German citizenship before it is guaranteed?

[fjell_strom]

I am an American who has lived in Germany now for five years. The law says that I have the right to German citizenship after seven years of residence (if certain other conditions are also met which, in my case, they are) - my question is, would I be likely or not to be granted citizenship if I applied for it right now, after only five of the seven years are up? Would that answer depend on certain other things? I am interested to know the particulars on this issue.

The truth is (though I wouldn't mention this in my application) that I am interested in getting EU citizenship as soon as possible in order to be able to freely live and work in other EU countries.

The application costs a bit of money, so I'm not eager to simply apply now and see what happens. I would only apply if there were a degree of certainty to the application being approved.

Anyhow, if anyone can help here, I'd be grateful.

fjell

[vinny]

See also Law on Nationality, Provisions for foreigners living in Germany.

See also Text of Nationality Act 10(1). Eight years will be required?

If you are married to a German national, then see also Frequently Asked Questions: German Citizenship, I am married to a German national. Can I apply for German citizenship?

[sakura]

See also Law on Nationality, Provisions for foreigners living in Germany.

See also Text of Nationality Act 10(1). Eight years will be required?

If you are married to a German national, then see also Frequently Asked Questions: German Citizenship, I am married to a German national. Can I apply for German citizenship?

So what's the answer??


Fjell_strom - are you married to a German national?? In what capacities have you been living in Germany?

Generally, I doubt you would be successful if you tried to apply earlier. There's no warrant for you to apply now rather than the legally required time. I cannot refer to cases in Germany, but in the UK if you applied, say, 4 years rather than the 6 years required for naturalisation (if you're on a work permit or similar work-based category and not married to a British citizen), your application would probably be refused outright and you'd be told to apply on or after a certain date.

Also...as you are in Germany, are you aware of the law on multiple citizenship? Namely...you would have to renounce your US citizenship to naturalise as a German.

Also...correct me if I am wrong, but I am reading everywhere that naturalisation is possible after eight years, not seven.

[fjell_strom]

Thanks for the replies.

I'm unmarried, and have been residing in Germany for the past five years on a string of ordinary work permits. Already I am eligible to apply for permanent residency (effective at the five-year mark).

I appreciate your speculation, sakura, as these are the only such clues I will have about the possible success of my application before the seven-year mark.

You are right in stating that citizenship is normally offerred after eight years of residency - however there is a by-clause which reduces this amount to seven if the applicant has completed a German integration course.

Thanks again for the replies and I would still very much welcome others to reply in kind with any informed opinions on the matter. It could save me loads of cash on an application which, as sakura suspects, is doomed to failure from the outset.

I'm aware, by the way, that gaining German citizenship would require me to relinquish my American citizenship. Given the current political climate in the world, I am anything but loathe to do so.

fjell

[JAJ]

I'm aware, by the way, that gaining German citizenship would require me to relinquish my American citizenship. Given the current political climate in the world, I am anything but loathe to do so.

Bear in mind that renouncing American citizenship is irrevocable should you later on want to change your mind.

I thought there was a little more flexibility in terms of becoming a German citizen and keeping your original citizenship these days, or is that only for citizens of other EU member states?

[sunnyday]

I think germany dont allow for duel citizenship.

you need to consider facts that would make them grant you a citizenship on the ground of your 5 years residency. In normal circumstances, I would be reluctant to think any authority is willing to make exception to the rule unless you have some pretty valid reasons.

[Directive/2004/38/EC]

If you make the decision to become a German citizen, you typically have to give up other citizenships you have.

But if you are born as a German citizen and as the citizen of another country, you will not have to make any choice between the two.