Guidelines for Acquiring German Nationality via Ancestry

German citizenship by descent is a path to acquiring European citizenship for individuals who can trace their ancestry to Germany. Here's a guide to the process, benefits, and requirements involved.

The Process

The journey to German citizenship by descent involves several steps. First, you need to research your family tree to establish a connection to a German ancestor. Next, you must confirm your eligibility based on the conditions outlined below.

Once eligibility is established, you'll need to handle extensive paperwork, which may include birth certificates, pedigree charts, marriage certificates, family books, foreign personal documents, residence permits, documents concerning non-acquisition of another foreign nationality, proof of the acquisition/possession of other nationalities, name change documents, and Appendix V forms for every generation of the family until a relative is found who meets certain criteria.

In some cases, DNA tests may be requested to confirm your descent. The exact requirements may vary depending on legal regulations and international agreements.

Eligibility

To be eligible for German citizenship by descent, one of the following conditions must be met:

German citizenship is earned and passed down primarily through ancestry from a German parent.
If you were born after January 1, 1975 to married parents, and one of your parents (mother or father) was a German citizen at the time of your birth.

Timeframe and Comparison

The process of obtaining German citizenship by descent can take between 2-3 years. Compared to Poland and Italy, Germany's system for obtaining citizenship is more straightforward and practical.

Benefits and Drawbacks

The benefits of German citizenship include a powerful passport, free access to the European Union, the ability to study and work legally anywhere in the EU, a vast, stable economy, top-notch healthcare, education, and an evolving and expanding industrial sector, and welcoming people.

However, there are also drawbacks to consider. Germany has high tax rates, an unfavorable tax environment for high-net-worth individuals, and restrictions on dual citizenship. Personal income tax can climb up to 45%, corporate tax rates are 15%, and the burden of proof lies on the individual when it comes to taxes.

Special Programs

Germany offers a special restoration program for those who lost citizenship for political, racial, or religious reasons between May 8, 1945 and January 30, 1993. This program primarily benefits those of Jewish ancestry, but it also applies to other groups who suffered under Nazi rule.

Assistance Services

The Nomad Capitalist team offers a citizenship-by-descent service to handle everything from eligibility checks to the application process. They have helped over 1500 clients secure a second citizenship, including a German passport.

It's recommended to set up a call with the team to discuss eligibility for second citizenship in Europe.

Notable Facts

A German passport is the sixth-best travel document in the world according to Nomad Capitalist's Passport Index.
Germany only allows dual citizenship in particular scenarios, such as children born to a German and a non-German parent who can acquire the nationalities of both parents at the time of birth, or Germans who apply to be considered for dual nationality.
The 2020 census in the United States revealed almost 45 million people claimed full or partial German ancestry, making it the largest of the self-reported ancestry groups in the United States.
It's possible to obtain German citizenship by descent through a grandparent, although it's not always as straightforward as through a parent.
Disqualifications for German citizenship by descent include the scenario where the parent becomes a naturalized citizen of another country before the child is born.

Guidelines for Acquiring German Nationality via Ancestry