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Citizenship
Serbian by descent, German, dual — check your eligibility
Dual citizenship Serbia-Germany has been possible since June 2024. Check whether you meet the requirements for Serbian citizenship under Article 23 or for German naturalization (Einbürgerung).
What we cover
1Serbian citizenship by descent (Article 23)
2German citizenship (Einbürgerung)
3Dual citizenship — requirements and process
4Required documents and deadlines
Paths to citizenship
For the Serbian diaspora, there are two main paths: Serbian citizenship based on ethnic affiliation (Article 23 of the Serbian Citizenship Act) and German citizenship through naturalization (Einbürgerung). Since June 2024, both are possible simultaneously.
Serbian
Article 23
For members of the Serbian people living outside Serbia. No residence or language requirements.
• Age: 18+
• Timeline: 4–6 months
• Where: MUP or consulate
German
Einbürgerung
Per StARModG (June 2024): 5 years residence, B1 German, pension contributions.
• Residence: 5 years (previously 8)
• Dual: allowed
• Cost: 255 EUR
Dual
Matrix
Status by country — not the same everywhere.
GermanyAllowed
AustriaProhibited
SwitzerlandAllowed
MontenegroProhibited
Serbian citizenship — Article 23
Article 23 of the Citizenship Act of the Republic of Serbia provides for admission of members of the Serbian people living outside Serbia. This is not a right by blood (jus sanguinis) but by ethnic and cultural affiliation with the Serbian people — the applicant must provide a written declaration to that effect.
Legal basis — what Article 23 actually says
The basis for admission is ethnic and cultural affiliation with the Serbian people, not blood descent. The applicant provides a written declaration identifying as a member of the Serbian people. The application cannot be rejected solely because the applicant has no Serbian ancestors in the direct line — cultural and linguistic identification suffices.
Requirements for admission under Article 23
Requirement
Legal age (18+)
The applicant must be of legal age at the time of application. Special rules apply for minors (admission with parents).
Requirement
Legal capacity
The applicant must have full legal capacity. Persons under guardianship cannot apply independently.
Requirement
Written declaration of ethnic affiliation
The applicant provides a written declaration identifying as a member of the Serbian people. This declaration is a key requirement — the form is an integral part of the application.
Not required
Registered residence in Serbia Pending professional legal review
The applicant does not need to have a registered residence in Serbia or to relocate there.
Not required
Serbian language proficiency Pending professional legal review
A formal Serbian language test is not a requirement for Article 23.
4–6
months (approximately)
MUP
Administrative authority
Consulate
If you are abroad
Where to submit the application from abroad
The application can be submitted in person at the diplomatic-consular mission of Serbia in the country of residence (embassy or consulate). The decision is delivered to the consulate which notifies you. All documents must be originals or certified copies.
German citizenship — Einbürgerung
The Citizenship Modernization Act (StARModG) entered into force on June 27, 2024. It brings significant easing of requirements and explicitly introduces the right to dual citizenship for all.
Key changes since June 2024 (StARModG)
- Minimum residence reduced from 8 to 5 years
- Dual citizenship explicitly allowed for all
- Special merit: possible after 3 years (special contribution to society)
- ∗3-year fast track abolished in October 2025
Standard naturalization requirements
Requirement
5 years of lawful residence
Continuous lawful residence in Germany. Short absences (vacation, family) count. Longer absence (6+ months) may interrupt continuity.
Requirement
German language level B1
B1 certificate (or higher) from a recognized institution — Goethe-Institut, telc, ÖSD. School certificates in German may be an alternative.
Requirement
Naturalization test (Einbürgerungstest)
33 questions, passing at 17 correct answers. The test is organized by BAMF. Cost 25 EUR. Over 55 and persons with special circumstances may be exempt.
Requirement
Financial self-sufficiency
The applicant and family must not depend on social benefits (Bürgergeld/HartzIV), unless this occurred through no fault of their own.
Requirement
Pension contributions (Rentenversicherung)
Proven pension contributions — through employment, self-employment or voluntary contributions. One of the key new requirements under StARModG. German pension.
255 EUR
Fee for adults
51 EUR
Fee for children (with parent)
Ausländerbehörde
Where to submit the application
Rejection — common reasons
The application may be rejected due to: residence interruption over 6 months, criminal convictions (minor offenses are tolerated, serious are not), active receipt of social benefits, insufficient language, or undocumented pension contributions. Appeal is possible but extends the process by a year or more.
Dual citizenship — country matrix
The status of dual citizenship varies significantly by country. For Serbs in the DACH region, the key difference is between Germany (which allows since 2024) and Austria (which almost always prohibits with automatic loss).
| Country | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | Allowed | Explicitly allowed since StARModG, June 2024. Applies to all naturalized citizens. |
| Austria | Prohibited | § 27 StbG — automatic loss of Austrian upon acquisition of foreign citizenship. Rare exceptions. |
| Switzerland | Allowed | Switzerland allows dual citizenship without restrictions since 1992. |
| Montenegro | Prohibited | Montenegrin Citizenship Act (2008), Art. 8(2) — renunciation of previous is required. |
| Serbia | Allowed | Serbia allows multiple citizenship without restrictions. |
Austria — dual citizenship prohibition
Warning: automatic loss of Austrian citizenship
If you live in Austria and receive Serbian or any foreign citizenship, you automatically lose Austrian — without warning, without decision, from the moment of receiving foreign citizenship. About 142,000 Serbs in Austria are potentially affected.
Pending professional legal review
The Austrian Citizenship Act (Staatsbürgerschaftsgesetz — StbG), § 27, explicitly provides that an Austrian citizen who acquires foreign citizenship at their own request loses Austrian at the moment of acquisition. This applies automatically, without prior notification, and is usually discovered only at the next contact with Austrian authorities.
