German Citizenship by Descent

German Citizenship Lawyers explain: find out more about your Eligibility for a German Passport based on Ancestry

German Citizenship by Descent

German Citizenship Lawyers explain: find out more about your Eligibility for a German Passport based on Ancestry

German citizenship by descent also referred to as citizenship through ancestry, constitutes a legal avenue allowing individuals with German heritage to attain German citizenship. While German law outlines clear procedures for acquiring citizenship through descent, the process can be intricate and time-consuming, necessitating a comprehensive grasp of pertinent laws and limitations. Our legal team at Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte is well-equipped to assist you in determining your German citizenship eligibility by using our online eligibility check for German citizenship by descent.

Upon confirming your eligibility, our dedicated team will collaborate with you to navigate the application process seamlessly. Specializing in guiding individuals through the complexities of German citizenship by descent, we offer expert legal advice and unwavering support throughout the entirety of the application procedure. Having successfully assisted clients globally, our attorneys are prepared to locate and validate the necessary documents, oversee your application, and provide counsel on matters related to dual citizenship.

Feel free to reach out to us directly to avail yourself of our services without hesitation. Our team is committed to facilitating your journey toward acquiring German citizenship by descent, ensuring a streamlined and successful application process.

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Our Services

The Application Process
  • Application assistance and support

  • Application tracking and monitoring

  • Clarification of all open questions with the competent authorities

  • Communication with German authorities with additional requests or inquiries

  • Legal Representation in case of challenges or appeals.
  • Locating and validating essential documents, such as birth certificates and marriage certificates

Applying for German Citizenship by Descent

Applying for German citizenship by descent is a nuanced journey that demands meticulous attention to detail.  At Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte, our dedicated team of German law citizenship attorneys utilise their extensive experience and in-depth knowledge to provide tailored support to our clients. We understand the importance of a personalized and comprehensive service. Once eligibility has been assessed and determined through our eligibility check, our team is ready to advise clients regarding the necessary documents they need to provide for their application. Collecting the required documents is a critical step, often presenting challenges for applicants. With our expertise, we assist in the meticulous process of gathering documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and proof of lineage. Our team specializes in document verification, ensuring compliance with German authorities’ standards.

The required documents vary on a case-by-case basis but generally include:

  • Passport,
  • ID Card: An official identification card may also be requested,
  • Documents proving parentage, such as:
    • Birth certificates: To establish the direct familial connection to German ancestors.
    • Marriage certificates: If applicable, to demonstrate familial relationships.
    • Certificates of Descent: Documents proving the descent from German ancestors, which may include family registry entries or similar records.
  • Certificate of good conduct from your country of residence, demonstrating a lack of convictions or preventive detention sentences.

Original or notarised copies of documents are generally what are sought after, with a requirement for documents to be in German or, in certain cases, English. Documents in other languages must be translated and stamped by an official translator. Our team is available to advise clients on such matters

As your application progresses, our team will keep a vigilant eye on its status, ensuring that all documentation is in order. Our lawyers provide a responsive and proactive approach and ensure that any queries from the German authorities are promptly addressed. As we have guided numerous clients in the past in such matters, our team is prepared to support our clients to face potential challenges by highlighting possible pitfalls along the route. Should challenges arise, our firm provides legal representation for appeals and administrative reviews. We strategise and advocate on your behalf, leveraging our legal expertise to address any obstacles and enhance the likelihood of a successful outcome.

The duration of the application process can vary, influenced by factors such as case complexity, documentation completeness, and authorities’ workload. Throughout this journey, we maintain transparent communication, keeping you informed and alleviating uncertainties. Our team will advise you about how to best ensure that your application is examined in a timely manner.

At Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte, our legal team will oversee the entire process.

Determine Eligibility for German Citizenship by Descent

German citizenship by descent hinges on the direct family line, determining eligibility based on ancestral ties. You may qualify for German citizenship if your parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents were born in Germany. However, the intricacies of ancestral histories and situations make determining eligibility complex.

Cases Where German Citizenship May Apply:

  • Historical Circumstances: Your ancestors had their citizenship revoked under Nazi rule (1933-1945) on political, racial, or religious grounds.
  • Foreign Father, German Mother (Born Before 1975): Your birth was before 1975 to a foreign father and a German citizen mother, born in wedlock.
  • German Father, Foreign Mother (Born Before 1975): Your birth was before 1975 in wedlock to a German father and a foreign mother.
  • Foreign Mother, German Father (Born Before 01.07.1993): Your birth was before 01.07.1993 to a foreign mother, and your father was a German citizen at the day of your birth, born outside of wedlock, with paternity proven before you turned 23.
  • German Parent (Born After 1975): Your birth was after 1975 in wedlock to a German parent.
  • Children of a Mother Who Lost German Nationality Automatically: Children born to a mother who lost German nationality before their birth due to marriage with a foreigner.

