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Citizenship Based on the Birth of One Parent in Germany After 1990
In Germany, a new nationality law entered into force on 1 January 2000, fundamentally changing the rules on acquiring citizenship based on birth on German territory, especially for children of foreign parents living in Germany.
However, earlier legal amendments and their effects on those born after 1990 and their parents must also be taken into account.
Legal framework before and after 2000
Before 1 January 2000:
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A child born in Germany to foreign parents did not automatically acquire German citizenship (principle of “right of blood” – ius sanguinis).
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Citizenship was usually acquired solely on the basis of the parents’ nationality.
After 1 January 2000:
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A child born in Germany to foreign parents automatically acquires German citizenship if at least one parent has held a continuous lawful residence in Germany for at least 8 years or has a permanent residence permit.
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This system is often referred to as “conditional jus soli” (conditional right of the soil).
What about children born after 1990?
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Children born in Germany after 1990 and before 1 January 2000 do not acquire German citizenship automatically by virtue of their birth in the country.
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They may apply for citizenship later, once they fulfil the requirements for naturalization, for example through their own lawful residence or via the naturalization of one or both parents.
Conditions for acquiring citizenship based on the birth of one parent after 2000
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Continuous legal residence of one parent in Germany for at least 8 years.
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That parent must hold a permanent settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) or another qualified residence title.
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In many cases, a naturalization application must be submitted, either upon reaching adulthood or earlier in certain constellations.
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Depending on the law in the parents’ country of origin, it may be possible to retain the original nationality (dual citizenship), provided that both German law and foreign law permit this.
Summary
| Period | Citizenship acquisition based on birth in Germany |
|---|---|
| Before 2000 | No automatic German citizenship for children of foreign parents |
| Between 1990 and 2000 | Same system as before, no automatic acquisition |
| After 1 January 2000 | Citizenship is granted if one parent meets the residence requirements |
Conclusion
Children born in Germany to foreign parents before 2000 do not automatically receive German citizenship, but they may apply later if they fulfil the legal requirements.
After 2000, citizenship can be acquired automatically at birth in Germany, provided that one parent has resided lawfully in Germany for at least 8 years or holds a permanent residence permit.
This reflects Germany’s new approach, combining the principle of descent (ius sanguinis) with a conditional territorial principle (conditional jus soli).
— The website’s editorial team strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and consultation of multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors may occur or some details may remain unconfirmed. Therefore, please treat the information contained in these articles as an initial reference and always contact the competent authorities for binding and up-to-date information.
