German citizenship by descent, also known as citizenship through ancestry, allows individuals with German ancestors to claim German citizenship. However, not all descendants of German citizens are eligible for German citizenship, and the eligibility requirements can be complex. Here, we will explore the eligibility criteria for German citizenship by descent and the steps required to obtain it.
Check if you have a German ancestor
The first step in determining eligibility for German citizenship by descent is to establish that you have a German ancestor. In general, German citizenship by descent is available to those who have at least one German parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent. If you are unsure about your ancestry, you can conduct genealogical research or consult with a professional genealogist.
Check the date your German ancestor emigrated
If you have a German ancestor, the next step is to determine when they emigrated from Germany. This is because eligibility for German citizenship by descent is determined by the citizenship laws that were in effect at the time your ancestor emigrated. If your ancestor migrated before January 1, 1914, you may be ineligible for German citizenship by descent.
Check if your German ancestor was a citizen at the time of emigration
If your German ancestor emigrated after January 1, 1914, you must establish that they were a German citizen at the time of emigration. This can be done by obtaining a copy of their German passport or naturalisation papers. If your ancestor became a citizen of another country before they emigrated, they may have lost their German citizenship and you may be ineligible for German citizenship by descent.
Determine if your German ancestor’s citizenship was lost due to Nazi persecution
If your German ancestor emigrated between January 30, 1933, and May 8, 1945, and lost their citizenship due to Nazi persecution, you may be eligible for German citizenship by descent regardless of whether they were a German citizen at the time of emigration. This provision applies to descendants of individuals who were persecuted for political, racial, or religious reasons and had their German citizenship revoked as a result.
Determine if your parent was born in wedlock
If you are claiming German citizenship through a parent, it is important to establish that your parent was born in wedlock. If your parent was born out of wedlock to a German father before July 1, 1993, you may be ineligible for German citizenship by descent unless your parents subsequently married or your father acknowledged paternity before your birth.
Check if your parent lost their German citizenship
If your parent was a German citizen at the time of your birth, you may be eligible for German citizenship by descent. However, if your parents lost their German citizenship before your birth, you may be ineligible for German citizenship by descent.
Apply for German citizenship
If you meet the eligibility criteria for German citizenship by descent, you can apply for German citizenship at your local German embassy or consulate. The application process typically involves providing documentation to establish your ancestry and citizenship, including birth and marriage certificates, naturalisation papers, and other relevant documents.
To know more about how to apply for Germany citizenship by descent, you may contact us and we will provide you the necessary information.
