German Citizenship: The Ultimate Guide

German citizenship is widely regarded as a valuable asset, particularly because of the country’s strong economy, stable political system, and rich culture. In this article, we’ll explore how to get German citizenship and the benefits of being a German citizen.

Benefits of German Citizenship

German citizenship offers a multitude of benefits, including:

Visa free travel to 174 countries: Citizens of Germany can travel freely to 174 countries without requiring a visa, including all Schengen area countries. This unparalleled travel freedom grants access to a vast array of destinations, facilitating global connections and enabling individuals to explore diverse cultures and experiences.

Freedom of movement and work within the European Union: German citizenship grants EU citizenship freedoms, such as the right to live and work in any EU country without restrictions. This mobility empowers anyone who becomes a German citizen (and therefore an EU citizen) to pursue career opportunities, access diverse job markets, and experience Europe’s diverse cultures.

Access to world-class education and healthcare: Germany is renowned for its excellent education and healthcare systems, consistently ranking among the top performers globally. German citizens have direct access to top-tier schools, universities, and hospitals, ensuring high-quality education and comprehensive healthcare for themselves and their families.

Political participation and democratic rights: German citizens are entitled to full political participation, including the right to vote, run for office, and engage in political activities. This active involvement in the democratic process allows individuals with German citizenship to contribute to shaping the country’s future and making their voices heard in shaping public policies.

Social security and benefits: As a German citizen, you are eligible for a comprehensive social security system that provides a safety net of benefits during times of need. These benefits include unemployment insurance, health insurance, and social assistance, offering financial security and protection for yourself and your family.

Enhanced passport power and global recognition: A German passport holds immense value, ranking among the most powerful passports in the world. German passports grant visa free travel to a wide range of countries, facilitating international travel and business opportunities.

Entrepreneurial opportunities: Germany has a thriving business environment and a robust economy, offering ample opportunities for individuals to start their own businesses, expand their careers, and pursue entrepreneurial endeavors. This fosters economic independence and encourages innovation.

How to Become a German Citizen: Main Routes

German Citizenship by Birth

German citizenship by birth (right of the soil) isn’t automatically guaranteed unless at least one parent is German. For children born after 2000 to non-German parents, one must have legally resided in Germany for eight years with permanent residency to grant the child citizenship

German Citizenship by Descent

German citizenship by descent (right of blood) is the most common path for individuals with German ancestry. To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be a direct descendant of a German citizen at the time of your birth or adoption
• Have resided in Germany for at least eight years before submitting your application
• Demonstrate proficiency in the German language at the level B1 or higher
• Submit supporting documentation, including birth certificates, marriage certificates, and proof of German ancestry
• Apply to the local Ausländerbehörde (Alien Registration Office) in Germany

German Citizenship by Naturalization

Naturalization is the process of becoming a naturalized German citizen through legal means. To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be of legal age (18 years old or older)
• Have a permanent residence permit in Germany
• Have resided in Germany for a continuous period of at least eight years
• Demonstrate proficiency in the German language at the level B1 or higher
• Integrate into German society, which includes knowledge of German culture, society, and history
• Renounce your previous citizenship, if required by your country of origin
• Submit supporting documentation, including residence permits, language certificates, and proof of integration
• Apply to the local Einbürgerungsbehörde (Naturalization Office/Local Naturalization Authority) in Germany

For this pathway, you can also apply for German citizenship online, provided you meet the following criteria:

• You are residing outside of Germany
• You have a valid residence permit for the country in which you are residing
• You have completed an online application form and have uploaded the required documents
• You have paid the application fee
• You have scheduled an appointment with the embassy or consulate (or other competent German mission) to verify your identity and collect your passport

German Citizenship by Marriage

Under the German Nationality Act, you can gain German citizenship through marriage. To acquire German citizenship through this pathway, you must meet several requirements, including:

• Be married to a German citizen (or naturalized citizen) for a minimum of two years
• Have completed three years of legal residence in Germany
• Demonstrate proficiency in German language skills at the level B1 or higher
• Integrate into German society, which includes knowledge of German culture, society, and history
• Renounce your prior citizenship, if required by your country of origin
• Submit supporting documentation, including marriage certificates, residence permits, language certificates, and proof of integration
• Apply to the local Einbürgerungsbehörde (Naturalization Office) in Germany

German Citizenship by Ancestry for Nazi Victim Descendants

This pathway is specific to descendants of German nationals who were deprived of their citizenship due to Nazi discrimination. To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:

• Identify a German grandparent or great-grandparent who was a German citizen at the time of their birth or adoption and who was deprived of their German citizenship due to Nazi persecution
• Have resided in Germany for at least five years
• Demonstrate proficiency in the German language at the level B1 or higher
• Submit supporting documentation, including birth certificates, marital certificates, and proof of Nazi-era persecution
• Apply to the local Bundesverwaltungsamt (German Federal Office of Administration) in Germany

