Ms. Shannon advises clients on all aspects of German citizenship law. Her work includes helping clients establish and acquire German citizenship, answering questions about dual citizenship, and advising on retaining or relinquishing German citizenship. Throughout the application process, expert guidance is provided on required documents, with all communication with the relevant authorities handled on behalf of clients.

Citizenship by Descent – US Focus

A particular focus is advising individuals living abroad, especially in the United States, who are entitled to German citizenship through family descent and want to have this formally recognized. Ms. Shannon’s own transatlantic background gives her firsthand insight into this process—she was born in New York and has family across New York, Washington, California, and Virginia.

Applications are prepared to be legally sound, with careful verification that all requirements are met. Assistance is provided with obtaining necessary documentation, including birth certificates, proof of descent, and historical records. Citizenship law issues specific to German-American cases are addressed throughout, with clients guided through the process with both professional expertise and personal commitment.

Naturalization Through Residence

Ms. Shannon is also an experienced advisor for foreign nationals seeking naturalization after several years of residence in Germany. Requirements such as length of residence, language proficiency, and successful completion of an integration course are clarified, and assistance is provided to compile all necessary documentation. An individualized application strategy is developed to achieve successful, timely naturalization.

Restitution Naturalization

Additionally, advice is offered on restitution naturalization (Wiedergutmachungseinbürgerung), supporting descendants of individuals who lost their German citizenship during the Nazi era or who were unable to acquire German citizenship at birth due to gender-discriminatory laws in effect at the time—often preventing inheritance of citizenship from the mother. In these sensitive cases, the individual legal situation is carefully analyzed, with examination of the historical and legal background. Clients are guided from the initial consultation through the final decision, with great emphasis on thorough legal analysis and compassionate support throughout the process.

Ms. Shannon provides comprehensive advice on German residence law, supporting both individuals and families with applying for or extending residence permits – particularly for family reunification, permanent residence permits, and stays for professional or other purposes. Her work focuses on securing long-term, legally sound prospects for clients and includes handling communication with the relevant immigration authorities.

Skilled Worker Immigration and Work Migration

Ms. Shannon advises international skilled workers and companies on all aspects of skilled worker immigration and work migration to Germany. This includes selecting the appropriate residence permit and guiding clients through the entire application process. Requirements such as recognition of foreign qualifications and employment contract specifications are carefully verified to ensure all legal conditions for successful employment in Germany are met. Whether deploying foreign skilled workers in Germany or applying for the EU Blue Card, clients receive dedicated support throughout the process.

Celina Shannon works from the firm’s Munich office and is personally available to clients on-site. This enables not only intensive support for the Munich and Bavaria region, but also direct collaboration with local authorities and practical assistance with appointments or official proceedings.

Beyond her legal practice, Ms. Shannon volunteers with the German Women Lawyers Association (Deutscher Juristinnenbund), serving as 2nd Chair of the Munich regional group and as a board member of the Bavaria state chapter. In these roles, she advocates for the professional interests of women lawyers and for equality and equal opportunity in the legal profession.

Before joining Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte, she gained her initial experience at a Munich immigration law firm, handling a broad range of cases—including asylum litigation, skilled-worker immigration, and naturalization proceedings. This diverse background shapes her current advisory work in citizenship and immigration law.