German Citizenship
Acquiring German Citizenship for Children of German Citizens
On August 20, 2021, a significant amendment was added to Section 5 of the German Citizenship Law. This amendment has opened a ten-year window allowing the children of male and female German citizens to apply for German citizenship, even if the German Citizenship Law at the time of their birth did not allow them to…
Read MoreGerman citizenship for children by declaration
Over the past few years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of applications for German citizenship. Notably, in 2021, amendments were introduced to the German citizenship law, which significantly expanded the eligibility criteria. Among those applying are individuals who already possess German citizenship and wish to extend this citizenship to their offspring.…
Read MoreObtaining a German passport for Nazi persecution victims and their descendants
In accordance with new regulations of the German Nationality Law, the pool of people eligible for obtaining German citizenship was recently expanded to include those persecuted by the Nazi regime, between the years 1933 and 1945, and their descendants. Israelis who go through the process of obtaining a German European passport, for the multitude of…
Read MoreEuropean passport for Israelis: comparing the citizenship laws of Germany and Austria
Many Israelis looking for an opportunity to obtain an additional passport find that they are eligible for German or Austrian citizenship because their family was persecuted by the Nazis. In recent years, the two strongest economies in Europe, Germany and Austria, have decided to expand the eligibility of Nazi persecution victims and their descendants to…
Read MoreObtaining a German passport: A Guide
As you may know, for over two years now the German legislature has significantly broadened the criteria for obtaining German citizenship for descendants of Holocaust survivors, thereby easing the conditions for them in an unprecedented manner. In this article we will present the complete guide to obtaining a German passport for those eligible – ascertaining…
Read MoreObtaining German Citizenship – History of German Jews
German Jews have a long and complex history dating back to the Middle Ages, with the first mentions of the community appearing in the 4th century AD. In the 19th century, Jews in Germany gained legal rights and social acceptance (the Emancipation), and contributed to German society in fields such as science, medicine and the…
Read MoreArchival research for obtaining German citizenship – how to do it properly
People who were persecuted by the Nazis in Germany, and their descendants, are entitled to receive a German passport under lenient conditions and in a relatively simple procedure. To embark on the process, you must present documents proving your eligibility for German citizenship. For this purpose, it is recommended to conduct archival research in order…
Read MoreWhat’s the Difference Between Austrian and German Passport?
What exact is the difference between an Austrian passport and a German passport? Although both Austrian and German passports are considered among the strongest in the world, granting their holders the same benefits of European Union citizenship, there are several distinctions between them. These differences pertain to the eligibility for obtaining a passport, the duration…
Read MoreExpediting an application for German citizenship
Is expediting a German citizenship application possible? In light of the long waiting time for processing applications for German citizenship, which may reach 3 years or more, many wonder how it is possible to speed up the process. It is possible to contact the authorities in Germany to expedite an application that has been delayed…
Read MoreDual citizenship for Israeli citizens
Do Israeli citizens have to give up their citizenship if they receive an additional citizenship? Israeli citizens can hold a second citizenship, or even multiple citizenships. However, not all countries follow the same rules. There are states that categorically prohibit their citizens from holding an additional citizenship. Also, there are countries (including several countries in…
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