Counting Previous Residence for Former EU Citizens Who Previously Lived in Germany

When applying for a residence permit or citizenship in Germany, an important question arises: how are previous periods of residence counted for people who used to hold the citizenship of an EU Member State and lived in Germany before acquiring another nationality or before their current application?

General rules for counting previous residence

Recognition of previous residence periods
As a rule, previous lawful residence periods in Germany are recognized even if the applicant previously held the citizenship of an EU country, provided that the residence was legally registered and in accordance with German law.

Effect of previous citizenship on the length of residence
Previous citizenship does not prevent previous residence from being counted, as long as the stay in Germany was legal, registered, and generally continuous.

Interrupted residence periods
Time spent outside Germany may affect how residence periods are counted. Clear evidence and explanations should be provided for each period spent abroad.

Requirements for proving previous residence

• Registration records from the local registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt)

• Residence or work permits, where applicable

• Other documents such as employment contracts, rental contracts, or certificates of study/school attendance

Importance of counting previous residence

Counting previous residence periods is important because it:

• Helps fulfill the minimum residence requirement for applying for citizenship or permanent residence,

• Can reduce the waiting time needed to obtain certain legal and social rights.

Tips for applicants

• Submit all documents that prove your previous lawful and registered residence in Germany.

• Check with the nationality office or immigration authority whether and to what extent these periods can be counted.

• If you spent time outside Germany, prepare explanations and evidence for these periods (for example, work abroad, study, or family reasons).

Conclusion

Previous residence in Germany during a period in which you held the citizenship of an EU Member State is usually counted towards the required residence period for residence permits or citizenship applications, as long as the stay was lawful and can be documented. Providing complete and well-organized documentation makes it easier to prove these periods and increases your chances of approval.

The editorial and writing team of this website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and consultation of multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors may occur, or some details may be incomplete or not fully confirmed. Therefore, the information in these articles should be treated as an initial reference only, and you should always contact the competent authorities for confirmed and legally binding information.