German Citizenship by Descent: Complete Guide 2025

In general, German citizenship is not established through birth on German territory but by descent from a German legal mother and/or a German legal father. Unlike countries like Italy or Ireland that offer citizenship based on distant ancestry, German citizenship by descent follows specific rules based on when and under what circumstances you or your ancestors were born.

Understanding German Citizenship by Descent

German citizenship may have been obtained through several different pathways, each with its own specific rules and time periods. Understanding these pathways is crucial to determining your eligibility.

German Citizenship by Being Born in Wedlock

The rules for children born in wedlock have evolved significantly over time:

• January 1, 1914 - December 31, 1974: Children born in wedlock during this period acquired German citizenship only if the father was a German citizen at the time of their birth.

• January 1, 1964 - December 31, 1974: Children born to a German mother in wedlock during this period only acquired German citizenship if they would have become stateless otherwise.

• After January 1, 1975: Children born in wedlock after this date acquired German citizenship if one of the parents was a German citizen at the time of their birth.

• Special Case - April 1, 1953 - December 31, 1974: Children born in wedlock between these dates to a German mother and a non-German father did not become German citizens by birth. However, during the years 1975, 1976, and 1977, their parents could claim German citizenship for them. Since August 20th, 2021, children or their offspring can obtain German citizenship on the grounds of declaration. This possibility will be available for 10 years (until 2031).

German Citizenship by Being Born Out of Wedlock

For children born out of wedlock, different rules apply:

• After January 1, 1914: Children born out of wedlock to a German mother acquired German citizenship.

• After July 1, 1993: Children born out of wedlock to a German father acquired German citizenship if (among other requirements) paternity had been established according to German law.

• Before July 1, 1993: Children born out of wedlock to a German father before this date may acquire German citizenship by declaration before their 23rd birthday, if paternity has been established and if they have resided in Germany for at least three years. The declaration can only be made in Germany at the child's residence.

German Citizenship by Adoption

Adoption can also lead to German citizenship:

• On or after January 1, 1977: If you were adopted as a minor by at least one German citizen on or after this date, you are a German citizen. If the adoption happened outside Germany, it has to meet certain requirements.

• January 1, 1959 - December 31, 1976: Children who had been adopted by a German parent during this period could have become a German citizen by declaration until December 31, 1977.

German Citizenship by Legitimization

The marriage of the parents of a child born out of wedlock was called "legitimization":

• January 1, 1914 - June 30, 1998: Children born out of wedlock during this period could have acquired German citizenship through the marriage of their parents.

German Citizenship by Marriage

Marriage to a German citizen has historically been a pathway to citizenship:

• April 1, 1914 - March 31, 1953: Foreign women who married a German citizen during this period acquired German citizenship automatically.

• April 1, 1953 - December 31, 1969: Foreign women who married a German citizen during this period could have acquired German citizenship under certain conditions, especially by declaration at the time of marriage.

• Since January 1, 1970: The acquisition of German citizenship by marriage no longer exists. A foreign spouse can only naturalize if certain requirements are met.

German Citizenship by Other Reasons

There are additional pathways to German citizenship:

• Since January 1, 2000: Children born in Germany to foreign parents, of whom at least one parent fulfills certain residence criteria, acquire German citizenship.

• Former German citizens: There are rare possibilities for naturalization especially for former German citizens.

Applying for German Citizenship by Descent

Applying for German citizenship by descent requires careful attention to detail. Once eligibility has been determined, you'll need to gather the necessary documents for your application.

Required Documents

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

• Passport and ID Card: Your current passport and official identification
• Documents proving parentage, such as:
  • Birth certificates establishing a direct familial connection to German ancestors
  • Marriage certificates to demonstrate familial relationships
  • Certificates of Descent proving descent from German ancestors
• Certificate of good conduct from your country of residence

Original or notarized copies of documents are generally required. Documents must be in German or, in some instances, English. Documents in other languages must be translated and stamped by an official translator.

Application Process

The application process typically involves:

1. Determining eligibility: Assess if you qualify based on the pathways described above
2. Gathering documents: Collect all required documentation proving your lineage
3. Submitting your application: Apply at a German consulate abroad or directly to German authorities
4. Waiting for processing: The duration varies based on case complexity and documentation completeness
5. Responding to queries: Address any questions or requests for additional information
6. Receiving a decision: If approved, you'll be granted German citizenship

Determining Eligibility for German Citizenship by Descent

Determining eligibility for German citizenship by descent can be complex due to the various rules that apply based on historical circumstances. You may qualify for German citizenship if:

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.

Ties to Germany and proficiency in the German language may not be necessary in specific circumstances. However, these exceptions apply in limited situations.

Conclusion

German citizenship by descent offers a pathway to EU citizenship for those with German ancestry, but the rules are complex and depend heavily on when and under what circumstances you and your ancestors were born. If you believe you may qualify, it's advisable to consult with a specialist in German citizenship law who can assess your specific case and guide you through the application process.

If you don't qualify for citizenship by descent, remember that Germany's 2024 citizenship law reform has made naturalization more accessible, now allowing dual citizenship and reducing the residence requirement from 8 to 5 years for most applicants.

Ready to explore your German citizenship options? Use our eligibility checker or compare citizenship pathways to find the best route for your situation.