German Citizenship by Descent: Are You Qualified?

German citizenship by descent allows individuals with German parents and in some cases grandparents, to claim nationality, even if born outside Germany.

This pathway differs from naturalization, as it is based on lineage rather than residence or integration.

This guide talks about:

• What is the new Nationality Law in Germany?
• Does Germany still determine citizenship by bloodline?
• Is it easy to get German citizenship by descent?
• Will Germany allow dual citizenship?

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The information in this article is for general guidance only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice, and is not a recommendation or solicitation to invest. Some facts may have changed since the time of writing.

What is the new law for German citizenship by descent?

In August 2021, Germany introduced reforms to expand citizenship by descent:

• Descendants of German citizens previously excluded due to discriminatory laws (e.g., Nazi-era restrictions, children of German mothers before 1975, children born out of wedlock to German fathers before 1993) can now claim citizenship retroactively.
• This means many individuals who were denied nationality because of outdated legal frameworks may now be eligible.
• The new law ensures equal treatment regardless of gender, marital status of parents, or historical discrimination.

How do you qualify for German citizenship by descent?

You may qualify if:

• At least one parent was a German citizen at the time of your birth. This applies even if you were born outside Germany, as long as the parent had not lost citizenship. For example, a child born in the US to a German citizen father or mother would typically qualify.
• Your parent did not lose German citizenship before you were born. Some Germans who emigrated may have lost their nationality by voluntarily acquiring another citizenship before 2000, unless they had a retention permit. If your parent lost German nationality before your birth, you would not inherit it automatically.
• You fall under the extended rights from the 2021 reform. Historically, German nationality law was restrictive:
  • Before 1975, only fathers could automatically pass citizenship to children born in wedlock.
  • Before 1993, children born out of wedlock to German fathers often could not claim nationality.
  • Families affected by Nazi-era persecution and discriminatory nationality laws can now reclaim citizenship retroactively.

How many generations do you need for a German passport?

Germany usually limits automatic citizenship by descent to the first generation (children of German citizens).

However:

• 2021 nationality law reform: This law corrected past discrimination. For example, children of German mothers (before 1975) and children born out of wedlock to German fathers (before 1993) can now claim citizenship. In some cases, this makes it possible for grandchildren to apply if their parent would have been German under today’s rules.
• Beyond grandparents: Citizenship is not automatically passed on through great-grandparents or earlier generations, unlike in countries such as Ireland or Italy. Claims must always link back to a parent who was (or would have been) a German citizen at the time of your birth.

How long does it take to get German citizenship by descent?

The process typically takes 6 to 12 months, but can extend to 18 months if records need authentication.

Factors include:

• Where you apply (inside Germany vs through a German consulate abroad).
• Whether your documents are complete and properly translated/legalized.
• Whether your case falls under the new retroactive law, which may involve additional verification.

What documents are needed for German citizenship by descent?

Applicants must provide evidence of their German ancestry and parent-child link. Commonly required documents include:

• Your birth certificate. This establishes your identity and links you to your parents.
• Parent’s or grandparent’s German documents. This may include a German birth certificate, passport, Staatsangehörigkeitsausweis (certificate of nationality), or naturalization records confirming their German status.
• Marriage certificates. These are often necessary to prove the legal parent-child relationship, particularly if citizenship is claimed through the paternal line or if names changed due to marriage.
• Proof of retention of German nationality. If your ancestor emigrated, authorities may ask for evidence that they did not lose German nationality before your parent’s or your birth (for example, a retention permit, or confirmation they never naturalized elsewhere before a certain date).
• Death certificates. In some cases, these are requested to verify lineage when earlier generations are deceased.
• Translations and apostilles/legalization. Any non-German documents must be officially translated into German and may require an apostille or full legalization to be accepted by German authorities.

Is German citizenship by descent complicated?

Yes. German citizenship by descent is often considered complicated due to the country’s evolving nationality laws.

Eligibility depends on when you or your ancestors were born, and whether they were affected by legal restrictions that existed before reforms in 1975, 1993, and more recently in 2021.

Complications usually arise if:

• Ancestral records are incomplete, destroyed, or issued abroad in a format that is hard to verify.
• Your claim falls under older rules (pre-1975 for maternal lineage, or pre-1993 for children born out of wedlock) and requires proof under the newer reforms.
• Authorities must investigate whether your ancestors lost or retained their German nationality after emigration.

Because of these shifting requirements, many applicants consult legal experts or nationality specialists to navigate the process successfully.

Does Germany allow dual citizenship?

Yes, under the new law passed in 2024, Germany now allows dual and multiple citizenships.

You are no longer required to give up your other nationality when acquiring German citizenship, whether by descent or naturalization.

Is Germany the strongest passport?

Although not in the top 1, Germany consistently ranks among the strongest passports in the world:

• Henley Passport Index : Germany ranks 4th, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 188 countries.
• Arton Capital Passport Index: Germany is ranked in the 3rd, with high global mobility.
• Nomad Capitalist Passport Index: Germany ranks 13th, factoring in taxation, reputation, and personal freedoms.

What is the easiest way to get German citizenship?

For those with a clear parent–child link, citizenship by descent is generally more straightforward than naturalization, although it can still involve complications with records and changing laws.

For applicants without German ancestry, the main path is naturalization through residence, which since the 2024 reform requires 5 years of legal residence.

The former 3-year fast-track option for exceptional integration has been abolished as of 2025.

Conclusion

Germany citizenship by descent is one of the clearest routes to acquiring EU nationality if you have a German parent and in some cases, a German grandparent.

Recent reforms have opened the door to many who were previously excluded due to outdated laws, while the recognition of dual citizenship makes this option even more attractive for expats.

For those with German ancestry, this pathway offers a strong passport, EU mobility, and the ability to reconnect with family heritage.

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