Your second citizenship: German, Austrian or Israeli passports

If your ancestors fled the Nazis between 1933 – 1945 you can now reclaim an EU citizenship.

Alternatively, you may consider securing Israeli citizenship. Looking for assistance in this process? Decker, Pex, Levi can help.

New nationality law in Germany and Austria

Descendants of German and Austrian citizens who had to flee during the Second World War and lost their citizenship under the discriminatory laws of the Third Reich can now receive European citizenship and passport. This includes children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren of Holocaust survivors and other victims of the Nazi regime.

Why are so may British citizens seeking a second EU passport?

Holding a second European passport in addition to your primary citizenship provides numerous benefits, including visa-free travel to over 180 countries, the right to live and work within the European Union, access to high-quality education and healthcare systems, and the right to pass on your citizenship to your children.

Applying can be complex but Israeli law firm Decker, Pex, Levi can guide you through the process. Understanding the eligibility criteria, recovering and translating the required documents, researching historic archives, and navigating the complexities of the application procedure can be challenging. The firm helps descendants of German and Austrian Jews to trace their lineage, compile the necessary documentation and submit an application.

“Our in-depth knowledge of the legal requirements and experience in the application process ensures a smooth and efficient experience,” says lawyer Michael Decker.

Working with professionals who are fluent in German, who are experienced in genealogical research, who know how to locate birth certificates, immigration records and other essential documents from archives in Europe and who understand the nuances of the application process means that forms are filled out correctly, deadlines are met and communication with government offices is handled efficiently. Fixed pricing means you know upfront what the costs will be.

Best of all, applicants are no longer required to renounce their current nationality, to demonstrate German language proficiency, to reside in Germany or Austria, or to pay government application fees.

Do you qualify?

Recent changes to Germany’s citizenship law mean that every descendant of a German citizen or resident who was persecuted by the Nazis – and all German Jews were persecuted – is eligible to restore their citizenship.

Do you have the right documents?

The Decker, Pex, Levi office works with a number of expert genealogists who can recover the relevant documents from German archives as long as you have basic information about your ancestor.

Also, Aliyah to Israel based on the law of return and obtaining Israeli citizenship is on the rise. The recent political turmoil worldwide and antisemitic incidents has caused many families to start the process of securing an Israeli citizenship, explains Decker. “We are hearing more clients tell us that they want a second passport without revoking their current nationality.”

The right to citizenship is inheritable, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same rights and freedoms. This is more than a legal process; it’s a deeply personal journey. It represents a reconnection with family history, a form of restitution and a step toward building a future with broader opportunities.

Please contact Michael Decker and his team for more information. lawoffice.org.il