GERMANY 

CITIZENSHIP: Based upon German citizenship law, the principle of descent from the parents (jus sanguinis), and, after January 1, 2000, jus soli.

• BY BIRTH: Birth within the Federal Republic of Germany does not automatically confer citizenship. However, from January 1, 2000, citizenship will be acquired by birth in Germany if one parent has lived in the country for eight years.
• BY DESCENT:
• Child born in wedlock whose father or mother is a citizen of Germany.
• Child born out of wedlock whose father is stateless or unknown and whose mother is a citizen of Germany.
• Child born out of wedlock to a foreign woman and a German father will be granted German citizenship upon the legitimization (recognition) of the child by the German father.
• BY NATURALIZATION: At the discretion of the German naturalization authority; 8 years residence in Germany is a requirement.
• DUAL CITIZENSHIP: In principle, not recognized. Exceptions:
• German citizens abroad who acquire another citizenship can forego the automatic forfeiture of their German citizenship by obtaining a decree from the German authorities permitting them to retain their German citizenship.
• After January 1, 2000, dual citizenship is allowed until age 23.

LOSS OF CITIZENSHIP:

• VOLUNTARY: The law allows Germans to petition for a release from German citizenship if they have applied for the acquisition of foreign citizenship and the authorities of the foreign state have stated that they will be naturalized. Petitions may be directed to the federal government in Germany or the nearest German Embassy.
• INVOLUNTARY: Voluntary acquisition of foreign citizenship without having received a decree from the German authorities permitting concurrent retention of German citizenship.