Exceptions (narrow and rare)
Prior approval (Beibehaltungsgenehmigung)
Can be requested before acquiring foreign citizenship. Granted only with proven special public or private interest. Rarely granted.
Acquisition by birth
Those who had both citizenships from birth (Austrian and Serbian) do not automatically lose either.
Recommendation
If you are an Austrian citizen considering Serbian citizenship under Article 23 — before any action, consult an Austrian lawyer specializing in alien law and citizenship. A mistake is impossible to reverse.
Einbürgerungstest — naturalization test
The naturalization test (Einbürgerungstest) is mandatory for all seeking German citizenship, except for persons over 55 and those who have demonstrated a special contribution to German society.
310 + 10
questions in the database (310 general + 10 per state)
33
questions on the test (30 general + 3 state)
17 / 33
minimum to pass (≈ 51%)
Practical information
1
Register on the BAMF website
einbuergerungstest.bamf.de — book an appointment in your city. Cost: 25 EUR.
2
Study from the official question database
All questions and correct answers are publicly available at einbuergerungstest.bamf.de. There is also an official practice app.
3
Result immediately, certificate in time
You know the result on the spot. Use the certificate with your naturalization application. It is valid indefinitely.
Test topic areas
Questions cover: democracy and rule of law, German history (especially Nazism and GDR), Basic Law (Grundgesetz), federal system, EU, rights and freedoms, everyday life in a democracy. State-specific questions relate to your federal state.
Detailed guides
German citizenship — StARModG guide
All changes since June 2024, documents, costs, rejection reasons
Dual citizenship — matrix
Complete table by country, DACH guide, Austria in detail
Austrian citizenship — naturalization
10 years residence, B1 German, dual prohibited (§ 27 StbG), § 28 Beibehaltung, MA 35
Swiss citizenship — naturalization
10 years residence, federal/cantonal/communal, dual allowed since 1992, B1 oral
Frequently asked questions
Can I have both citizenships — Serbian and German?
Yes, since June 27, 2024, Germany allows dual citizenship without restrictions. If you have acquired or intend to acquire German citizenship, you can keep Serbian. The reverse also applies — admission to Serbian citizenship under Article 23 does not affect your German. This is a fundamental change from the previous German law which required renunciation of the previous citizenship.
How long does the procedure for Serbian citizenship under Article 23 take?
Approximately 4 to 6 months from submission of complete documentation. The application is submitted to the Serbian Ministry of Interior (Administrative Affairs Directorate) or the diplomatic-consular mission of Serbia abroad. The deadline starts from the day the application is complete — incomplete applications are returned for supplementation, which extends the process.
What if I live in Austria — can I get German or Serbian citizenship without losing Austrian?
Austria generally PROHIBITS dual citizenship (§ 27 StbG). If you receive foreign citizenship (Serbian or German), you automatically lose Austrian — without warning, without decision. Exceptions exist but are narrow: birth with two citizenships, marriage to a foreigner (in certain cases), or special interest approved by Austria in advance. About 122,000 Serbian citizens in Austria are potentially affected. Before any action, consult an Austrian lawyer.
Do children born in Germany automatically receive German citizenship?
Partially. Under the jus soli principle in effect since 2000, a child born in Germany receives German citizenship if at least one parent has legally resided in Germany for at least 8 years (before reforms) or 5 years (per StARModG 2024). Additionally, if at least one parent is a German citizen, the child automatically receives German citizenship (jus sanguinis). Serbian citizenship is automatic if at least one parent is a Serbian citizen — registration is done at the Serbian consulate.
How long does the Einbuergerung (naturalization) process take?
On average 6-12 months from submitting a complete application. In major cities (Berlin, Munich) it can take up to 18-24 months due to high demand. The accelerated pathway (3-5 years residency with B2/C1) doesn't shorten the processing time, but the waiting period before you can apply.
Can my children get German citizenship?
Yes, in several ways: (1) Automatically if born in Germany and at least one parent has 5+ years of legal residency. (2) Through naturalization if they meet the requirements. (3) Children under 16 can be included in their parent's application (Miteinbuergerung) with reduced requirements. Children born abroad to German citizens are automatically German citizens.
Do I need to give up Serbian citizenship for German citizenship?
No! Since June 27, 2024, Germany allows dual citizenship without restrictions. You can keep your Serbian citizenship while acquiring German citizenship. Serbia also allows dual citizenship, so there are no barriers from either side.
What if my citizenship application is rejected?
You have the right to file an objection (Widerspruch) within one month of receiving the decision, and then to sue at the Administrative Court (Verwaltungsgericht). The most common rejection reasons are: insufficient residence time, inability to support yourself, criminal record, or insufficient German language level. Consulting an immigration lawyer is recommended.
Legal bases and sources
- • Citizenship Act of the Republic of Serbia, Art. 23 — Official Gazette RS No. 135/2004, 90/2007, 24/2018
- • Citizenship Modernization Act (StARModG) — BGBl. 2024 I No. 104, in force since June 27, 2024.
- • Sixth Act Amending the Citizenship Act (6. ÄndG StAG) — BGBl. 2025 I No. 256, in force since October 30, 2025.
- • Austrian Citizenship Act (StbG), § 27 — automatic loss of Austrian citizenship
- • BAMF Einbürgerungstest portal: einbuergerungstest.bamf.de
- • Serbian MUP — Administrative Affairs Directorate: mup.gov.rs / drzavljanstvo
- • Statistik Austria, Central Register 2024 (~122,200 Serbian citizens in Austria)
Last updated: March 2026.
Pending professional legal review
This content is pending legal review and may change.