Eligibility quiz
Were you adopted by a German citizen?
Benefits
Benefits for your childBenefits for your child
German passport and ID
German citizens can use a passport and identity card for travel and identification.
If documents are lost abroad, a German mission can issue a travel document for the return to Germany and, in suitable cases, a temporary passport.
Passports and identity cards expire and must be replaced.
Live in Germany for life
German citizens have an unconditional right to enter, live in and return to Germany.
Citizenship does not expire because of time spent abroad.
Study in Germany
German citizens can study in Germany and use public education.
Work in Germany
German citizens can work in Germany without restriction or run a business.
Get help abroad
German missions can help abroad after arrest, serious illness, an accident, death, or the loss of money or documents, and refer you to lawyers, doctors or interpreters.
Where Germany has no mission, you can seek urgent help from another EU country's mission.
Vote and run for office
German citizens can vote in German federal elections from age 18 if they meet the residence and eligibility rules.
Citizens abroad can vote by post if registered and sufficiently connected to Germany.
In other EU countries, citizens can vote and run in local and European Parliament elections on the same terms as that country's citizens.
Use public healthcare
German citizens can use public healthcare in Germany.
Access depends on the relevant rules, such as where you live and your contributions.
Use public support
German citizens can use public services and support, including pensions, unemployment support, housing support and child benefit.
These are not automatic payments; eligibility depends on rules such as residence, contributions, income and family circumstances.
How to apply
Applying at a local officeApplying at a local office
Find your local office
Find the nationality office responsible for the place where your child lives.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which German nationality office handles determination of German citizenship for residents of your city?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the documents your child's local nationality office asks for.
See required documentsHand in the application
Ask the local nationality office how it takes applications for proof of citizenship, then submit your child's application and the required documents.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I apply for determination of German citizenship at the nationality office in your city?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for the local nationality office to decide on your child's application, and answer any requests for more information or documents.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How long does determination of German citizenship take at the nationality office in your city?”
Receive the citizenship certificate
If the application is approved, your child will receive a German citizenship certificate. Your child can use it as proof of German citizenship.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I receive a German citizenship certificate after determination of German citizenship at the nationality office in your city?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Adoption documents
Provide your adoption certificate and court decision, including records showing when the adoption application was filed and the adoption’s legal effect. Where relevant, include proof that the adoption is recognised in Germany and any German court order converting it. If names differ in your records, include the name-change documents; provide originals or complete certified copies.
Birth certificates *
Provide your birth or descent certificate and the relevant parents’ birth records. Your office may also ask for a family book; provide originals or complete certified copies.
* Only if your office needs them to establish your identity or family relationship.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationMarriage certificates *
Provide the relevant parents’ marriage certificates or family book. Use originals or complete certified copies.
* Only if your parent married and your office needs the record to establish your family relationship.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationParent's citizenship records *
Provide your German adoptive parent’s German passport, identity card, citizenship certificate or other official proof of German citizenship. If your office needs to establish your other parent’s identity, include their identity document too; provide originals or complete certified copies.
* Only if your office needs proof of your German parent's citizenship or a parent's identity.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationConsiderations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Military checks for men
German men born in 2008 or later must answer the military questionnaire truthfully and undergo a medical assessment.
Military service is not generally compulsory unless the system is activated or changed.
Citizenship can be lost
Giving up citizenship needs approval and another citizenship.
Adults can lose it for actively fighting for terrorists abroad or joining their other country's forces or similar armed group without German defence consent, if not left stateless.
Citizenship gained by application can be withdrawn for deceit, threats, bribery or deliberate false or incomplete key information, normally within ten years of notification.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Berlin Expats
English Facebook group for people living in Germany interested in German citizenship
Join on FacebookGerman Visa & CitizenShip Information
English Facebook group for people interested in German citizenship and visas
Join on FacebookEinbürgerung in Bonn/Citizenship in Bonn
Facebook group for people interested in German citizenship (English & German)
Request to joinConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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