Option obligation
Source: BUS Rheinland-PfalzGermans who have received German citizenship either automatically or under a transitional arrangement due to their birth in Germany and who also have a foreign citizenship may be obliged to choose between their citizenships (opt) from the age of 21.
This does not apply to Germans who have acquired German citizenship by descent.
Due to a new legal regulation, since 20.12.2014 the obligation to opt no longer arises when acquiring German nationality by birth if
- there is no foreign nationality other than the nationality of another member state of the European Union or Switzerland
or
- if the person grew up in Germany.
A person has grown up in Germany if they have lived in Germany for eight years up to the age of 21
- has lived in Germany for eight years or
- attended school here for six years or
- has obtained a school-leaving certificate in Germany or
- has completed vocational training in Germany.
If you have not grown up in Germany, but cannot give up your foreign citizenship for legal or factual reasons, or if giving it up would be unreasonable, a retention permit will be issued on application. As a result, the option obligation no longer applies.
Re-naturalization
If German citizenship was given up or lost before 20.12.2014 due to the previous option regulation, there is generally the possibility of re-naturalization if no option obligation would have arisen under the new regulation.
Re-acquisition of foreign citizenship
If foreign citizenship was renounced before 20.12.2014, it is generally possible to obtain permission to reacquire it if no option obligation would have arisen under the new regulations.
In many cases, the registration file is already used to determine whether the option obligation no longer applies. No application is required for this. The determination is made ex officio and is noted in the registration register.
If it is not possible to determine this on the basis of the registration data, the person concerned will be informed and given the opportunity to submit evidence.
If the matter has not been clarified by the time the person reaches the age of 21, the citizenship authority will formally write to the person concerned and draw their attention to the option obligation. The obligation to opt arises upon delivery of this letter. This letter explains the steps to be taken and the deadlines to be observed.
If no letter from the authorities has been delivered by the 22nd birthday, the option obligation can no longer arise. This means that it is not necessary to decide between German and foreign citizenship. Dual nationality can continue to exist.
Re-naturalization or re-acquisition of foreign citizenship
Upon application, the competent citizenship authority will check whether the requirements are met. On request, a consultation will be held before an application is submitted.
If the place of residence is in a district, the competent citizenship authority is the district administration. In independent cities, the city administration is responsible.
You can submit an application to your citizenship authority at any time so that an official determination can be made as to whether you are subject to the option requirement.
However, this is not necessary: If the authority cannot determine from the registration data whether you grew up in Germany, you will be informed in writing and given the opportunity to provide evidence.
You should respond to this. If you can provide evidence, such as a German school-leaving certificate, you will not be required to submit an option. If you have any questions about the letter, you can contact your citizenship authority for advice.
The option procedure is free of charge .
In the case of re-naturalization or the granting of a retention permit to former option holders, the citizenship authority decides whether a fee will be charged due to the administrative effort involved.
If you receive a letter in which the citizenship authority asks you to submit proof that you no longer have the option obligation, you should respond or take advantage of the advice offered.
As soon as you receive a formal letter informing you of your obligation to make a declaration,
you become subject to the option obligation. This letter explains what steps are necessary and what you must or can do. It is important to observe the deadlines stated in the letter so that you do not lose your German citizenship.
If you have not received a formal notification letter by your 22nd birthday, you can no longer become subject to the option.
