In early December 2025, Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno introduced a proposed bill called the "Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025” sparking international headlines and understandable questions from dual citizens. Senator Moreno's bill proposes eliminating dual citizenship in the United States, requiring current dual citizens to choose one nationality within a one-year period. It is an attention-grabbing [...]
Acquiring German citizenship is an important, often life-changing step. It opens up new rights – from voting to freedom of travel within the EU – and provides secure residence status. But anyone considering German citizenship faces a crucial question: How long does naturalisation take after submitting the application? The short answer: expect 18 to 24 [...]
In an increasingly interconnected, globalised world, the freedom to travel guaranteed by possessing a particular passport is of crucial importance for the mobility of its holders. The Henley Passport Index, which lists countries and territories regarding freedom to travel, shows a highly interesting development: the German passport is at the top of the current [...]
In a historic move, the German Bundestag has approved extensive changes to the nation's citizenship law, ushering in a new era of inclusivity and flexibility. The law came into force on Thursday, 27th June 2024. Foreign residents in Germany can now apply for German citizenship after five years of residency, a notable reduction [...]
Germany's laws on dual citizenship have undergone a historic transformation. Traditionally reluctant to allow dual citizenship, Germany has gradually become more lenient, especially for citizens from other EU member states and Switzerland, and now dual citizenship is more accessible for those residing in Germany from third countries (non-EU countries). Previously, German citizens living [...]
In principle, German citizenship is acquired by birth (ius soli) or by descent (ius sanguinis). However, it is also possible to acquire citizenship through residency. However, specific requirements must be met for this. With the planning of a new German citizenship by residency law, which is to contain relaxed requirements, citizenship by residency should [...]
German citizenship is a gateway to a world of remarkable opportunities. At Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte, our lawyers regularly handle cases concerning German citizenship applications—whether they arise through naturalisation by residency or due to descent and ancestry. Our clients can expect comprehensive legal solutions, tailored services, and deep expertise in all matters relating to [...]
Having the centre of your life - whether for private or professional reasons - in a country other than where you were born has become the norm. In such a situation, holding two citizenships can be useful to avoid losing ties to your home country. The German passport, which, according to the Henley Passport [...]
The horrors of World War II left an indelible mark on our world, reshaping global politics and spurring the formation of crucial international organisations such as the United Nations, the European Union, and NATO. The war also catalysed the establishment of international human rights legislation, serving as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences [...]