Can you be a US citizen and German citizen?
Mia Ramsey
Published Mar 05, 2026
A child born to an American parent and a German parent acquires both American and German citizenship at birth, regardless of place of birth. Neither country requires a person born under these circumstances to choose between American and German citizenship. They may keep both for life.
Can US citizens have dual citizenship with Germany?
Dual Citizenship USA/Germany Based on US and German law, you can have citizenship of both countries. Dual German/US citizenship can happen only when the child is born to one American and one German parent. In this case, the child is not required to give up either nationality and can hold both.
Can a US citizen move to Germany as a German citizen?
Based on your reason for immigration to Germany from the USA, there are two types of German residence permits. If you need legal advice on getting a German residence permit as a US citizen, the immigration legal experts at Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte advise on all matters relating to the move to Germany.
Are there any Germans in the United States?
However, German nationals, over the last two hundred years, have contributed a very large percentage of the new arrivals to the United States. Germans and Americans with German heritage are very common and are usually considered assets to the nation.
Why do I want to come to Germany from the USA?
There are various reasons why you will want to seek immigration to Germany from the USA. Some of the most common causes include: Working in Germany or Freelancing – If you have found employment in Germany, you will need a residence permit to be allowed to start your work contract.
What do you need to get a residence permit in Germany?
To be considered for any residence permit, you will need to have health insurance that is acceptable in Germany as well as financial stability. Based on your reason for immigration to Germany from the USA, there are two types of German residence permits.