Germany

Route to citizenship eased for descendants of National Socialist regime

28 Oct 19

GERMANY

IMPACT – LOW

What is the change? The German Ministry of Interior has passed a regulation that broadens a constitutional provision that allows descendants of those who lost citizenship under the National Socialist regime to apply for citizenship.

What does the change mean? The regulation fills gaps in Germany’s citizenship laws that excluded certain groups, and allows more individuals to be eligible for citizenship they would have inherited if not for National Socialist persecution.

  • Implementation time frame: Ongoing. The change took effect in September.
  • Processes impact: German citizenship.
  • Who is impacted: Descendants of former German nationals who lost German citizenship because of National Socialist persecution.
  • Business impact: While the overall impact on business is minor, the opportunity to obtain citizenship could carry significant personal importance to individuals who qualify.
  • Next steps: Those interested in an assessment to determine if they may be eligible for citizenship may contact Deloitte Germany’s immigration team.

Background: Under the Germany constitution, descendants of German nationals who lost their citizenship under National Socialist persecution are eligible to apply for citizenship. Some groups were excluded from this right, however, including marital children born before 1953 to a mother who lost citizenship after marrying a non-German. The Ministry of Interior implemented rules last month that will allow for such applicants to obtain citizenship if they meet other eligibility requirements.

Analysis & Comments: This legal right was established to provide a form of redress to descendants of people who lost their German citizenship under National Socialist persecution. Deloitte welcomes this new regulation that will make this redress available to a greater number of people who are still affected by their ancestors’ loss of citizenship.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2019. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

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