What is the StAG 5 in Germany?

StAG 5 (Section 5 of the German Nationality Act) is a special provision allowing individuals to acquire German citizenship by declaration if they were previously denied it due to discriminatory laws based on gender, specifically for those born after May 23, 1949, to a German parent under outdated rules. It offers a path for descendants of women who lost citizenship through marriage to foreigners (before 1975) or children of German fathers born out of wedlock (before 1993) to claim citizenship by making a simple declaration to German authorities by August 19, 2031, correcting historical injustices.

What is StAG 5 citizenship in Germany?

If you were born after May 23, 1949, and prior to January 1, 1975, to a German mother who was German on the date of your birth and a non-German father, and your parents were married at the time of your birth, you are eligible to acquire German citizenship by declaration under the new law § 5 StAG.

How long does it take to get German citizenship in StAG 5?

The short answer: expect 18 to 24 months for most applicants, though EU citizens typically see faster processing at around 5 months.

How many generations back can you claim German citizenship?

The German law of citizenship is by descent and does not skip generations. This means you cannot claim citizenship from your German grandparents. It may be possible for you to claim citizenship if your parent obtained German citizenship from your grandparent and you became German because of your parent.

What is Section 5 of the German citizenship?

The Fourth Act Amending the Nationality Act, which entered into force on 20 August 2021, has created a ten-year right of declaration (Section 5 of the Nationality Act), granting children born to a German parent after 23 May 1949 (entry into force of the Basic Law) who, under the version of the Reich and Nationality Act ...

14 Month Update: German Dual Citizenship Through Descent Application (StAG §5) 🇩🇪

What is StAG 9 German citizenship?

According to § 9 of the German Citizenship Act (StAG), spouses of German citizens can be naturalized under simplified conditions. However, even if you both do not yet have German citizenship, the naturalization of spouses is usually quicker than the naturalization of spouses alone.

Do you lose German citizenship if you become a U.S. citizen?

Yes, an American citizen can now hold dual citizenship in Germany, as part of the June 27, 2024, Nationality Law reforms.

Can Jews get German citizenship?

Reparation Naturalization After Persecution

To account for some of the limitations of Article 116, on August 20, 2021, new citizenship laws entered into force to allow more Nazi victims and their descendants to apply for German citizenship.

What is the new law for German citizenship by descent?

Germany has updated its citizenship laws, notably with reforms in 2021 (Fourth Act Amending Nationality Law) and a significant new law effective June 27, 2024, expanding pathways for descendants of Nazi victims to reclaim citizenship (Article 116 Basic Law) and addressing historical gender discrimination in descent claims, making it easier for children born to German mothers (especially before 1975/1993) and their descendants to gain citizenship through declaration. The 2024 law also streamlines general naturalization but tightens other requirements, while the core principle for Nazi victims remains restoration under Article 116 (2). 

Can I get an EU passport if my great grandparents were German?

Yes, you might get an EU passport through German ancestry, as you can often claim citizenship by descent if your parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents were German, though it depends on specific laws and timelines (especially around births before 1975 for mothers). You'll need to prove your lineage with vital records (birth, marriage, death certificates), potentially show your ancestors didn't naturalize elsewhere before your parent/grandparent was born, and follow Germany's specific application process for citizenship confirmation. 

Is Germany getting rid of 3 year citizenship?

Germany will no longer offer citizenship after three years of residency. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, of the center-right Christian Social Union, had opposed the law, effected by the previous government in 2024.

What is the wait time for stag 5?

For instance, if you applied today, the 2023 statistics suggest that your wait will be approximately 9 years. If we are optimistic that applications are being processed at 2x speed, that wait drops to less than 5 years.

How hard is it to get a German citizenship?

The requirements at a glance

You have been living habitually and legally in Germany for five years. You can prove your identity and current citizenship. You have a permanent right of residence or a long-term residence permit. You can financially support yourself and your dependent family members.

What is the new citizenship law 2025?

