Did you know GYH can help with your outbound immigration needs?  We have a vast network of local counsel around the globe and offer consultations and representation for both global and U.S. immigration matters. Stay tuned for a series of guest blogs from our international local counsel network about immigration options in their home countries. 

Summary of German Citizenship

Guest Contributor:  Annabelle Fischer

Under German law, a person can become a German citizen in one of four ways: by birth, by adoption as a minor, by marriage, or by naturalization.  Effective June 27, 2024, Germany amended its very complex citizenship law – a fundamental shift, which eases citizenship rules and eliminates restrictions on dual citizenship. German citizenship law mainly follows the principle of jus sanguinis, in that citizenship is passed down from one generation to the next provided the parent did not lose their German citizenship.

Annabelle Fischer of the law firm Law Offices of Annabelle Fischer based in NYC points out that “there are some exceptions, especially regarding descendants of holocaust victims. In these cases, German citizenship by birth or descent extends beyond parents and can be derived from grandparents or great-grandparents, who were deprived of their German citizenship during the Nazi regime”. She adds that “since January 1, 2000, German nationality law also recognizes the principle of jus soli for the acquisition of citizenship. Accordingly, children born in Germany to non-German parents may acquire German citizenship under certain conditions.”

Law Offices of Annabelle Fischer is an immigration law firm based in New York City. The firm provides legal services to international and domestic companies and individuals with respect to German and U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Law. The firm’s main practice area is German and US (dual) citizenship.