Pathways to German Citizenship
Looking to apply for German citizenship?
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You may qualify for German citizenship if you or your ancestor was formerly German and citizenship was revoked, lost or renounced during the Nazi regime for political, racial or religious reasons. The descendants of this person can also apply for German citizenship.
Even if you or your ancestors were denied German citizenship during the Nazi regime, you could acquire it now.
During the legal review, the past must be looked at in detail. It is necessary to get a good overview of what happened at the time.
Please contact us for further information. We will be happy to take a deep dive into your family’s history and legally assess your options to become a German citizen.
Your ancestors lost their German citizenship between January 30, 1933 and May 8, 1945 or had it revoked, gave it up or could not be naturalized at that time:
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You hold German citizenship by birth if one parent was a German citizen at the time of your birth.
First, it needs to be legally reviewed whether your parent acquired citizenship by birth or at a later time; and second, whether your parent lost German citizenship due to certain circumstances at a later time.
In addition, the following aspects may also be relevant: civil status of the parents at the time of birth, automatic acquisition of another nationality, long stay abroad and many more.
This path therefore requires a precise legal analysis based on the applicable German citizenship law of the relevant years.
Please contact us for further information. We will be happy to take a deep dive into your family’s history and legally assess your options to become a German citizen.
If you have German ancestry:
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As the spouse/registered partner of a German, you can apply for German citizenship when living in Germany for three years. You need to be married for at least two years and, besides other requirements, must have German language skills at level B1.
Minor children of a German spouse or registered partner can be naturalized even if they have not been in Germany for 3 years.
Use Fragomen’s citizenship tool to find out if you could qualify for German citizenship.
If you are married to a German citizen:
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You could qualify for German citizenship if you have been legally residing in Germany for 5 years, have a permanent right of residence, an EU Blue Card or similar residence permit, your livelihood is secured and you have German language skills at level B1. Under certain circumstances, the required period of residence can be reduced to 3 years.
Spouses/registered partnerships and children can also be naturalized even if they have not been residing in Germany for 5 years.
Use Fragomen’s citizenship tool to find out if you could qualify for German citizenship.
If you moved to Germany:
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Please fill out the form for guidance on your individual circumstances.
PLEASE NOTE: Communications sent to us via email through our website are not secure and will not be regarded by us as confidential. Do not send information that you believe is confidential without first speaking with one of our professionals. Please see our Marketing Privacy Notice. By submitting your information to Fragomen via this form, you are giving consent for Fragomen to process your personal data as described in our Marketing Privacy Notice.
Naturalization options can be complex and vary by individual circumstances, so each case requires careful review and legal assessment. To become a German citizen, you’ll need to meet specific German citizenship requirements, which vary depending on your individual circumstances. Fragomen’s Frankfurt team offers personalized advice on the requirements and process, ensuring you understand whether you qualify for German citizenship.
How to get your German Citizenship?
Looking to apply for German citizenship? Discover your eligibility.
How to Apply for German Citizenship
Requirements & Eligibility Tool
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You may qualify for German citizenship if your ancestors lost or had their German citizenship revoked between January 30, 1933, and May 8, 1945, due to political, racial, or religious reasons. The descendants of these individuals can also apply for citizenship.
Even If you or your ancestors lost, had their citizenship revoked, or were denied German citizenship during the Nazi regime, you may still be eligible for citizenship today.
Check Your Eligibility Instantly
Please contact us for more information. We’ll assess your family history and help determine your eligibility for German citizenship.
German Citizenship for Descendants of Those Affected by the Nazi Regime
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You may have German citizenship by birth if at least one parent was a German citizen at the time of your birth. However, a legal review is required to confirm the following:
Whether your parent acquired German citizenship by birth or later
Whether your parent lost German citizenship due to specific circumstances
Additional factors that may apply include:
The civil status of your parents at the time of birth
Automatic acquisition of another nationality
Long stays abroad and other factors
German Citizenship by Descent
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As the spouse or registered partner of a German citizen, you may qualify for German citizenship if you meet the following criteria:
3 years of legal residence in Germany
Married for at least 2 years
German language skills at B1 level
Additional requirements may apply
Minor children of a German spouse or registered partner can be naturalized, even if they haven’t lived in Germany for 3 years.
Check Your Eligibility Instantly
German Citizenship by Marriage
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You may qualify for German citizenship if you meet the following criteria:
5 years of legal residence in Germany
Permanent residence permit, EU Blue Card, or similar permit
Secured livelihood and German language skills (B1 level)
In some cases, the required residence period can be reduced to 3 years
Spouses, registered partners, and children can also be naturalized, even if they haven't lived in Germany for 5 years. Check Your Eligibility Instantly
Citizenship for Residents in Germany
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Citizenship by Birth in Germany
If you were born in Germany to foreign parents, you may be eligible for citizenship if at least one parent has:
Lived legally in Germany for 5 years, and
Holds a permanent right of residence.
