Am I a German Citizen?

“Man is not born a citizen, but must be made so.”

– Baruch Spinoza, Dutch Philosopher
*24.11.1632, † 21.02.1677

German citizenship law is complex.

Therefore, we provide on this webpage some general principles pertaining to this topic. This information is specifically geared to people who were born outside of Germany and would like to know whether they automatically acquired German citizenship by birth, or in some cases, are able to acquire it by another type of application process.

Our practice also focuses on the restoration of German citizenship pursuant to Article 116 (2) of the German Basic Law and Section 15 of the German Nationality Act (“StAG”). According to these section, former Germans may re-obtain their former citizenship if on grounds of restitution. This law also applies to their descendants up to the fourth or even fifth generation, who may also be eligible for citizenship. In addition to that we assist with obtaining German citizenship by declaration according to Sec. 5 StAG.

If you lost your German citizenship because without a Retention Certificate you became an American citizen, a citizen of Canada or New Zealand, please visit our site www.vongeyso.com.