New dual citizenship law in Germany
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A new law which means that children of foreign parents are no longer required to choose their citizenship before they reach 23 has come into effect in Germany.
Until now, children of foreign nationals in Germany who reached 18 would receive a letter in the post which asked them to choose a nationality – either that of their parents or German – before they reached 23.
Since Saturday, these ‘children’ are able to adopt dual citizenship with Germany, providing they meet strict criteria that they have been raised in Germany. This means that they will qualify if, by their 21st birthday, they have:
- lived in Germany for 8 years or more
- attended a German school for 6+ years or
- completed vocational training, with proof
Failure to meet these criteria will mean that the previous requirement of choosing a single citizenship will still apply.