Key Takeaways
• Germany eliminated most restrictions on dual US-German citizenship as of June 27, 2024.
• US citizens now qualify for German citizenship after five years’ legal residence, down from eight.
• Dual citizens must file taxes in both countries and use the correct passport at borders.
Holding dual citizenship between the United States 🇺🇸 and Germany 🇩🇪 has recently become much easier, thanks to significant changes in German law that took effect in mid-2024. In the past, people often faced difficult choices or complicated paperwork if they wanted to keep both nationalities. Now, rules have changed to make life simpler for Americans and Germans who wish to become citizens of one another’s countries—or who already hold both citizenships by birth or inheritance. As reported by VisaVerge.com, these updates are a major shift in how both governments handle cases of shared nationality.
Pathways to Dual Citizenship
There are two main ways most people become dual citizens of the US 🇺🇸 and Germany 🇩🇪:
1. Naturalization: A person who lives in one country long enough can apply for citizenship, while keeping their original nationality.
2. By Birth or Descent: Children born with one American and one German parent, or those who inherit citizenship through family, often hold both nationalities automatically at birth.
In both situations, the old need to choose, give up, or request permission for a second nationality is now mostly gone.
Eligibility Requirements for Naturalization
For US Citizens Seeking German Citizenship
- Residency Requirement: To apply for German citizenship, you must have lived legally in Germany for at least five years. (Previously, this was eight years.)
- Financial Self-sufficiency: Applicants need to show that they can pay for their own living expenses in Germany, without relying on government support.
- Language Proficiency: You must be able to speak German at the B1 level. This means you can hold simple conversations and handle daily life in German.
- Civic Knowledge: Passing a naturalization test is required. This test covers German laws, history, and society.
- Documentation: Proof of who you are, how long you have lived in Germany, your income, your identity, and your status in Germany are all needed.
- Application Process: You apply in person at your local citizens’ office (“Einbürgerungsbehörde”) in Germany.
For German Citizens Seeking US Citizenship
The process for Germans to become naturalized as US citizens remains the same in the US, but German law no longer forces Germans to give up their German citizenship if they naturalize as Americans.
– Naturalization in the US: Germans follow the usual US naturalization rules, including several years of lawful permanent residence (typically holding a Green Card for five years).
– No German Retention Permit Needed: Since June 27, 2024, Germans no longer need a “Beibehaltungsgenehmigung” (retention permit) to keep German citizenship when becoming US citizens.
Residency Requirements in Detail
For most US citizens seeking German nationality, the standard wait is five years of legal residence in Germany. Some people might qualify sooner—such as those who are married to Germans, or who are considered “well integrated”—but five years is the general rule after June 2024.
For Germans applying for US citizenship, the US government generally requires five years of permanent residency (holding a Green Card) before applying for naturalization. Marrying a US citizen can shorten this to three years.
Language Proficiency Requirements and Testing
When applying for German citizenship, you must show you can speak German at the “B1” level, which is considered intermediate. The standard way to prove this is by passing a B1 language exam or presenting a recognized language certificate. The test covers speaking, understanding, reading, and writing everyday German.
For the US naturalization process, German applicants must show the ability to speak, read, and write everyday English (usually basic communication). In most cases, this means passing a short test during your interview with the US immigration officer.
Civic Knowledge Requirements and Testing
German citizenship applicants must pass a naturalization test, which includes 33 multiple-choice questions about German law, culture, history, and democratic values. You need to answer at least 17 questions correctly. There are study guides available, and questions are public on official websites.
US citizenship applicants must pass a civics test as part of their interview. This test asks about US history, government, and rights. The test questions and answers are publicly listed, and the officer will ask up to 10 questions, requiring at least 6 correct answers.
Application Process: Forms and Documents
Germany
- Application: Apply in person at the “Einbürgerungsbehörde” (local naturalization office).
- Required Documents: Proof of residence, passport, proof of income, proof of language, a recent photograph, proof of legal status, and, if applicable, marriage certificates or proof of German ancestry.
- Timeline: It usually takes between 18 and 24 months to process a German citizenship application.
- Forms: Official forms are provided by the local German authority. For more details, check the German government’s citizenship page.
United States
- Application: Submit Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. The official form can be found here.
- Required Documents: Proof of permanent residency (Green Card), passport-style photos, evidence of residence, and other personal identification documents.
- Timeline: The US process varies, but the average is about 9 to 15 months.
Processing Times and Expedited Options
German naturalization normally takes between 18 and 24 months. While there is no official expedited process for most applicants, processing can sometimes be faster for spouses or children of Germans, or for those in unique situations.
US naturalization usually takes about 9 to 15 months, depending on your local office. Some expedited options exist for military service members and certain family members, but not for most civilian applicants.
Fees Associated With Naturalization
In Germany 🇩🇪, the fee for naturalization is about €255 per adult and €51 per child. Additional small fees may apply for translations, certifications, or postage.
In the US 🇺🇸, the current fee for filing Form N-400 (as of 2025) is $640, plus an $85 biometric fee, for a total of $725. Fee waivers are available for low-income applicants.
Citizenship Interview and Oath Ceremony
Germany: After you complete your paperwork, provide documents, and pass the tests, you will be invited to a citizenship interview. This meeting is to confirm your documents, check your language skills, and answer any other questions. Once approved, you attend an official ceremony where you receive your naturalization certificate.
