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German citizenship application

Citizenship encompasses the rights and duties of individuals under a state. These rights may include the right to vote, freedom to travel, and military service. Each state defines how an individual can acquire or lose citizenship. In the Federal Republic of Germany, German citizenship is synonymous with being a German citizen. German citizenship is verified by an identity card or passport. German citizens are also automatically EU citizens and enjoy freedom of movement between EU countries, meaning that no visa is required for entry or long-term residence in other EU countries.

Are you considering German citizenship? O. Law can explore your options and assist you with your citizenship application, as well as help you prepare for the verification test.

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Acquiring German Citizenship

Acquiring German citizenship can be achieved through
various means, including

  • By birth
    • Children of German parents who did not acquire German citizenship at birth.
  • By losing German citizenship through marriage
    • Children of a German parent who lost German citizenship through marriage to a foreigner.
  • Recognition as the child of a German citizen, for example through adoption.
  • By documentation according to the Federal Expellee Law
    (§ 15/1 or § 15/2).
  • Through verification.

Would you like to acquire German citizenship? We can help you with the organization of the necessary documents and the application at the appropriate authorities!

Naturalization
Acquiring German Citizenship

Naturalization, or citizenship, differs from other methods of acquiring German citizenship in that it is an administrative rather than a legal process. The process begins with an application to the relevant citizenship office. The primary requirement for naturalization is a willingness to renounce your previous citizenship, although there are exceptions. In general, naturalization can be categorized as follows:

  • Through legal rights: For individuals who meet the legal criteria for citizenship.
    • Re-Naturalization for Victims of Nazi Injustice: For those who were unjustly deprived of citizenship during the Nazi regime.
    • For immigrants: Those who have lived legally in Germany for at least eight years, demonstrate sufficient language skills and knowledge of local law and society, and have no criminal record or ties to extremist organizations.
    • Reduce statelessness: Naturalization for stateless persons who have lived in Germany for at least five years.
  • Voluntary naturalization: For those willing to renounce their existing citizenship.
    • For foreign spouses or partners of German citizens: Naturalization for spouses or partners of German citizens.
    • For foreign guardians of children of German citizens: Naturalization for guardians of German citizen children.
  • Discretionary Naturalization by the Citizenship Department: For cases where naturalization is granted at the discretion of the Citizenship Department.
    • For self-supporting and non-deportable aliens or stateless persons: Naturalization for individuals who can support themselves and have no grounds for deportation.
    • For former German citizens and their descendants living abroad: Naturalization for persons who were formerly German citizens, their children, and adopted children.
    • For foreigners living abroad with special ties to Germany: Naturalization for foreigners living abroad who have special ties to Germany.

Would you like to acquire German citizenship? We can help you with the organization of the necessary documents and the application at the appropriate authorities!

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german advantages

Benefits of
German Citizenship

Acquiring German citizenship comes with several significant advantages:

  • General voting rights: The right to vote in local and federal elections.
  • Basic rights: Access to basic rights such as freedom of assembly, association, movement, and occupation.
  • Inalienable right of residence: The permanent right to reside in Germany.
  • Access to public office: Eligibility for public office.
  • Freedom of movement: The right to travel and live in any EU member state.
  • Consular protection abroad: Access to German consular services worldwide.
  • Visa-free travel: The ability to enter many countries around the world without a visa.

If you have been living in Germany for many years as a foreign citizen and would like to obtain German citizenship, O. Law Law Office can assist you with your application!

 

Requirements for Acquiring German Citizenship

Foreign nationals who have resided legally and continuously in Germany for more than eight years may apply for German citizenship if they meet the following requirements:

  • Current residence status: You must have unlimited or permanent residence status at the
    time of application.
  • Clear identity and citizenship status: Your identity and citizenship status must be clear.
  • Adherence to democratic principles: You must accept the liberal democratic principles of
    the German constitution.
  • Willingness to renounce current citizenship: You must be willing to renounce your present citizenship.
  • Language proficiency: You must have a B1 level of proficiency in spoken and written German.
  • Knowledge of German law and society: You must demonstrate knowledge of German law and society by passing the citizenship test.
  • Financial self-sufficiency: You must be able to support yourself and your family.
  • Willingness to integrate: You must be willing to adjust to life in Germany.
  • No criminal record: You must have no criminal record.

Do you want to become a German citizen?
We can help you with this process!

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Naturalization Test
"Living in Germany”

One of the key requirements for a successful application and acceptance for citizenship is to demonstrate knowledge of German law and society. This knowledge is assessed by the "Living in Germany" test, which consists of 33 multiple-choice questions. Three of these questions relate to the state in which you reside. To pass, you must answer at least 17 of the 33 questions correctly. The pass rate is typically over 90%. Exemptions from the test are available for:

  • Individuals under the age of 16.
  • Those with a serious illness or disability that prevents them from taking the test.
  • Holders of a relevant bachelor's or master's degree from Germany (in law, social sciences, political science, or administration).

O.Law
Your partner in citizenship procedures


O. Law is a German law firm based in Düsseldorf, Germany, specializing in work immigration procedures from foreign countries to Germany. Our firm provides optimal legal support to international companies, investors, freelancers, academics, and students who wish to work in Germany. The citizenship process is a complex administrative procedure that requires thorough preparation. We can assist you with the initial consultation, review of requirements, preparation of necessary documents, test preparation, and the citizenship application process. We look forward to assisting you!

 
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