Citizenship : Frequently Asked Questions
I have received dual citizenship by birth and have not acquired any other citizenship voluntarily since my birth. Do I have to choose between the two citizenships at the age of 18?
German law, in general, does not oblige you to choose between the two citizenships at the age of 18.
How can I obtain a certificate proving my German citizenship?
If your citizenship status cannot be determined by the German diplomatic or consular mission and in some other cases where the law requires it, you will need to apply for a German certificate of citizenship (Staatsangehörigkeitsausweis). Such a certificate might be needed in order to be able to issue you a German passport.
Processing times for these applications can be fairly long depending on the amount of necessary research and the possible involvement of other government offices.
Application form for a German certificate of citizenship
(German only)
I was born from one or two German citizens but was then adopted by US parents. Am I eligible for “dual citizenship” and a German passport? Do I still possess the German citizenship?
This depends on different aspects, esp. the date of your adoption and if you were adopted by only one US parent as a step-child-adoption or by spouses.
In some cases you might still be a German citizen. If you think you meet the requirements, please inquire with the competent German mission by sending a short letter with simple copies of your birth certificate, adoption decree, certificate of naturalization/citizenship (and other relevant certificates) by regular mail.
Please do not forget to indicate your address, an e-mail-address and a phone number in order to answer your inquiry in the most efficient way.
Consulate Finder
Please Note: Although the information on this website has been prepared with utmost care, we can not accept any responsibility for inaccuracies contained herein.
