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German citizenship

The German rules on citizenship were thoroughly revised with the entry into force of the amended Nationality Act (Staatsangehörigkeitsgesetz) on January 1st, 2000.

The German Law on Nationality and Citizenship is rather complex and has undergone many changes in the last decades. Please make sure you read and understand the information provided below before contacting your competent German Foreign Mission.

Germany’s nationality law – significant changes

On 27 June 2024, the Act to Modernise Nationality Law entered into force. It is now easier to acquire other nationalities in addition to one’s German nationality.

Am I German? - Establishing German citizenship

If you would like to find out if you are eligible to apply for a German passport, there are some basic principles of the German law of citizenship that you should familiarize yourself with first.

Acquisition of German nationality by children born abroad to German parents who were themselves born abroad after 31 December 1999 (section 4 (4) of the Nationality Act)

Children born abroad to one or more German parents who themselves were born abroad after 31 December 1999 only acquire German nationality under certain circumstances.

A father holds his son in his arms against a light background

German citizenship by birth

German citizenship is mainly based on the principle of descent from one German parent. Only since 2000 it is possible to receive German citizenship through birth in Germany in a limited number of cases.

A boy pointing at a globe (symbolic photo)

German citizenship by naturalization / by declaration

German citizenship can also be acquired by naturalization. However, naturalization of persons residing outside of Germany is only possible in exceptional cases.

A woman in Frankfurt celebrates receiving her German citizenship

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