Christine Stenner, Attorney (Germany) | Foreign Legal Consultant (PA) | April 9, 2025

In recent years, a growing number of Americans have begun exploring the idea of acquiring a second passport — not necessarily as a political statement, but as a practical, forward-thinking opportunity.

If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s this: circumstances can change overnight. During the pandemic, even the most well-traveled U.S. citizens — private jet or not — suddenly found themselves grounded. Entry into many countries no longer depended on wealth or connections, but on which passport you held. For many, that was the moment they realized: one citizenship may not be enough.

While some are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on “golden visa” programs — often by purchasing property in Portugal or the Caribbean — many Americans may actually be entitled to German citizenship at no cost beyond legal fees when working with a firm like ours.

Why Consider German Citizenship?

German citizenship offers more than just a travel perk. It’s a connection to Europe, to family history, and to a legal status that comes with significant advantages:

• Freedom of movement within all 27 EU countries — the ability to live, work, and study across the continent
• Educational access to top-tier universities, often with minimal or no tuition fees
• Eligibility for EU healthcare systems, especially if you reside and work in an EU country
• A cultural bridge to reconnect with German identity and history

You May Qualify for German Citizenship If:

✔ Article 116 (2) Grundgesetz – Nazi Persecution Restitution

If your ancestors were stripped of their German citizenship between 1933 and 1945 for racial, political, or religious reasons — especially Jews and political dissidents — you likely qualify for restoration under Germany’s Basic Law.
Citizenship is restored retroactively. No German language test or residency is required. This applies to descendants — even several generations later.

✔ §15 StAG – Expanded Restitution for Nazi-Era Exclusion

This statute provides a path to citizenship for descendants of those who were excluded from acquiring or passing on citizenship due to Nazi-era laws — even without formal denaturalization.
It corrects historic injustices that blocked women and others from transmitting citizenship and recognizes the wider impact of Nazi policies.

✔ §5 StAG – Correction of Historical Discrimination in Citizenship Law

This provision applies to individuals previously excluded due to discriminatory citizenship rules related to gender or marital status. It covers those born after May 23, 1949 but born :

• before January 1, 1975 to German mothers and foreign fathers in a legitimate marriage
• before July 1, 1993 to German fathers and foreign mothers out of wedlock
• to German mothers who lost their citizenship before April 1, 1953 due to marriage with a foreigner

Important: This specific provision is only valid until August 19, 2031. After that date, this pathway will no longer be available.

At Stenner Law, We Make It Personal — and Practical

At Stenner Law, we work exclusively with Americans of German descent to guide them through the legal process of reclaiming or acquiring German citizenship. For many, this is a deeply personal journey — rooted in family legacy, identity, and future opportunities.

What Does It Cost?

Applying for German citizenship directly through the authorities is free in most cases. However, if you choose to partner with our firm, we begin with a mandatory paid consultation — and here’s why:

Most of our clients have already spent hours — if not years — gathering immigration records, naturalization documents, old German birth certificates, or U.S. citizenship paperwork. They’ve done the groundwork and now need clarity.

They’re not looking for a casual call — they want to know if they qualify. They want their documents evaluated by a professional. They want to understand how their situation fits into German law and what the next steps should be.

That’s why I offer a document review prior to our consultation, so I can provide a well-informed, realistic legal opinion. I’ll let you know if you likely qualify right away or if we need additional records — for example, from Germany, the U.S., or archived government files.

What Happens Next?

Once eligibility is confirmed or likely, we take care of everything — if you want us to. Applying for German citizenship is not a quick or easy form. It’s a detailed process involving official translations, legal arguments, and precise documentation.

We handle that for you — from writing legal cover letters to structuring your application for review by German authorities.

What We Offer at Stenner Law:

• Comprehensive eligibility assessments based on German legal statutes
• Document preparation and legal drafting for citizenship applications
• Direct communication with the Bundesverwaltungsamt (Federal Office of Administration) in Germany

Do you have your documents ready for a review? Then book an appointment with me. 

Disclaimer:
The content of this blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is established by reading this blog or contacting Stenner Law through it. Each case is unique and should be reviewed by a qualified attorney. For legal advice tailored to your specific situation, please contact Christine R. Stenner, Attorney at Law/Rechtsanwältin (Germany), Foreign Legal Consultant (Pennsylvania/USA), at office@stennerlaw.com