Further information on the option obligation can be found in the brochure "Questions and answers on naturalization" and on:
Your responsible office:
Kreisverwaltung Rhein-Lahn-Kreis - Sicherheit, Ordnung und Verkehr
Source: BUS Rheinland-PfalzAdress data
Address
56130 Bad Ems
Building access
Contact
Telephone
Fax
Website
Opening hours
Zulassungsstelle DiezMonday-Friday8:00 a.m.-12:00 hWilhelmstraße 42aThursday14:00 h-17:30 h65582 Diez
Zulassungsstelle NastättenMonday-Friday8:00 h -11:00 hPestalozzistraße 2
56355 Nastätten
Contact person
Address
56130 Bad Ems
Telephone
Fax
Website
room
Responsible for:
- Rhein-Lahn-Kreis:
- Application for a residence permit in the case of a deportation ban
- Apply for a residence permit for conditional admission to studies or part-time studies
- Apply for a residence permit for employment as a skilled worker with an academic qualification
- Apply for a residence permit for self-employed persons who have completed their studies or who work as scientists or researchers
- Apply for a residence permit for the purpose of research
- Apply for a residence permit for the purpose of studying
- Apply for a residence permit for the recognition of professional qualifications on the basis of an agreement with the Federal Employment Agency
- Apply for a residence permit to attend a general education school
- Apply for a residence permit to join other family members of a German national
- Apply for a residence permit to look for a job after completing your training
- Apply for a residence permit to participate in language courses or student exchanges
- Apply for a residence permit to participate in the Federal Volunteer Service
- Apply for a settlement permit for holders of a residence permit on the basis of international law, humanitarian or political reasons
- Apply for an accelerated skilled worker procedure
- Apply for an extension of the residence permit to search for a training place in order to carry out qualified vocational training
- Apply for co-naturalization for your spouse, registered partner or minor children
- Apply for extension of residence permit for conditional admission to studies or part-time studies
- Apply for extension of residence permit for job search for professionals with academic education
- Apply for extension of residence permit for recognition of professional qualification during employment
- Apply for extension of residence permit for the purpose of study application
- Apply for extension of residence permit to attend a general education school
- Apply for extension of the residence permit for a study-related internship EU
- Apply for naturalization
- Apply for naturalization
- Apply for naturalization on the basis of marriage or registered partnership with a person who has German citizenship
- Apply for settlement permit for highly qualified professionals
- Apply for settlement permit for self-employed
- Applying for a permanent residence card for third-country national family members of EU citizens entitled to freedom of movement
- Applying for a residence permit for cases of exceptional hardship
- Applying for a residence permit for company training and further education for training and further education purposes
- Applying for a residence permit for mobile researchers
- Applying for a residence permit for recognition of professional qualifications during employment
- Applying for a residence permit for refugees
- Applying for a residence permit for the purpose of applying to university
- Applying for a residence permit for the purpose of employment for qualified tolerated persons
- Applying for a residence permit for the purpose of research for beneficiaries of international protection
- Applying for a residence permit for the purpose of school-based vocational training
- Applying for a residence permit for urgent humanitarian or personal reasons
- Applying for a residence permit for victims of a criminal offense under Sections 232 to 233a StGB
- Applying for a residence permit in the case of subsidiary protection
- Applying for a residence permit to carry out a qualification measure with employment
- Applying for a residence permit to look for a job for professionals with academic training
- Applying for a residence permit to participate in the European Voluntary Service
- Applying for a residence permit to take an examination for the recognition of a foreign professional qualification
- Applying for a residence permit to work as a civil servant for a German employer
- Applying for a settlement permit for family members of Germans
- Applying for a settlement permit for holders of an EU Blue Card
- Applying for a settlement permit for underage foreign children
- Applying for an employment permit for persons with tolerated status
- Applying for an employment permit when you are granted a residence permit
- Applying for an extension of a residence permit for the purpose of employment for (formerly) qualified tolerated persons
- Applying for an extension of a residence permit for the purpose of gainful employment for freelancers
- Applying for an extension of a residence permit to look for a job for qualified skilled workers with vocational training
- Applying for an extension of the residence permit for a foreign spouse to join a German spouse
- Applying for an extension of the residence permit for company training and further education
- Applying for an extension of the residence permit for mobile researchers
- Applying for an extension of the residence permit for recognition of professional qualifications based on an agreement with the Federal Employment Agency
- Applying for an extension of the residence permit for the purpose of research
- Applying for an extension of the residence permit for the reunification of other family members with a German citizen
