German Law in the
United States

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Dual Citizenship for Germans living in the United States

Navigate the Complexities of German Citizenship Law with Confidence - Trust Our Experience to Help You Secure Dual Citizenship through Retention Permission or Re-naturalization.

Dual citizenship in Germany and the United States allows for flexibility in travel, work, and political participation in both countries. It also provides access to social services and business opportunities. Additionally, it can offer a strong sense of cultural identity and connection to both countries. Having dual citizenship is the exception in the German citizenship law. However, there are options to apply for a retention permission or, in case you lost your German citizenship already, to apply for re-naturalization. Contact me for a first brief assessment to find out which way is the best for you. 
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U.S. and German passport

Rentenion Form 

Are you a German citizen who is currently in the process of filing for naturalization to become a U.S. citizen? If so, it is important to note that you will need to obtain a retention form from the German authorities if you wish to maintain your German citizenship and become a dual citizen.

The retention form, also known as the “Beibehaltungsgenehmigung,” is a legal document that grants permission for individuals to retain their German citizenship while also obtaining citizenship in another country. This form is necessary because, under German law, citizens who voluntarily obtain foreign citizenship automatically lose their German citizenship.

To successfully apply for a retention form of German citizenship, you need to fulfill specific requirements:

  • You must demonstrate a strong connection to Germany.
  • You must provide valid reasons why you want to maintain your German citizenship while obtaining another citizenship. These reasons could be professional, personal, or family-related. For example, if you are pursuing a career that requires the other citizenship.
  • You need to complete the application form (Antrag auf Erteilung einer Beibehaltungsgenehmigung) and provide detailed explanations of your reasons for seeking dual citizenship.
  • You must submit supporting documents that justify your reasons for seeking dual citizenship. These may include documents related to your career, education, family ties, or property ownership.

Obtaining a retention form can be a complex and time-consuming process, requiring extensive documentation and often legal expertise to carve out the details for your eligibility. As an experienced immigration attorney, I can assist you in obtaining the retention form and navigating the dual citizenship process.

You can decide if you want me to apply on your behalf or provide consultation so that you can apply on your own.

Contact me today to learn more about how I can assist you with this proces

Re-Naturalization

Were you born as a German citizen who immigrated to the U.S.? You obtained American citizenship but at the same time lost your German citizenship? Many of my clients find out they are not German citizen anymore when they try to renew their German passport. Under German law, citizens who voluntarily obtain foreign (non-EU) citizenship automatically lose their German citizenship.

Don’t let the emotional stress and disappointment of losing your German citizenship hold you back from regaining it. Dual citizenship in Germany and the United States allows for flexibility in travel, work, or tuition free education for you and your children. It also provides access to social services and business opportunities. Additionally, it can offer a strong sense of cultural identity and connection to both countries – for you and your decedents.

If you became a U.S. citizen after the year 2000, re-naturalization is possible. However, the process can be complex. You will need to provide proof of your eligibility why you needed to keep the German citizenship at the time you obtained U.S. citizenship.  

As an experienced German immigration attorney, I have helped countless individuals navigate the complex process of obtaining German citizenship. With my help, you can avoid common pitfalls and increase your chances of successfully regaining your German citizenship. I have the expertise and knowledge to guide you through the re-naturalization process, ensuring that your application meets all the necessary requirements.

Contact me today to learn more about how I can assist you with the retention permission process and help you obtain German citizenship.

Declaration of German citizenship:

You were not born as a German citizen but your ancestors?

There are a number of cases in which decedents of German citizens can reclaim their German citizenship. Especially after a recent (2021) and significant change of German citizenship law, this number has expanded tremendously.

YOUR MOTHER WAS GERMAN?

You might be eligible as a descendent from a German mother when you can answer these questions with yes:

  1. Were you born after 05/23/1949 and before 01/01/1975?
  2. Was your mother a German national on the day of your birth?
  3. Was your father not a German national on the day of your birth?
  4. Were your parents married before your birth?

 

You might also be eligible as a descendent from a former German mother when you can answer these questions with yes:

  1. Were you born after 05/23/1949?
  2. Your mother lost her German nationality through marriage to a foreigner before 04/01/1953?
  3. Your father was not a German national on the day of your birth?
  4. Were you born after your mother lost her German nationality?

 

You might also be eligible as a descendent from a German mother when you can answer these questions with yes:

  1. Were you born after 05/23/1949 and before 04/01/1953?
  2. Was your mother a German national on the day of your birth?
  3. Was your father not a German national on the day of your birth and on the day of his marriage to your mother?
  4. Did your parents marry after your birth but before 04/01/1953, and you thus lost your German nationality?