Check Your Eligibility Instantly
Get in touch
Please fill out the form for guidance on your individual circumstances.
PLEASE NOTE: Communications sent to us via email through our website are not secure and will not be regarded by us as confidential. Do not send information that you believe is confidential without first speaking with one of our professionals. Please see our Marketing Privacy Notice. By submitting your information to Fragomen via this form, you are giving consent for Fragomen to process your personal data as described in our Marketing Privacy Notice.
Check Your Eligibility Instantly Use Fragomen’s Citizenship Tool to see if you could qualify for German citizenship.
Discover eligibility
Check Your Eligibility
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What are the requirements for German Citizenship?
Common criteria include length of legal residence, permanent residency status, financial stability, and language proficiency. Here are the main pathways to German citizenship and what you’ll need to qualify for each. You can click on the one you believe applies to you:
Citizenship by Birth in Germany
Citizenship by Residency in Germany
Citizenship by Marriage
German Citizenship by Descent
Your ancestors lost their German citizenship
Benefits of German Citizenship
Once you acquire German citizenship, you have the right to apply for a German passport. You will also be entitled to all rights and obligations of a German citizen, such as:
Right to Vote: Participate in democratic processes through active and passive voting rights.
EU Freedom of Movement: Live, work, and travel freely across EU countries.
Secure Residency: Retain your residence status in Germany without restrictions.
Civil Service Eligibility: Access career opportunities in the German public sector.
Fundamental Rights: Enjoy rights like freedom of assembly, association, and occupation.
Consular Protection: Receive assistance from German embassies abroad.
Visa-Free Travel: Visit numerous countries worldwide without a visa.
Discover Eligibility
Benefits of German Citizenship
Once you acquire German citizenship, you have the right to apply for a German passport. You will also be entitled to all rights and obligations of a German citizen, such as:
How to get your German Citizenship?
Naturalization options can be complex and vary by individual circumstances, so each case requires careful review and legal assessment.
To become a German citizen, you’ll need to meet specific German citizenship requirements, which vary depending on your individual circumstances. Fragomen’s Frankfurt team offers personalized advice on the requirements and process, ensuring you understand whether you qualify for German citizenship.
What are the requirements for German Citizenship?
Common criteria include length of legal residence, permanent residency status, financial stability, and language proficiency. Here are the main pathways to German citizenship and what you’ll need to qualify for each.
You can click on the one you believe applies to you:
Citizenship by Birth in Germany
Citizenship by Residency in Germany
Citizenship by Marriage
German Citizenship by Descent
Your ancestors lost their German citizenship
What are the requirements for German Citizenship?
2 of 5
GET STARTED WITH FRAGOMEN
You may qualify for German citizenship if you meet the following criteria:
5 years of legal residence in Germany
Permanent residence permit, EU Blue Card, or similar permit
Secured livelihood and German language skills (B1 level)
In some cases, the required residence period can be reduced to 3 years
Spouses, registered partners, and children can also be naturalized, even if they haven't lived in Germany for 5 years.
Check Your Eligibility Instantly
Use Fragomen German Citizenship Tool to see if you could qualify for German citizenship.
CTA: Discover eligibility
Citizenship for Residents in Germany
Check Your Eligibility
Check Your Eligibility
Check Your Eligibility
Check Your Eligibility
To apply for German citizenship, you’ll need to check on some basic requirements like how long you’ve lived in Germany, language level, financial stability, and your personal situation. Some pathways include naturalization, descent, or marriage.
Use our free eligibility assessment tool to see if you qualify
LET'S GET STARTED
Contact us today.
PLEASE NOTE: Communications sent to us via email through our website are not secure and will not be regarded by us as confidential. Do not send information that you believe is confidential without first speaking with one of our attorneys. Please see our Marketing Privacy Notice. By submitting your information to Fragomen via this page, you are giving consent for Fragomen to process your personal data as described in our Marketing Privacy Notice.
GET STARTED
Check Your Eligibility
Meet the team
Adela Schmidt
Isabel Schnitzler
Arta Djahanschiri
Katharina Vorländer
Adela Schmidt
Isabel Schnitzler
Arta Djahanschiri
Katharina Vorländer
Meet the team
Meet the team
Adela Schmidt
Isabel Schnitzler
Arta Djahanschiri
Katharina Vorländer