In specific circumstances, ties to Germany and proficiency in the German language may not be necessary. However, these exceptions apply in limited situations. Our team at Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte is here to assist you with the complexities of German citizenship by descent. Please do not hesitate to contact us directly to evaluate your case for a thorough evaluation of your case and personalised guidance.

German Citizenship Developments

Our law firm prioritises keeping our clients abreast of the dynamic landscape of German citizenship laws, ensuring they are well-informed about developments that could impact their applications. The German government parties are in the process of making significant changes to German citizenship, migration and integration policy, intending to bring about a new era. The key objectives include:

  • Visa Issuance Acceleration: A commitment to expedite the process of issuing visas.
  • Facilitated German Citizenship Acquisition: A pledge to ease the requirements for acquiring German citizenship.
  • Expansion of Dual Citizenship: An intention to extend the possibility of multiple citizenship, commonly known as “dual citizenship.”
  • Streamlined German Residency Requirements: A plan to lower the requirements for the German right of residence and the right to stay in the country.

The government’s new citizenship law has been accepted by the German Bundestag, and it should significantly transform the landscape of German citizenship. Under the new legislation, German citizenship through residence (naturalisation) is to be possible after five years, and in the case of “special integration achievements”, naturalisation would be available after three years.

According to the new German government’s plan, a child born in Germany, for example, would be granted German citizenship at birth if at least one parent has been a legal resident in the country for at least five years at the time of birth. Up to now, the acquisition of German citizenship by a child of foreign parents has been conditional on the legal residence of one parent for eight years (cf. Section 4 III StAG).

In the area of German citizenship by descent, the new law will allow for greater access to dual citizenship. Previously, acquiring German citizenship has often led to needing to relinquish previous citizenship, especially for those from non-EU member states (third countries), but this will no longer be the case. Germany will become more welcoming to the idea of dual citizenship. However, complications within individual cases can often exist, and therefore, consulting with our professionals in advance is strongly recommended.

Dual Citizenship and German Citizenship by Descent Cases

At Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte, we recognize that the concept of dual citizenship plays a crucial role for individuals seeking German citizenship by descent. Our legal experts are here to provide comprehensive guidance and address your inquiries in this nuanced realm. Regarding eligibility, our legal team thoroughly analyzes each client’s specific situation to ascertain whether they are eligible for dual citizenship. In their case, we outline the exact legal scenarios relating to dual citizenship, allowing our clients to make informed decisions. Understanding the intricate rules of both Germany and your country of origin, we ensure citizenship by descent applications align seamlessly with the set requirements.

Dual citizenship is a complex matter, necessitating a careful examination of the regulations in both countries involved. While dual citizenship may face restrictions in certain nations, many European Union countries, including France, Ireland, Italy, Denmark, Finland, Malta, Portugal, Spain, Poland, and Sweden, allow this status. Moreover, countries outside the EU, such as the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Turkey, also permit dual citizenship. In some instances, local legal guidance becomes imperative. It’s important to note that some countries do not allow dual citizenship, and acquiring German citizenship may require relinquishing previous citizenship.

Dual citizens in Germany enjoy the same rights as other German citizens. When abroad, they can seek assistance from German embassies or consulates. However, it’s essential to be aware that this support may have limitations when dual citizens are in the other country of their citizenship. Additionally, dual citizens may have specific rights linked to their other citizenship governed by the laws of that state, such as the right to vote in that country.

For personalized guidance tailored to your unique circumstances, please do not hesitate to contact us at Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte. We are here to facilitate a smooth and informed process as you explore the possibilities of dual citizenship in the context of German citizenship by descent. Our legal team is dedicated to providing clarity, overcoming complexities, and ensuring that our clients can face the matter of German citizenship by descent and dual citizenship journey with confidence.

Full-Service Legal Support with German Citizenship by Descent

Our German citizenship lawyers deal with complex issues of German citizenship by descent on a daily basis. Our team will ensure that your application, and that of your family members, follow the stated requirements. Where possible we will help you to speed up the process. We offer you the full-service package for your German passport from the check of the eligibility, the research of your ancestry, the communication with authorities as well as the final application. Make use of our Eligibility Check for German citizenship by descent. Please do not hesitate to contact our lawyers for comprehensive advice on German citizenship.

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German Citizenship by Descent – Eligibility Check

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24h Contact: 0221 93295960
Email: info@se-legal.de
Appointments made by telephone only.

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Fax: 0221 932959669

Locations & Office Times

Mo – Fr: 09:00 – 19:00
24h Contact: 0221 93295960
Email: info@se-legal.de
Appointments made by telephone only.

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