for applicants who have achieved significant success in their integration into German society, this period may even be reduced to 3 years.

The introduction of dual citizenship in Germany allows foreigners to retain their previous citizenship during naturalization in the country. For many immigrants, this is therefore an excellent opportunity to become German citizens without having to make a difficult choice regarding their current citizenship.

What features of the procedure are relevant for those of German descent?

If a person has German origins, this significantly simplifies the path to acquiring German citizenship. The main thing is to document that the applicant is a descendant of German citizens or ethnic Germans.

Among the documents that need to be provided are:

1. foreign passport;
2. proof of legal residence in Germany;
3. certificate of no criminal record;
4. income certificate;
5. certificate certifying knowledge of German at a level of at least B1;
6. naturalization test result.

The application, together with the accompanying documents, must be submitted to the citizenship office called Einbürgerungsbehörde. This takes place at the person's place of residence.

Those applicants who have reached the age of 16 apply themselves. In the case of younger people, this is done by their parents.

Who is eligible to obtain citizenship by descent?

If we talk about obtaining German citizenship by origin, this opportunity is available to the following categories of persons:

• a child, one of whose parents is a German citizen, if he/she did not acquire German citizenship by birth;
• a child whose mother lost German citizenship due to marriage to a foreigner;
• a child who lost German citizenship acquired by birth due to the legitimization of one of the parents who is a foreigner;
• the descendants of all the persons mentioned above.

So, these are the aspects that are important to know if you decide to acquire German citizenship by descent.

What is important to know for persons applying for German citizenship?

Germany pays great attention to the issue of how the applicant for citizenship has adapted to the local society. Therefore, it is important to demonstrate knowledge of the language, the basics of legal literacy, and the social system of Germany. At the same time, access to German citizenship may be simplified for Ukrainians. This is especially true for those who have German origins or special status. You can contact local authorities for more detailed information.

If we talk in detail about the requirements for those who want to obtain German citizenship, they are as follows:

• availability of a permanent residence permit or residence permit;
• official residence in Germany for at least 5 years, or at least 3 years in the case of integration achievements;
• no assistance from employment and social security centers (it is important to know that unemployment benefits, housing subsidies and child subsidies are usually not obstacles to obtaining German citizenship);
• a German language level of at least B1;
• knowledge of the country's social and legal structure (this is confirmed either by passing the appropriate test or by having a document on completing a German school);
• no convictions for committing a serious criminal offense for which a punishment of more than 90 daily rates is provided;
• oral and written consent to the free and democratic basic order;
• recognition of Germany's responsibility for the Holocaust, for the protection of Jewish life;
• for married people - having no more than one husband or wife;
• availability of all necessary documents to confirm identity.

Although this list is quite large, the conditions listed are quite realistic and feasible.

How can we be useful to you?

When you contact the specialists of the "Prikhodko & Partners" law firm regarding the issue of obtaining German citizenship by origin, you can order the following services:

• Consulting. During the consultation, you will receive answers to your important questions and can plan an algorithm of further actions taking into account the circumstances of your specific situation.
• Legal support. When lawyers accompany the procedure for obtaining German citizenship on a turnkey basis, this simplifies it significantly.If you need such services, please fill out the feedback form on our website.