Reasons to Become German: 7 Benefits of the German Passport

In 2024, 291,955 people were naturalized in Germany; an increase of 46% compared to the previous year and the highest figure since the statistics began in 2000. Why is German citizenship worth it? Here are the seven most important reasons; legal, practical, and personal.

1. EU freedom of movement

With the German passport, you're also an EU citizen. Under Art. 21 TFEU (AEUV), you can live, work, study, and start a business in any EU member state; without a visa, residence permit, or work permit. This freedom of movement also applies in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland.

2. Voting rights at all levels

As a German citizen, you can vote at every political level:

• Federal elections (Bundestag)
• State elections (Landtag)
• Local elections
• European elections
• Referendums and ballot initiatives

You can also run for office yourself; from city council to federal chancellor.

3. Visa-free travel

The German passport is one of the strongest in the world. According to the Henley Passport Index 2026, it ranks 4th, with access to 185 countries visa-free or with visa-on-arrival.

Singapore, Japan, and South Korea sit ahead of the German passport. Still, the German passport opens doors worldwide; from the USA via Japan to Brazil.

4. Career freedom

Certain jobs in Germany require German or EU citizenship. This applies especially to many civil service positions; though not exclusively to Germans. Most civil service jobs today are also open to EU citizens.

Reserved only for Germans are sovereign tasks like:

• Police and prison service (in most states)
• Federal Police
• Bundeswehr (career soldier)
• Diplomatic service

With German citizenship, you have the full range of options on the job market.

5. Protection from deportation

Under Art. 16 (1) GG, no German may be deprived of citizenship. You cannot be deported; not even after convictions or in times of crisis. Your right to live in Germany is permanently secured upon naturalization.

6. Consular protection worldwide

Abroad, you can turn to German embassies and consulates; for illness, lost passports, emergencies, or political crises. German foreign missions are present in nearly every country. As an EU citizen, you can also ask any other EU country's embassy for help if no German mission is nearby.

7. Dual citizenship since 2024

The biggest change since the new citizenship law of 2024: you no longer have to give up your previous citizenship. Multiple nationalities are generally allowed for everyone.

This means:

• Inheritance and property rights in your country of origin remain intact
• No need to renounce your old passport
• Family and cultural ties remain legally anchored

More on this in Dual Citizenship since 2024.

Emotional aspect: belonging

Beyond the legal benefits, there's something you can't measure in laws: the feeling of belonging. Many naturalized people say something changes after they hold the citizenship certificate. They feel they've arrived; no longer a "foreigner" but part of this society.

You take part in democracy actively. You shape decisions. You take responsibility for a country that has become yours; with all rights and all duties.