United States: Applicants are called for a naturalization interview where your application is reviewed, your English and civics skills are tested, and you discuss your background with an officer. If successful, you are invited to an oath ceremony, where you pledge loyalty to the United States 🇺🇸 and officially become a citizen.
Rights and Responsibilities of Dual Citizens
Dual citizens of the US 🇺🇸 and Germany 🇩🇪 enjoy almost all the rights of regular citizens in both countries, including:
– The right to live, work, and study in both countries
– The ability to own property and pass on citizenship to children
– Full protection under each country’s laws when present in that country
At the same time, responsibilities also apply:
– Taxes: Both the United States 🇺🇸 and Germany 🇩🇪 may expect you to file taxes, even if you live abroad. US citizens must report worldwide earnings every year (no matter where they live), sometimes using forms like IRS Form 1116 for foreign tax credits.
– Military duties: Men in Germany 🇩🇪 no longer face mandatory military service, but all dual citizens should stay informed about possible service requirements, especially if laws change in the future.
– Legal loyalty: When in either country, dual citizens are treated only as a citizen of that country and cannot ask the other government for help while inside the “home” country.
Dual Citizenship Policies
Germany’s policy used to be very strict about not allowing dual citizenship for naturalized adults. The older law forced most naturalizing adults to give up their original citizenship unless they got special permission (a “Beibehaltungsgenehmigung”). Now, since June 27, 2024, there are no broad restrictions: most adults can simply keep their birth citizenship even after naturalizing in Germany or another country.
The US policy does not require Americans to give up US citizenship when they get another nationality, and does not force them to renounce a second citizenship before applying for a US passport.
Citizenship for Children and Dependents
By Birth
- Children Born to One American Parent and One German Parent: These children get both US 🇺🇸 and German 🇩🇪 citizenship at birth, without needing to take any action or choose between them in adulthood.
- Born Abroad: If a child is born outside both the US 🇺🇸 and Germany 🇩🇪 but has a parent from each country, that child may inherit both citizenships; it depends on the exact circumstances and paperwork.
- No “Optionspflicht”: The legal requirement for some dual citizens to choose only one nationality in adulthood no longer applies.
Through Naturalization
- Children Naturalizing With Parents: When parents apply for new citizenship (either US 🇺🇸 or German 🇩🇪), minor children living with them can usually be included on the application. The process and extra paperwork depend on the age of the child and family situation.
Special Provisions for Military Service Members
- US military members can qualify for expedited naturalization in the US—even if they are not permanent residents yet—by serving honorably.
- German military service is voluntary as of 2025, so serving in the US or German armed forces does not usually affect citizenship status.
Common Reasons for Application Denial and Appeal Process
Common Denial Reasons
- Failing required language or civics tests
- Lacking proof of residency or income
- Criminal history or security concerns
- Missing or incomplete documentation
Appeals
In Germany 🇩🇪, applicants can appeal if a naturalization application is denied, often by requesting a reconsideration at the local office or by filing a legal challenge in administrative court.
In the US 🇺🇸, denied applicants can request a hearing with a different officer, or file a legal appeal.
Case Studies and Examples
- Anna, a US Student in Berlin: Anna spent six years living and studying in Berlin, learned German, and worked part-time. Under the new law, Anna met the five-year residency rule and applied for German citizenship—without needing to give up her US passport.
- Michael, German Professional in Los Angeles: Michael held a Green Card and, after five years’ lawful residence, decided to become a US citizen. He did not have to fill out any special forms to keep his German citizenship anymore.
- Lukas and Sarah’s Child Born in New York: Their daughter was born in the US but to one German parent and one American parent. She holds both nationalities for life, with no requirement to choose between them at age 18.
Resources for Citizenship Preparation and Assistance
For official and up-to-date guidance, check the Germany Embassy’s Citizenship Service. US applicants should refer to the USCIS N-400 page for detailed information and forms.
Many cities and communities offer language classes and test preparation. Legal advisors who specialize in citizenship cases can also help you gather paperwork or represent you if problems come up. It’s best to rely on official websites and trusted experts, since dual citizenship is a big decision with legal and tax effects.
The rules about holding dual citizenship between the US 🇺🇸 and Germany 🇩🇪 are now much more straightforward. Most Americans and Germans no longer need to give up a passport—or apply for special waivers—to become full members of both societies. Children with parents from both countries keep both nationalities for life and enjoy the chances and protections each country gives. However, it’s still important to follow each country’s tax, legal, and travel requirements. For anyone thinking about gaining or keeping dual citizenship, staying informed and organized is the smartest step.
Learn Today
Beibehaltungsgenehmigung → A German retention permit, once needed to keep German citizenship when acquiring another nationality. No longer required post-2024.
Naturalization → The legal process through which a non-citizen acquires the nationality of a country, meeting residency and other requirements.
B1 Language Level → An intermediate proficiency standard for the German language, required for German citizenship by naturalization. Tests speaking, reading, writing, and understanding.
Dual Citizenship → Official status of holding citizenship of two countries simultaneously, granting rights and responsibilities in both.
Residency Requirement → A rule mandating an extended legal stay in a country (usually five years) to qualify for citizenship through naturalization.
This Article in a Nutshell
Major legal changes in Germany from mid-2024 now allow Americans and Germans to maintain dual citizenship more easily. The five-year residency rule, removal of forced renunciation, and straightforward processes benefit families and professionals. Staying informed and following tax, travel, and legal rules is essential for dual citizens in both countries.
— By VisaVerge.com
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