- Applying for an extension of the residence permit for urgent humanitarian or personal reasons
- Applying for an extension of the residence permit to prepare for and study at university
- Applying for an extension of the residence permit to take an examination for the recognition of a foreign professional qualification
- Applying for an extension of your residence permit to take part in the European Voluntary Service
- Applying for an extension of your residence permit to take part in the Federal Volunteer Service
- Applying for asylum
- Electronic Residence Permit (eAT) Extension
- Electronic residence permit (eAT) Issuance of address change after relocation
- Electronic residence permit (eAT) Issue in case of name change
- Electronic residence permit (eAT) issuance
- Electronic residence permit (eAT) issued in case of loss or theft
- Extend mobile ICT card
- Extend residence permit due to outstanding qualification measure
- Extend residence permit due to school-based vocational training
- Extend residence permit for children born in Germany
- Extend residence permit for employment as a skilled worker regardless of qualification
- Extend residence permit for employment as a skilled worker with academic training
- Extend residence permit for employment as a skilled worker with vocational training
- Extend residence permit for the family reunification of a foreign minor to the German parent
- Extend residence permit for the immigration of the spouse
- Extend residence permit in the event of a ban on deportation
- Extend residence permit to look for a job after completing your studies
- Extend residence permit to look for a job after recognition of foreign professional qualifications
- Extend residence permit to look for a job after vocational training
- Extend residence permit to search for a job after research activity
- Extend your residence permit
- Extend your residence permit for employment as a civil servant
- Extending a residence permit for employment in the public interest
- Extending a residence permit for the purpose of training
- Extending a residence permit for victims of a crime
- Extending a residence permit on the basis of extensive professional knowledge
- Extending a residence permit to continue studies started in another EU country
- Extending a residence permit to exercise a self-employed activity
- Extending residence permit for exceptional hardship cases
- Extending residence permit for refugees
- Extension of the residence permit for the purpose of research for beneficiaries of international protection
- Foreigners' affairs - End your stay in Germany
- Granting a residence permit Mobile ICT card
- Granting a residence permit for Swiss nationals
- Granting a residence permit for a study-related internship EU
- Granting a residence permit for children born in Germany
- Granting a residence permit for employment as a skilled worker
- Granting a residence permit for employment as a skilled worker regardless of qualification
- Granting a residence permit for employment in the public interest
- Granting a residence permit for family reunification with foreigners
- Granting a residence permit for freelancers
- Granting a residence permit for long-term residents in other EU member states
- Granting a residence permit for skilled workers with vocational training to look for a job
- Granting a residence permit for the family reunification of a foreign minor to the German parent
- Granting a residence permit for the family reunification of a foreign parent with a German minor
- Granting a residence permit for the parents to join a minor foreigner
- Granting a residence permit on the basis of extensive professional knowledge
- Granting a residence permit to carry out a qualification measure
- Granting a residence permit to carry out vocational training
- Granting a residence permit to continue a course of study started in another EU country
- Granting a residence permit to look for a job after graduation
- Granting a residence permit to look for a job after recognition of foreign professional qualifications
- Granting a residence permit to look for a job after research work
- Granting a residence permit to pursue a self-employed activity
- Issue a border crossing certificate (GÜB)
- Issue a residence permit for the reunification of parents and other family members
- Issue residence permit for the immigration of the spouse
- Issuing a settlement permit
- Loss/retention of German citizenship
- Nationality card
- Option obligation
- Permit for permanent residence-EG
- Request change of conditions for employment in case of residence permit
- Request change or cancellation of the residence regulation of the residence permit
- Residence permit due to displacement
- Residence permit for family reasons Issued for the family reunification of a foreign spouse with a German national
- Residence permit for the purpose of gainful employment Extension for self-employed former scientists and researchers
- Settlement permit for recognised persons entitled to asylum and refugees
- Submit details for the issue of a residence card for family members of EU/EEA citizens (except Germany) and EEA citizens
Address
56130 Bad Ems
Remark:
Building: Rhein-Lahn district administration
Telephone
Fax
Website
room
Responsible for:
- Rhein-Lahn-Kreis:
- Apply for a residence permit for self-employed persons who have completed their studies or who work as scientists or researchers
- Apply for a residence permit for the purpose of studying
- Apply for a residence permit to look for a job after completing your training
- Apply for a residence permit to participate in language courses or student exchanges
- Apply for co-naturalization for your spouse, registered partner or minor children
- Apply for naturalization
- Apply for naturalization
