Get Your German Citizenship by Descent
If you have German ancestry, you may be eligible to obtain German citizenship by descent. Keep reading to find out how!
Why Consider German Citizenship?
German citizenship gives you more than a powerful passport—it opens the door to living, working, and studying anywhere in the European Union. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with your heritage, build a future in Europe, or expand your global mobility, German citizenship provides meaningful opportunities.
As one of the world’s most stable and prosperous nations, Germany is known for its world-class healthcare, education, infrastructure, and quality of life. With strong economic sectors—from engineering to technology to finance—citizens enjoy excellent job opportunities, generous social benefits, and access to international institutions.
How Do I Obtain German Citizenship by Descent?
German nationality is fundamentally obtained by descent (jus sanguinis). This means that if at least one of your parents is or was a German citizen, you may automatically acquire German citizenship at birth.
Germany also provides opportunities for descendants—including grandchildren and great-grandchildren—to apply for citizenship, depending on family history and legal conditions.
Who Is Eligible for German Citizenship by Descent?
If your parents were married:
Your father was a German citizen and you were born between January 1, 1914 and December 31, 1974
Your mother was a German citizen and you were born between January 1, 1964 and December 31, 1974
One of your parents was a German citizen and you were born after January 1, 1975
If your parents were not married:
Your mother was German and you were born after January 1, 1914
Your father was German, paternity was established under German law, and you were born after July 1, 1993
Your father was German, paternity was established under German law, he lived in Germany for at least 3 years, and you were born before July 1, 1993
Recent Legal Reforms (Effective Since 2021)
Germany has expanded eligibility to include cases that were previously excluded. You may now qualify if:
Your German mother lost her nationality by marrying a foreign citizen, and you were born before 1975
You were born out of wedlock before July 1993 to a German father and a non-German mother
You lost your citizenship through legitimation after your parents married post-birth
Note: These reforms are time-limited and are valid for a period of 10 years from their enactment.
Embrace Your Legacy—Live the German Experience
Germany is a land of opportunity, natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage. From the majestic Bavarian Alps and crystal-clear lakes to the cobblestone streets of medieval towns, every region tells its own story.
Explore the Black Forest, ski in the Harz Mountains, or relax on the Baltic Sea coast. Whether you’re drawn to Germany’s thriving job market, its first-rate universities, or its progressive approach to sustainability and public services, it’s an exceptional place to build your future.
Learn more about the benefits of holding citizenship with an EU Member State here.
Why EuroPassport?
EuroPassport is the first Canadian company to offer people an easy and affordable way to obtain legal European citizenship. Based in Toronto, Canada, we are a team of trusted immigration lawyers, genealogists and documentation specialists who have pioneered an efficient process for our clients to obtain the German Citizenship they seek. Our experts take care of all the paperwork, in optimal deadlines.
- We take away the paperwork hassle, bureaucracy, legal complexity – and work on your behalf, using the most efficient route to obtain the citizenship you seek.
- Our streamlined process cuts out lengthy waits and confusing roadblocks to citizenship. Look to us to expedite your German citizenship and deliver in optimal timelines.
- Skip the exorbitantly high legal fees. Our migration experts and a team of Canadian and European legal advisors have refined a process that is considerably more cost-efficient, especially for those with family roots in Europe.
- We are a respected Canadian company based in Toronto – so you won’t have to deal with distant overseas law firms. Our track record is remarkable, as the first and only fully registered European Immigration services business in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
The process of applying for and obtaining your German citizenship is unique to each case, however the average time is 12-18 months.
When you apply for citizenship, any previous denial may hamper your chances on subsequent applications. An example of this would be declaring a date that is incorrect according to laws and legislations.
Immigration laws are constantly changing, and we are keeping up with every change, which may affect the required documents.
We also have a network of lawyers and genealogists in Europe who will prepare and supervise your application. We have the potential to prepare the most formidable citizenship application you can have.
Don’t risk submitting an unsuccessful application. EuroPassport does everything for you! Our team cooperates with top-tier lawyers in Germany; we first put together your application locally, and then your documents are sent to Germany to continue the rest of the citizenship process. You won’t even have to visit your local embassy or consulate for the process of getting your citizenship certificate as this will be completed in Germany.
However, once your citizenship process is completed, you will have to visit the nearest German consulate to apply for the passport.
You are eligible to apply for German citizenship if at least one of your parents or grandparents is a German citizen, or was one at the time of their passing. Being a German citizen automatically makes you a European citizen with access to the numerous benefits/freedoms guaranteed in all EU countries.
Learn more about the benefits of holding citizenship with an EU Member State here.
This will depend on the complexity of your specific case and how many documents you require to prove your German ancestry. Learn more about the process and costs associated on our Fees page.
We do offer a 4-payment schedule for individuals and 6-payment schedule for families, and a discount of 5% for families of 2-4 people and 10% for families of 5 or more people.
Contact us to learn more about the pricing structure and payment options.
Yes, Germany generally allows dual citizenship!
You do not need to speak the language to reclaim citizenship.
Yes, we also conduct genealogy research in Germany. If you are interested in finding out more about your German ancestors, contact us for details.
You will only need to pay taxes in Germany if you move and live there at least 6 months of the year. If you move to another EU member country, you may not have to pay taxes in Germany, but you may still have to pay taxes in the European country in which you decide to live, so you would need to consult with the local tax authorities in that country.
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Use this form and one of our team members will reach out to you to book a free consultation to answer any questions you may have and to assess your eligibility!