How to Apply For Dual Citizenship in Germany: A Step-by-Step Guide & My Experience 🇩🇪

Summary

In this video, a Canadian expat living in Germany shares her exciting journey of applying for dual citizenship after Germany’s new policy allows it. She walks viewers through the entire application process, from the necessary documents to the steps involved, such as proving financial stability and language proficiency. Highlighting both the challenges and the rewards, she emphasizes the importance of patience and thoroughness. Along the way, she provides helpful tips, including how to submit documents and what to expect during the process, culminating in her hopeful anticipation of receiving her German citizenship and the freedom it brings.

Takeaways

• 😀 The introduction of dual citizenship in Germany for immigrants from Canada allows applicants to maintain their original nationality while acquiring German citizenship.
• 😀 A minimum of 5 years of residence in Germany is required to apply for dual citizenship, although some exceptions allow for 3 years of residence in certain situations.
• 😀 Applicants must have a permanent residency card, and those with temporary residency will need additional documentation to prove their long-term stay intent.
• 😀 Proof of financial stability, a B1 language certificate, and successful completion of the naturalization (or integration) test are mandatory for the application.
• 😀 Some cities in Germany offer online application forms, but for most, the process still requires submission via post or email.
• 😀 The application fee for dual citizenship is €255 for adults and €1 for minors applying with their parents.
• 😀 The application packet includes documents like a passport copy, language certificates, proof of health insurance, birth and marriage certificates, and proof of income or employment.
• 😀 Self-employed applicants need to submit additional documentation such as tax assessments, business registration, and proof of income from the last 3 years.
• 😀 After submitting the application, applicants may receive a confirmation letter from the immigration office and might be asked to provide further documents if required.
• 😀 The final step involves a meeting to verify all documents and provide additional signatures, after which applicants officially receive their German citizenship certificate.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is the process of applying for dual citizenship in Germany, specifically for a Canadian citizen who wishes to gain German citizenship through the newly introduced law that allows dual citizenship in Germany.

What new rule did Germany implement regarding citizenship?

Germany launched a new rule on June 27, 2024, allowing dual citizenship, meaning that foreign nationals can hold both their original citizenship and German citizenship.

What are the basic eligibility requirements for applying for dual citizenship in Germany?

To apply for German dual citizenship, applicants must have lived in Germany for at least 5 years (or 3 years in some cases), possess a permanent or temporary residency card, prove financial stability, and pass language and naturalization tests.

How does the process differ for minors applying with their parents?

Minors applying with their parents benefit from a reduced application fee of €1 for the child, while the adult parent still pays €255. The process may be simpler as it typically involves the parent's documents, but the child still needs to meet specific criteria.

What are the costs involved in applying for dual citizenship?

The application fee for adults is €255. For minors applying independently, the fee is also €255, but if applying with parents, the fee is reduced to €1 for the child and €255 for the adult.

What documents are required for the application?

The required documents include a copy of the applicant's passport, residency permit, language certificate (B1 level), proof of public health insurance, pension insurance, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), and proof of employment or self-employment.

What should someone do if they are self-employed and applying for dual citizenship?

Self-employed applicants must submit additional documents such as their business registration, income tax assessments for the last 3 years, and possibly a letter from their accountant confirming their income and business status.

What happens after the application is submitted?

After submission, applicants will receive a confirmation letter from the immigration office. If additional documents are needed, they will be requested. The process may take several months before applicants are invited to a meeting to complete the citizenship process.

What kind of additional documents may be requested after the initial application?

Additional documents may include proof of income, tax assessments, or employment contracts, especially for self-employed individuals. The immigration office may request specific documents based on the applicant's circumstances.

How long did the process take from submission to the final citizenship meeting?

From submission on July 4, 2024, the applicant received confirmation by July 18, 2024, and after providing additional documents, they were invited to their final citizenship meeting in October 2024. The entire process took several months.