Dual German/Australian citizenship
(How/When) Can I become an Australian citizen?
(How) Can I keep my current German citizenship?
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(When) Do I / my children need a BBG?
Dual German/Australian Citizenship:
Eligibility and Timing
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While Australia permits dual citizenship, German citizens require an exemption to retain their German citizenship ‘Beibehaltungsgenehmigung’ (BBG) , before they can become citizens by conferral of another country.
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This involves carefully timed formal application (to the German authorities) with a focus on the applicant’s ongoing ties to Germany' and the specific disadvantages, faced by the applicant as a consequence of not being an Australian citizen.
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Chapter 2 Australia offers a range of support packages to assist you in your quest for dual Australian/German citizenship. All legal questions will be consulted with experienced lawyers registered in Germany
Book an evaluation to explore possible strategies and timelines to coordinate your Australian citizenship application with an application to retain German citizenship
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Comprehensive information regarding the BBG is published on the joint website of the Germany Embassy Canberra/German Consulate in Sydney:
Australian Citizenship
Citizenship status can bring considerable benefits and advantages, as well as greater security, than what is available to Permanent Residents.
Discover if/how soon you could be eligible for Australian citizenship, and – if you are a German citizen– in which circumstances you may be allowed to become an Aussie AND keep your German citizenship.
Eligibility and Application
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In addition to being of 'good character' , currently, applicants must meet the following criteria:
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Must have lived lawfully in Australia for the past 4 years, including 12 months as a permanent resident, immediately before their application
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Must not have been absent from Australia for more than 12 months during those 4 years, including no more than 90 days immediately before the citizenship application.
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Some exemptions and other pathways to Australian citizenship are available depending on the circumstances. Book a consultation to find out if you could be eligible.