- Apply for naturalization on the basis of marriage or registered partnership with a person who has German citizenship
- Applying for a permanent residence card for third-country national family members of EU citizens entitled to freedom of movement
- Applying for a residence permit for mobile researchers
- Applying for a residence permit to carry out a qualification measure with employment
- Applying for a residence permit to look for a job for professionals with academic training
- Applying for a residence permit to participate in the European Voluntary Service
- Applying for a settlement permit for family members of Germans
- Applying for a settlement permit for holders of an EU Blue Card
- Applying for a settlement permit for underage foreign children
- Applying for an employment permit for persons with tolerated status
- Applying for an employment permit when you are granted a residence permit
- Applying for an extension of a residence permit for the purpose of employment for (formerly) qualified tolerated persons
- Applying for an extension of a residence permit for the purpose of gainful employment for freelancers
- Applying for an extension of a residence permit to look for a job for qualified skilled workers with vocational training
- Applying for an extension of the residence permit for mobile researchers
- Applying for an extension of the residence permit for the purpose of research
- Applying for an extension of the residence permit for urgent humanitarian or personal reasons
- Applying for an extension of your residence permit to take part in the European Voluntary Service
- Electronic Residence Permit (eAT) Extension
- Electronic residence permit (eAT) Issuance of address change after relocation
- Electronic residence permit (eAT) Issue in case of name change
- Electronic residence permit (eAT) issued in case of loss or theft
- Extend your residence permit
- Extend your residence permit for employment as a civil servant
- Extension of the residence permit for the purpose of research for beneficiaries of international protection
- Foreigners' affairs - End your stay in Germany
- Granting a residence permit for children born in Germany
- Granting a residence permit for employment in the public interest
- Issue a border crossing certificate (GÜB)
- Issue a residence permit for the reunification of parents and other family members
- Option obligation
- Settlement permit for recognised persons entitled to asylum and refugees
- Submit details for the issue of a residence card for family members of EU/EEA citizens (except Germany) and EEA citizens
Visitor address
56130 Bad Ems
Remark:
Branch office Haus Löwenstein
Visitor address
56130 Bad Ems
Telephone
Fax
Website
room
Responsible for:
- Rhein-Lahn-Kreis:
- Apply for a residence permit for self-employed persons who have completed their studies or who work as scientists or researchers
- Apply for a residence permit for the purpose of studying
- Apply for a residence permit to look for a job after completing your training
- Apply for a residence permit to participate in language courses or student exchanges
- Apply for co-naturalization for your spouse, registered partner or minor children
- Apply for naturalization
- Apply for naturalization
- Apply for naturalization on the basis of marriage or registered partnership with a person who has German citizenship
- Applying for a permanent residence card for third-country national family members of EU citizens entitled to freedom of movement
- Applying for a residence permit for mobile researchers
- Applying for a residence permit to carry out a qualification measure with employment
- Applying for a residence permit to look for a job for professionals with academic training
- Applying for a residence permit to participate in the European Voluntary Service
- Applying for a settlement permit for family members of Germans
- Applying for a settlement permit for holders of an EU Blue Card
- Applying for a settlement permit for underage foreign children
- Applying for an employment permit for persons with tolerated status
- Applying for an employment permit when you are granted a residence permit
- Applying for an extension of a residence permit for the purpose of employment for (formerly) qualified tolerated persons
- Applying for an extension of a residence permit for the purpose of gainful employment for freelancers
- Applying for an extension of a residence permit to look for a job for qualified skilled workers with vocational training
- Applying for an extension of the residence permit for mobile researchers
- Applying for an extension of the residence permit for the purpose of research
- Applying for an extension of the residence permit for urgent humanitarian or personal reasons
- Applying for an extension of your residence permit to take part in the European Voluntary Service
- Electronic Residence Permit (eAT) Extension
- Electronic residence permit (eAT) Issuance of address change after relocation
- Electronic residence permit (eAT) Issue in case of name change
- Electronic residence permit (eAT) issued in case of loss or theft
- Extend your residence permit
- Extend your residence permit for employment as a civil servant
- Extension of the residence permit for the purpose of research for beneficiaries of international protection
- Foreigners' affairs - End your stay in Germany
- Granting a residence permit for children born in Germany
- Granting a residence permit for employment in the public interest
- Issue a border crossing certificate (GÜB)
- Issue a residence permit for the reunification of parents and other family members
- Option obligation
- Settlement permit for recognised persons entitled to asylum and refugees
- Submit details for the issue of a residence card for family members of EU/EEA citizens (except Germany) and EEA citizens