Citizenship by descent in Germany: the 2026 guide
Descent from a German parent — plus a special restoration route for families persecuted 1933–1945.
Germany passes citizenship by descent from a German parent. Separately, descendants of people persecuted on political, racial or religious grounds between 1933 and 1945 who were stripped of citizenship can reclaim it under a recently broadened restoration route — with no language or residency test. Germany now allows dual citizenship.
How German citizenship by descent works
German citizenship generally passes jus sanguinis from a German parent at the time of your birth. Alongside that, Article 116(2) of the Basic Law and § 15 of the nationality act provide a restoration route for descendants of those persecuted by the Nazi regime between 1933 and 1945 who lost or were denied German citizenship.
Who qualifies
For ordinary descent, a German parent at your birth is the key. For the restoration route, eligibility extends down the generations to descendants of the persecuted person — a 2021 reform closed earlier gaps (for example, lines through mothers or born before certain dates). Neither route requires German language or residency.
The process & documents
Descent cases are documented with the parent's German citizenship and your birth records. Restoration cases (§ 15 / Art 116(2)) are filed with the Federal Office of Administration (BVA), evidencing the ancestor's persecution and loss of citizenship. Since June 2024 Germany broadly permits multiple citizenship, so you usually keep your current passport.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Route | Descent, or § 15 / Art 116(2) restoration |
| Qualifying ancestor | German parent (persecuted ancestor for restoration) |
| Generations | Parent (further for restoration) |
| Language / residency | None |
| Dual citizenship | Allowed (since 2024) |
| Passport | EU — ~190+ visa-free |
Watch-outs
Older German nationality law had gender and date cut-offs that disqualified some lines; the 2021 and 2024 reforms fixed many but not all. Have your specific family history assessed, and confirm the current rules.
Where it fits in a borderless plan
A second passport is one flag of several. Pair Germany citizenship with a low-tax tax residency and a self-custody plan for your Bitcoin. New to ancestry routes? Start with our guide to citizenship by descent, or compare investment routes in cheapest citizenship by investment.
Frequently asked questions
Can descendants of Nazi-era refugees reclaim German citizenship?
Yes — descendants of people persecuted on political, racial or religious grounds between 1933 and 1945 who lost German citizenship can reclaim it under Article 116(2) / § 15, with no language or residency requirement. A 2021 reform widened eligibility.
Does Germany allow dual citizenship now?
Yes — since June 2024 Germany broadly permits multiple citizenship, so you generally don't have to give up your existing nationality.
Do I need to speak German for citizenship by descent?
No — descent and the 1933–1945 restoration routes have no German-language or residency test. Ordinary naturalisation does.
Official sources
Rules change — always confirm the current position with the primary authority:
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