Acquiring German Citizenship: Quick Tips

• Meet the eligibility requirements: Carefully review the specific requirements for your chosen pathway to German citizenship to ensure you meet them all.
• Comply with the application process: Follow the instructions carefully, submit all the required documents, and pay the application fees.
• Prove German language proficiency: Demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively in German at the required level.
• Show your commitment to Germany: Demonstrate your integration into German society, knowledge of German culture, and strong ties to the country.
• Pass a naturalization test/citizenship test: Take a naturalization test/citizenship test to demonstrate your knowledge of Germany’s language, history, society, and values.
• Attend the oath ceremony: Once your application is approved, participate in the formal oath ceremony, which signifies your commitment to German citizenship and the Federal Republic of Germany.
• Apply for your new German passport: After your citizenship application is approved, you can apply for a new German passport at the local Ausländerbehörde (Alien Registration Office) or the Bundesverwaltungsamt (Federal Office of Administration) in Germany. Submit a completed application form, a copy of your existing passport, and a recent passport-sized photograph.

How much does German citizenship cost?

Obtaining German citizenship varies in cost depending on the pathway you pursue. For naturalization, the standard application fee is €255. If you’re applying with dependent minor children, each child will be charged an additional €55 fee.

If you’re applying for German citizenship through marriage, the application fee is €255 for the applicant and €105 for the spouse.

If you’re applying for German citizenship through descent, the application fee is €300 for the applicant.

Remember that these are standard fees. There may be additional costs associated with translations, document preparation, and travel expenses, especially if you’re applying from outside of Germany.

How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?

Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments. 

We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Obtaining German Citizenship

Do I need to speak German to acquire German citizenship?

Yes, if you’re interested in obtaining German citizenship, you’ll need to prove your proficiency in German, typically at the B1 level or higher to meet the eligibility criteria. This is required for all pathways to get German citizenship except for those under German citizenship by descent.

Can I hold dual citizenship in Germany?

In most cases, dual citizenship is permitted in Germany, but there are exceptions.

Some countries don’t allow dual citizenship, and if you’re a citizen of one of these countries, you may need to renounce your prior citizenship before applying for German citizenship.

Are all German citizens entitled to the same rights and benefits?

Yes, each German citizen is entitled to the same basic rights and benefits, regardless of their origin, gender, or religion. These rights include freedom of movement, voting rights, and access to social welfare.

Can I become obtain German citizenship if my parents are German citizens?

In general, yes. Children born to a German parent are automatically considered citizens of the Federal Republic of Germany, regardless of where they are born.

There are some exceptions, such as for children born abroad to a German parent who has renounced their German citizenship (meaning they are former German citizens). In such cases, it is advisable to consult a German embassy or consulate (or other competent German mission) for guidance.

Can I become a German citizen if I hold citizenship from another country?

Yes, you can become a German citizen while holding citizenship from another country. However, you may need to renounce your previous citizenship if your country of origin requires you to.

For German nationals who live abroad and want to retain German citizenship, you should submit your request to the German embassy or consulate (or other competent German mission).

What role does German law play in the process of attaining German citizenship?

German law establishes the basic framework for acquiring German citizenship as well as for losing German citizenship. German basic law under the German legal system defines the eligibility criteria, procedures, and rights and obligations associated with German citizenship.

To become a German citizen, one must meet the conditions outlined in German nationality law. This legal framework, primarily governed by the Nationality Act of 1914, establishes the path to citizenship. Notably, German citizens are not only granted rights within Germany but also enjoy the benefits of European Union citizenship due to Germany’s membership in the EU.

Can I apply for German citizenship if I was born in a foreign country?

Yes, you can apply to become a German citizen even if you were born in a foreign country.

There are different pathways to becoming a German citizen, such as descent, naturalization, marriage, or being a descendant of Nazi victims.

How can I prove my German language proficiency?

You can prove your language proficiency for your German citizenship application by taking an accredited test, such as the TestDaF, telc C1 Hochschule, or Goethe-Zertifikat C1. The specific test required may vary depending on the pathway to obtain German citizenship that you’re pursuing.

Can children born to a German mother and a non-German father automatically acquire German citizenship?

Yes, a child born to a German mother and a non-German father are generally considered German citizens at birth. This is because Germany follows the principle of jus sanguinis, which means that a child is automatically considered a German citizen if at least one parent is German. This is true regardless of where the child is born.

In some cases, a child born to a German mother and a non-German father may also be eligible for German citizenship if the father has been living in Germany for at least eight years before the child’s birth and has a permanent residence permit.

Can I acquire German nationality through investment?

No, there’s no direct way to acquire German nationality through investment. However, if you invest in a business that creates jobs and contributes to the German economy, you may be eligible for a temporary residence permit and other benefits.

What visas count toward German citizenship?

The residency period required for German citizenship by naturalization typically takes into account the following visa types:

• Asylum or refugee visa
• EU Blue Card
• Freelance or self-employed visa
• Marriage and family visa
• Researcher visa
• Skilled worker visa