German Citizenship: 5 Common Questions and Answers

German citizenship is particularly attractive for Israelis due to the multitude of benefits it offers. In this article, you will find answers to 5 common questions about German citizenship.

Who is eligible for German citizenship?

Eligibility for German citizenship is determined by German law. It states that former German citizens, who had their citizenship revoked, denied, or voluntarily renounced due to religious, political, or racial persecution by the Nazis between the years 1933-1945, are eligible for German citizenship based on the rights of the original citizen. The children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and in some cases even the fifth generation descendants are also eligible for this European passport.

There are additional circumstances that might grant German citizenship, such as citizenship following the marriage of a foreigner to a German citizen, citizenship based on residence, and under certain conditions, descendants born out of wedlock or a parent with German citizenship born outside Germany. It should be noted that citizenship in these cases is not automatically acquired and there are specific criteria to meet. For instance, a German passport due to residence will only be granted if one has held German identification documents for 12 consecutive years.

How long does the process of obtaining German citizenship take?

The duration of the German citizenship application process varies case by case since the processing time depends on various factors and changes according to the circumstances of each case. It’s a relatively lengthy bureaucratic process that involves finding relevant documents to prove eligibility, translating these documents, obtaining approvals from German authorities, and more. Generally, this process lasts about two years. However, as mentioned above, the process can be shorter or longer since each case is unique.

Are spouses entitled to German citizenship?

Marrying a German citizen might indeed confer eligibility for German citizenship. However, while in the past, marrying a German citizen automatically granted German citizenship, since 1970 marrying a German citizen does not provide automatic citizenship but does offer certain advantages in the naturalization process. A spouse of a German citizen living outside Germany is entitled to citizenship only if they meet the criteria set by German law.

For instance, acquiring citizenship due to partnership in the case of immigration: a spouse of a German citizen would be eligible for German citizenship if they legally cohabited with their spouse for a minimum period of 3 years, provided they are married or in a registered partnership at the time of applying for citizenship.

Can one hold dual citizenship?

In the past, when obtaining German citizenship, an individual was required to renounce any existing foreign citizenship they held. However, since the German law was amended, this restriction was removed, meaning those eligible for German citizenship no longer need to renounce their foreign citizenship. In other words, the amendment allows holding both German and Israeli citizenship simultaneously.

What are the benefits of German citizenship?

The allure of German citizenship stems from the wide range of rights it provides across all areas of life:

Free Movement Between Countries: Holders of German citizenship enjoy free and convenient movement between European Union countries and also significant ease in bureaucratic processes when entering various countries around the world. For instance, those with German citizenship are not required to obtain a visa for entering the USA or Australia.
Studying in Renowned Academic Institutions: Those with German citizenship have a unique opportunity to study in the most prestigious and sought-after higher education institutions in Europe, with full or partial subsidies for their education.
Residence: German citizens are entitled to live in any European Union country without the need for any special permits.
Employment: Holders of German citizenship have extensive employment opportunities in various countries across Europe, known for being highly developed and affluent. Additionally, they can benefit from taking out mortgages, making investments, purchasing assets, and receiving tax incentives from the authorities when opening a new business.

In summary, having German citizenship can open a myriad of opportunities in employment, education, and leisure. Therefore, if you are eligible for German citizenship, it is worth exercising your right promptly. Contact us if you have any questions about your eligibility for German citizenship.