From the Reich and Nationality Act 1913 to the StAG 2024: How German citizenship has changed
Auf einen Blick
- ✓Das Reichs- und Staatsangehörigkeitsgesetz (RuStAG) von 1913 basierte primär auf dem Abstammungsprinzip.
- ✓Mit der Reform im Jahr 2000 wurde das Geburtsortsprinzip (ius soli) in Deutschland eingeführt.
- ✓Die StAG-Reform 2024 markiert die historische Abkehr vom Prinzip der Vermeidung von Mehrstaatigkeit.
- ✓Die Mindestaufenthaltszeit für eine Einbürgerung wurde im Laufe der Geschichte von 10 auf 5 Jahre verkürzt.
Information Status: Verified with StAG 2026 Reforms
Checked for compliance with the 2026 legal framework alterations.
The History of German Citizenship is closely linked to the political and social development of Germany in the 20th and 21st centuries. Modern nationality law has undergone a fundamental change in the last hundred years: from an ethnic law of descent to a modern, integration-oriented law that takes into account the reality of a globalized immigration society.
The Reich and Nationality Act (RuStAG) of 1913
For almost a century, the basis of German nationality law was the Reich and Nationality Act (RuStAG) of July 22, 1913. This law enshrined the strict descent principle (ius sanguinis). Accordingly, only those who descended from German parents were German citizens. The place of birth or the length of stay in Germany played no legal role in acquiring citizenship at birth. This principle reflected the understanding of a homogeneous cultural nation at the time.
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The reforms since 2000 and the place of birth principle (ius soli)
A turning point occurred on January 1, 2000 under the then red-green federal government. The law was comprehensively reformed and renamed the Nationality Act (StAG). The most important innovation was the introduction of the place of birth principle (ius soli) as a supplement to the descent principle. From now on, children of foreign parents who were born in Germany automatically received German citizenship at birth under certain conditions (parents' right and duration of residence). This was a historic step towards recognizing Germany as a country of immigration.
The groundbreaking StAG reform 2024 and dual citizenship
The most recent and most far-reaching change came into effect in summer 2024. The StAG Reform 2024 fundamentally changed the naturalization law: the prescribed period of residence was shortened from eight to five years. However, the most historically significant change was the full acceptance of multiple nationality (dual citizenship). This meant that Germany finally said goodbye to the old principle of avoiding multiple nationality. You can find out more about us and our mission to make this path easier for immigrants on the About us page and check your suitability directly with our naturalization check.
Historical development shows how understandings of belonging and citizenship have adapted to modern society. Scientific studies and legal texts can be found in the Bundesgesetzblatt and in the historical archives of the Federal Government.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the main principle of RuStAG 1913?
The main principle of the RuStAG 1913 was the principle of descent (ius sanguinis). German citizenship was passed down almost exclusively through descent from German parents, regardless of place of birth.
When was the place of birth principle (ius soli) introduced in Germany?
The place of birth principle was introduced with the reform of nationality law on January 1, 2000. Since then, children born in Germany to foreign parents have been able to receive German citizenship from birth.
What changes did the StAG reform bring in 2024?
The 2024 reform shortened the minimum stay for naturalization to 5 years and generally allowed dual citizenship (multi-nationality) without having to give up your previous citizenship.
What does the principle of descent (ius sanguinis) mean?
The principle of descent (right of blood) states that a child acquires the nationality of its parents, regardless of the country or place in which it is born.
Legal Notice
Disclaimer / Liability Protection: PassKlar is an automated, AI-driven educational platform providing generalized summaries of public legal frameworks (StAG). It does not provide legally binding legal advice under the German Rechtsdienstleistungsgesetz (RDG). For individual legal assessments, always consult a certified immigration attorney (Fachanwalt für Migrationsrecht) or your local Ausländerbehörde.
