Dual citizenship
June 7, 2009 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Dr. Lars Nozar
Is dual citizenship (Germany/USA) possible in Germany, if so, what needs to be done and is it limited in time? My son's father is a US citizen and lives in the USA. My son (15 years old) was born in Germany and currently lives with me in Germany.
Hello,
basically, this is possible. It is important to distinguish between the laws of both countries: under American law, it is necessary for the child's father to cooperate in order for the son to obtain American citizenship. Additionally, the child's father must have lived in the USA for a certain number of years (usually not a problem).
In German law, the requirements are more stringent, as it is required that there must be a relationship to Germany in order to retain German citizenship. In your case, this should not be a problem, since you, as the child's mother, are German and the son lives here.
For details, please contact the relevant authorities in Germany/Embassy on the American side. From there, you will receive the necessary forms.
If American citizenship is allowed, your son can also apply to renounce German citizenship; however, if he is a minor, this can only be done with the approval of the guardianship court. But in your case, dual citizenship would be preferable. The main obstacle is often the mandatory cooperation of the child's father, which you will see from the forms. It is particularly important to determine whether the child's father has acknowledged the child as his biological child.
In your case, I cannot assess this.
Best regards.
