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I met a middle aged nurse who was German; been in the US for 20 years. She could not go back to Germany because she did not put enough time into that system for retirement. She had to stay in the US for benefits/retirement. The more you split your time between countries the less likely you are to qualify for benefits in either/any country. Fence sitting is a dangerous business; make a decision.
You can take your benefits with you plus as a German citizen you are entitled (love that term) to a number of social services and programs including Grundsicherung. She may have renounced her citizenship which can be undone with a stack of paperwork.
To gain citizenship in Germany, you must renounce other citizenships first, unless you are born with multiple citizenships (which I may have through my great-grandparent), but I'm trying to get that legally checked out to make sure my genealogy research is accurate. So, yes, I could get dual USA-German citizenship, but only because I have a great-grandparent from there. What I read online, though, is that for children born before 1938, its based on the father being German, and I am not sure if my great-grandfather was also German at the time my grandmother was born.
No, you get your German (or other citizenship) first and then renounce your USA citizenship.
If you renounce your USA first, you are a stateless person. Very unwise.
US requires proof of other citizenship when renouncing which in turn is a somewhat drawn out and costly process.
All true - although I doubt she will need to pay an exit tax to the IRS.
I understand reaching nearly 30 and wanting more from life. However, she needs more research.
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When it comes to ancestors, I have a German great-grandmother, and an Irish great-grandfather, and a few English great-grandparents. Besides one of my great-grandmothers being a full-blooded Choctaw native, I'm otherwise only a 4th generation native-born American.
Irish and British citizenship is only from grandparents and parents. German citizenship is from a great-grandmother is going to be hard and complicated process - if at all possible.
OP, why not move to NYC or another big city to see if you might be happier. A change of location doesn't necessarily mean Europe - there are cities like NYC which are more European. It would be a gateway or runway to see if you would like Europe.
I'll be interested to see if the new governing coalition in Germany ends up allowing dual citizenships.
OP, are you sure they're still honoring the German-ancestry route to citizenship? My family looked into that, and the info we found, which was years ago, said that they're not doing that anymore. Or maybe only for 2nd generation emigres, or so.
OP, are you sure they're still honoring the German-ancestry route to citizenship? My family looked into that, and the info we found, which was years ago, said that they're not doing that anymore. Or maybe only for 2nd generation emigres, or so.
Its pure speculation at this point, but some people in Germany thinking that dual citizenship between Germany and other countries will be possible in the future.
Its pure speculation at this point, but some people in Germany thinking that dual citizenship between Germany and other countries will be possible in the future.
OP, are you sure they're still honoring the German-ancestry route to citizenship? My family looked into that, and the info we found, which was years ago, said that they're not doing that anymore. Or maybe only for 2nd generation emigres, or so.
I have not been through the entire thread, so I may be duplicating advice and information.
Seriously, you are young! I moved to the US from the UK in my forties, and I moved to France when sixty- blimey, I don't feel that old!!!
As far as France goes you have to have lived here for five years before you can apply for citizenship.
Good luck in whatever you do. If you want something badly enough then it is achievable.
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