You lost your German citizenship?
Your parents or Grandparents were Germans?
Your German Ancestors were Deprived of their German Citizenship by the Nazis?
You lost your German Citizenship?
Many of our German clients living in the U.S. come to us with a similar story: They attempted to renew their German passport to find out they have lost their German citizenship by naturalizing as a U.S. citizen.
The journey back to German citizenship requires guidance, knowledge, and a bit of paperwork, but imagine the possibilities that come with holding dual citizenship again.
In a consultation, we evaluate your eligibility and review your documents. If we confirm that you are most likely eligible, you can decide if you feel equipped with all the necessary knowledge and can confidently submit your application on your own – or let us do it.
How to Become My Client
Becoming my client begins with a mandatory, in-depth review of your personal background and documents. This review is the first and most important step — and one that I personally conduct — to determine whether your case meets the legal and evidentiary standards for a successful application.
Given the historical nature of many of the cases I handle, especially in German citizenship law, essential records are often decades old and may be written in old German script. I assess not only the documents you provide, but also identify what additional records will be required — including those that may need to be retrieved from Germany, such as birth, marriage, or citizenship certificates.
This process ensures that your application is built on a strong, well-documented foundation. I work with a select group of clients whose cases align with the focus of my practice and demonstrate a strong likelihood of success. Once I have confirmed that your matter meets these criteria, you may choose to proceed independently or retain me to manage and submit your application on your behalf.
If you’re ready to begin, the first step is to schedule a consultation.
Legal Expert Solutions
Your Trusted Partner for German Law in the US
With over 25 years of experience as a licensed German attorney, I provide cross-border legal counsel to individuals and families in the United States seeking to obtain or restore German citizenship. I hold a Mater of Laws (LL.M.) from Temple University Beasley School of Law in Philadelphia and am registered as a Foreign Legal Consultant in Pennsylvania, which authorizes me to practice German law in the U.S. and advise clients on citizenship matters governed by German legislation.
My practice is dedicated solely to German citizenship law, including complex cases involving loss and restoration of citizenship, claims under § 5, § 13, § 15 StAG, and applications under Article 116(2) of the German Basic Law. With deep knowledge of German administrative procedures and long-standing experience working with German authorities, I provide strategic, results-driven support to clients throughout every stage of the process.
I am a member of the German American Chamber of Commerce, Philadelphia and Vice President of Strategic Planning at the German Society of Pennsylvania.
Christine Stenner, LL.M
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office@stennerlaw.com
PHONE NUMBER
+ 1 (215) 770-9488
ADDRESS
1700 Market Street, Suite 1005
Philadelphia, PA 19103
USA
Limited time window:
The opportunity to claim German citizenship under § 5 StAG is available only until August 20, 2031.
You may be eligible for German citizenship — or your children may be — if your family was affected by earlier discriminatory nationality laws. Among other’s, these two most relevant scenarios are covered:
1. Your mother was born German but lost her citizenship before your birth by marrying a foreigner (before April 1, 1953)
Under the law at the time, German women automatically lost their citizenship upon marrying a foreign man. If your mother lost her citizenship this way before you were born, and you were born after May 23, 1949, you were previously excluded from acquiring German citizenship. This has now been corrected.
2. Your mother was a German citizen at the time of your birth (between May 23, 1949 and January 1, 1975)
Until 1975, German citizenship could only be passed down through the father. If you were born in this time frame to a German mother and a non-German father — and were denied citizenship because of it — you can now acquire it by declaration.
This legal pathway also applies to descendants of affected individuals — including children and grandchildren.