Major U.S. citizenship changes for 2025 include a new, tougher 2025 Civics Test (more questions, stricter passing) and enhanced Good Moral Character (GMC) reviews, focusing more on positive community contributions, while potential legislation like the Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025 seeks to limit birthright citizenship, though its status is legislative, not yet law. These changes aim to restore integrity and better assess an applicant's commitment to U.S. values, impacting naturalization for applications filed on or after October 20, 2025.
 

What are the disadvantages of dual citizenship in Germany?

Disadvantages of dual citizenship

Double tax liabilityPossible tax liability in both countries. Not all countries allow the choice of the country in which taxes are to be paid. Military service: Compulsory military service exists in some countries and could apply to dual nationals.

What is the 10 year rule for German citizenship?

Loss of citizenship by permanent residence abroad before 1914. Until 1914, a German citizen who had their permanent residence abroad for more than 10 years automatically lost their German citizenship unless they had themselves added to the German consulate's consular register (Konsulatsmatrikel).

Is Germany getting rid of dual citizenship?

Yes, Germany now allows dual citizenship as part of a new Nationality Law, which came into effect on June 27, 2024.

Will I lose my US citizenship if I apply for dual citizenship?

U.S. law does not require a U.S. citizen to choose between U.S. citizenship and another (foreign) nationality (or nationalities). A U.S. citizen may naturalize in a foreign state without any risk to their U.S. citizenship.

How does German dual citizenship affect taxes?

As a German dual citizen, you may need to file an FBAR (if your accounts exceed $10,000) and Form 8938 (for higher asset thresholds). These are informational forms only and don't create additional taxes. Most German dual citizens still owe zero US taxes thanks to the Foreign Tax Credit.

Does Germany still pay reparations to Jews?

Yes, Germany continues to pay significant annual funds for Holocaust survivor care, education, and compensation, with recent agreements extending hardship payments and other support through 2028 and beyond, totaling billions over the years through negotiations by the Claims Conference (Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany). These funds provide critical support like home care for an aging survivor population and one-time grants, acknowledging ongoing suffering and the need for dignity, even as direct reparations plateau. 

What was Hitler's actual nationality?

Adolf Hitler was born an Austrian citizen in 1889 but became the dictator of Germany, identifying as German and serving in the German Army in World War I before obtaining German citizenship in 1932, effectively becoming German by nationality and allegiance long before his rise to power. He renounced his Austrian citizenship in 1925 to avoid extradition and was stateless until Germany granted him citizenship in 1932, making him a German citizen when he became Chancellor in 1933. 

When did Ashkenazi Jews become white?

Ashkenazi Jews became socially recognized as "white" in America primarily in the post-World War II era (1940s-1950s) through upward mobility, suburbanization, military service (GI Bill), and assimilation, transitioning from being viewed as a distinct, non-white ethnic group to being accepted into the white mainstream, although the exact timeline varies and some aspects of this racial categorization remain complex, notes Forward. 

Is it hard to move to Germany as a US citizen?

Thinking of moving from the U.S. to Germany? The process is straightforward for Americans — you can enter visa-free for 90 days and apply for a German residence permit if you plan to stay longer. Main visa and residence options: 💼 Work Visa & Residence Permit – for those with a German job offer.

Which countries don't allow dual citizenship with the USA?

Countries like China, India, Japan, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE generally prohibit or heavily restrict dual citizenship with the U.S., often requiring individuals to choose one nationality, while some nations such as Austria and Germany have specific rules or require pre-approval for U.S. citizens to retain their original citizenship. The U.S. allows dual nationality, but the other country's laws dictate whether it's possible, with many Asian, Middle Eastern, and some European nations having strict policies. 

How much does it cost to become a German citizen?

How much does German citizenship cost? Obtaining German citizenship varies in cost depending on the pathway you pursue. For naturalization, the standard application fee is €255. If you're applying with dependent minor children, each child will be charged an additional €55 fee.