05/20/2026
In 2021, a new path became available for descendants of German citizens who were previously excluded from obtaining citizenship by descent: StAG §5.
This citizenship reform gives many families a new opportunity to reclaim German citizenship lost due to historical gender discrimination in nationality laws.
You may qualify if:
• a female in your line had a child born in wedlock after May 23, 1949
• a male in your line had a child before 1993, and the child was born out of wedlock but legitimized
• A German female ancestor lost citizenship by marrying a foreign national before 1953
The law also extends to descendants — including children, grandchildren, and future generations.
Applications are made through a formal declaration process and remain available until August 19, 2031.
If you suspect your family history may fall under one of the categories above, it is advisable to carefully review your lineage before beginning the application process. For any doubts, or to receive a complete assessment of your case, you can reach out to us via email ([email protected]).
📖 read the full article here: https://germancitizenshipassistance.com/news/gender-discrimination-pathways-in-german-citizenship-by-descent
The new reform allows many individuals to reclaim German citizenship that previous generations were unable to pass on due to previous gender discrimination.