 

You are eligible if your ancestor an answer these questions with yes too. 

YOUR FATHER WAS GERMAN?

You might be eligible as a descendent from a German father when you can answer these questions with yes:

  1. Were you born after 05/23/1949 and before 07/01/1993?
  2. Was your mother not a German national on the day of your birth?
  3. Was your father a German national on the day of your birth?
  4. Were your parents not married to each other before 07/01/1998?
  5. Was paternity acknowledged before you turned 23 years old or the procedure for determining paternity initiated before you turned 23 years old?

 

You are eligible if your ancestor an answer these questions with yes too. 

Victims of Nazi Persecution

You or your parents or grandparents were Victims of Nazi Persecution and lost their German citizenship?

The recent amendment to the German Nationality Act from 2021 provides new opportunities not only for individuals who lost or were denied their German citizenship due to Nazi persecution, but also for their descendants.

Who may be naturalized?

Persons who, for reasons connected with persecution on political, racial or religious grounds between 30 January 1933 and 8 May 1945,

  1. gave up or lost their German citizenship prior to 26 February 1955 (especially through naturalization upon application in another state),
  2. were excluded from the legal acquisition of German citizenship through marriage, legitimation or the collective naturalization of ethnic Germans during this period,
  3. were not granted naturalization upon application, or were generally excluded from naturalization, which would otherwise have been possible upon application, or
  4. gave up or lost their ordinary residence in Germany – within the borders of Germany as at 31 December 1937 – provided that residence was established prior to 30 January 1933 or, if such persons were children at the time, was established even after 30 January 1933.

Entitlement to naturalization also extends to the descendants of such persons.
This includes descendants who were adopted by eligible persons prior to 1 January 1977.

Contact me to discuss your eligibility for re-naturalization under the new legal provisions and let me help you and your family reconnect with your German roots.

We will assess your eligibility, obtain necessary documents from Germany, prepare your application and represent you in the process.

Social Security Law of Germany

Discover Your Eligibility for Social Security (Rente) in Germany with me. 

Are you a former worker in Germany seeking answers on your Social Security benefits? Or are you facing a divorce with a German spouse and want to know your rights to receive Social Security through them? I can help you navigate the complex laws and regulations surrounding Social Security in Germany and determine if you qualify.

Contact me for a first brief assessment to learn more.

Contracts with German Individuals or Businesses

Maximize your chances of success in German business dealings by being informed of the key differences between German and U.S. contract law. Don't fall into the trap of legal missteps - reach out to me now for a comprehensive evaluation of your situation. Together, we'll determine the best strategy to strengthen your position and protect your interests.

Do you need an attorney?

Yes and no.
Especially when it comes to applications to German government authorities, my experience for over 25 years tells me, there is in fact no difference in applying on your own or through an attorney. They are not more “impressed” nor would they treat your case differently if you applied through an attorney.

However, the key advantage of working with an experienced attorney lies in their ability to identify and present crucial information to support your case in the most effective way.

For many applicants, there is also the language barrier. Many of my clients do not speak German nor do they understand how to fill out application forms in German.  
In addition, for many applications, it is necessary to obtain birth or marriage certificates from Germany and this process alone requires German language skills as well as the knowledge of how to navigate these applications and pay for these services in Germany. 

Maximize Your Chances of Success with My Flexible Services: Whether you require a simple consultation, guidance on filling out the application form, obtaining supporting documents from Germany or full representation, I can help. 

Contact me to go over your options today.

About me

Christine Stenner, LL.M

Attorney at Law (Germany) & Foreign Legal Consultant in Pennsylvania

I came to the United States as a German immigrant in 2012 and are now a dual citizen of both countries. I went through the same application process as many of my clients and can understand their concerns very well. I have 25+ years of experience as a German bar admitted attorney, and have obtained board recognized specializations in Medical Law and Social Law*. Moreover, I hold an LL.M from Temple University Beasley School of Law in Philadelphia and are registered as Foreign Legal Consultant in Pennsylvania. This allows me to practice German law in the United States and advise on German law.
* Admitted to the Bar in Frankfurt am Main. Christine Stenner is also board specialized medical law attorney (Fachanwältin für Medizinrecht) and from 2005 -2016 board specialized social security attorney (Fachanwältin für Sozialrecht).
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Stenner Law LLC
1700 Market Street, Suite 1005
Philadelphia, PA 19103
USA

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DISCLAIMER:
The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only.  Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information.