Applying for dual citizenship in Germany requires meeting specific criteria. Many Turkish citizens who moved to Germany years ago to work have lived and worked there for long periods. These people have often obtained German citizenship while retaining ties to Turkey, making Germany a second homeland for them.
Because of national policy, Germany may not always accept applications for dual citizenship. Therefore, complying with all the requirements for how to obtain dual citizenship in Germany is essential.
What Are the Requirements to Apply for Dual Citizenship in Germany?
When applying for dual citizenship in Germany, important factors to consider include:
- The applicant’s residence and permit status in Germany,
- The length of time the applicant has worked and lived in Germany,
- Circumstances of birth and parentage.
Changes made in 2000 granted children of families with permanent residence rights the possibility to acquire citizenship after eight years of residence; the previous required period of 15 years was reduced to eight. Amendments introduced in 2008 added further conditions: applicants must demonstrate German language skills and pass the naturalization test.
If one parent of a newborn is German, the child may be entitled to dual citizenship. A person born in Germany to parents of different nationalities must decide which citizenship to keep by age 23; failure to choose may lead to loss of German citizenship.
For those hoping to obtain citizenship more quickly through marriage, several conditions should be met to avoid issues:
- The spouse should be a German citizen,
- The applicant should hold a valid residence permit in Germany,
- Basic knowledge of German is required,
- The applicant should have been employed in Germany for at least six months,
- The applicant must have sufficient income to support themselves,
- The marriage must be officially registered with civil authorities,
- The couple should have shared accommodation.
A significant age gap in a marriage may raise suspicions of a sham marriage and jeopardize citizenship. Entering Germany illegally also leads to rejection of naturalization applications.
What Conditions Must Be Met for Dual Citizenship in Germany?
Meeting the conditions for dual citizenship in Germany is essential when applying. Typical requirements include:
- Respect for the German constitution and laws,
- Good German language skills and passing written and oral tests,
- Residence in Germany for at least eight years,
- Familiarity with public order and civic duties in Germany,
- Sufficient financial means to support oneself,
- A clean criminal record,
- Not receiving public assistance from social institutions,
- No pending exclusion from another country’s citizenship,
- Applicants over 60 may apply after 12 years of residence,
- Stateless persons may apply after six years of residence,
- Those granted asylum or similar status typically must have lived in Germany for six years before applying.
Which Documents Are Required for a Dual Citizenship Application?
To apply for dual citizenship in Germany, applicants must submit a written application to their local naturalization authority. Each family member seeking citizenship must submit an individual application; parents must sign for children under 16. Applicants from countries that allow dual citizenship who seek German citizenship should prepare the following documents:
- Individual signed application forms for each family member,
- Birth certificates,
- Documents proving the applicant’s financial situation,
- Photocopy of the applicant’s passport,
- Marriage certificate for married applicants,
- Divorce documents where applicable,
- Proof of German language skills (certificates),
- Documentation of any public assistance if currently receiving support.
What Happens After Submitting a Citizenship Application?
After submitting all required documents, applicants sign a declaration committing to uphold the German constitution. Even if applicants already speak German, those required to meet the language condition will usually be tested to verify proficiency. Language tests may require reading and translating newspaper texts or written passages. Applicants who fail the test are typically asked to attend language courses and improve their skills before reapplying.
Once an application and documents are accepted, a formal review process begins. The standard review period is at least 12 weeks but can be longer. Applicants who receive a guarantee or temporary confirmation and pass the background checks may be granted citizenship following a positive evaluation.
New dual citizens should notify the authorities in their other home country about the change in status where required. For more detailed, case-specific information, applicants are advised to contact the German consulate or local naturalization office.
Which Countries Allow Dual Citizenship?
Many countries, including Germany, allow dual citizenship in various circumstances. Some nations grant citizenship relatively easily, while others have strict rules and lengthy procedures. Each country has its own specific requirements. Examples of countries where dual citizenship may be obtainable, with typical conditions, include:
- France: Often allows dual citizenship. Naturalization commonly requires around five years of residence; university education or exceptional integration may affect requirements.
- Latvia: In some cases dual citizenship is possible through significant real estate investment, with regional differences in required amounts.
- United Kingdom: Dual citizenship can be obtained through work, birth, or marriage, generally requiring five years of residence with qualified status.
- Netherlands: Has strict rules; eligibility usually follows five to seven years of residence and lawful residence status.
- St. Kitts and Nevis: Citizenship-by-investment programs are available with substantial financial contributions.
- Italy: Citizenship by residency often requires ten years of legal residence; spouses of Italian citizens may qualify sooner.
- Austria: Naturalization through large-scale economic investment is possible but requires substantial contributions.
- Spain: Birth in Spain can confer citizenship in some cases, though applicants may need to renounce previous citizenship depending on their origin.
- Singapore: Citizenship and long-term residency are closely tied to significant investment, and Singapore typically restricts dual citizenship.
- Dominica: Citizenship-by-investment programs are available for qualifying investments.
- Greece: Citizenship through long-term residence or family ties may be possible after a decade of legal residence or five years with family circumstances.
Macedonia (North Macedonia) offers residence options tied to real estate investment; further business investment and job creation may lead to longer-term residency and eventual eligibility for citizenship under specific conditions.