So what do I need to know? They're pretty much all elderly so I don't think they're going to be much help in that regard.
Also if I collect Social Security/Disability here, can I still do so in Germany.
If I wanted to keep my options about the US (returning, I mean) how long can I stay on just my passport?
Thanks
Bill
Were you born in Germany...were your parents born there? If so, you probably have a claim to German citizenship, so you could stay as long as you want and still retain your American passport and citizenship. If not, you can stay three months as a visitor, although they may have different rules for retired people. Contact the nearest German consulate for the best info.
Contact the German Embassy, there may be an office in the South, otherwise via email. Probably what you want to inquire about is a resident visa. I assume that you do not want to work there, so that may make things easier, depending on your age. Basically, if you are moving there to retire, with an income, then doors open. I would also let them know you will be returning to family, if you will be living with them, that also is a big plus, especially if they own there own home. Your Family can help by also inquiring on their end, or by providing a letter indicating living arrangements and such. Basically, the German Government does not want someone they will need to support and may take jobs away from other citizens, they do appreciate extra consumers though. Regarding Social Security, Not knowing your personal circumstance, typically SS is yours, an earned benefit, so unless you have restrictions, I would think you would "take it with you"; of course, contact your area SS office, they can answer those questions. Your passport is yours as long as it is valid, and even then, you can renew it overseas, You can stay out of the Country indefinitely as long as the US Government is concerned (Please mail in any taxes owed) The limiting factor will be how long the German Government lets you stay (90 days without Question, 6 months with a proper visa, longer on a resident visa)
If you are dual citizen, you won't have any problems. I am sure US has a deal with Germany so there won't be any problems with getting your ss there. You just have to go to the local ss office there in Germany and they with take care of it for you. If you do not have your German citizenship any longer you can apply for it since your roots are there. Many country nowadays allow dual citizenship. My daughter has a dual US/Finnish citizenship. It is however not recognized here in the States so I do not mention it here and never show her Finnish passport here.
Good luck to you! I would like to go home myself but with family, it is not so easy at this point.
I'm wondering too about the Alzheimer's, which is why I need to keep my options open about coming back home if they decide I cannot live there because of that.
B
Bill, you still have not told us if you have dual citizenship or not. That will help to figure out what to do. Especially in regards to the health insurance.
If you have German citizenship, then the insurance companies have to take you, no questions asked. I am talking about the "gezetzliche", not private. Like DAK or TKK or AOK. The private charges an arm and a leg and they can ask you if you have any illnesses and charge you a much higher premium. There is no need for private really. I use the TKK and have no problems at all. Had the DAK for a while and I just did not like the way they spoke me to me on the phone, so switched companies.
As far as Social Security, the Consulate here in Frankfurt has a large Federal Benefits unit that takes care of all of that for the many Americans living here as retirees.
Please send me a message if you want more info. I will be happy to look into it for you.
Jo:
It is reading posts like yours that makes it wrthwhile to log on. Thank you.
Jo,
I just a month ago checked into it: My dual citizenship is "in question" (German mother American father - and I am a naturalized American - having to become naturalized in order to join the USAF during the Viet Nam years)
They have recently written me a letter telling me I am no longer a "dual citizen".
Ya know? With the Alzheimer's, I have no idea how much time I have left (it IS a fatal disease)!
So what the hell?
If I come as a tourist and decide to stay - what?
Bill
Bill, where were you born and when? German mom will not get you citizenship if you were born outside of Germany, before 1975. PM me if you would like an email address for a German lawyer who lives in the US and handles German citizenship issues.
Born in Karlsruhe, but shortly thereafter moved to Rothenburg. Born in 1949
Do you speak any German? If you speak German and you have family there, you might still be able to get your German citizenship back and be dual citizen again. You would be drawing your ss from the US because you have earned it here.
I am fluent. I REALLY would like to live out the rest of my days at home, if possible.
Then go for it! I think that you can do it, since you are fluent in German. You are from there, so I do not see why they wouldn't give you back your citizenship. Your ss would come from the States because you have earned it here. I say do it! I know how you feel! I will always miss my country and hopefully one day I can still go back.
Hi Bill, I follow your blog (although I must admit I haven't looked recently as I've been busy).
I may be wrong here, but I think that the US requires that when you take American citizenship, you forgo any other citizenship; however, that doesn't mean that the country you came from considers you to no longer be a citizen of that country. For instance, if you are born a British citizen, you are one for life, the British Gov't regards you as British regardless of what other citizenships you take on.
I think the German consulate would be the best people to ask.
Good luck and best wishes, Maggie.
Hi Bill, I follow your blog (although I must admit I haven't looked recently as I've been busy).
I may be wrong here, but I think that the US requires that when you take American citizenship, you forgo any other citizenship; however, that doesn't mean that the country you came from considers you to no longer be a citizen of that country. For instance, if you are born a British citizen, you are one for life, the British Gov't regards you as British regardless of what other citizenships you take on.
but please remember what I said at the beginning, I could be wrong. Don't want to cause you any problems.
I think the German consulate would be the best people to ask.
Good luck and best wishes, Maggie.
Why not try the websites of the Auswärtiges Amt or have a look at wikipedia? http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Staatsb%C3%BCrgerschaft
A lot will depend on Social Security (disability) because of the the EOAD. I have already contacted an attorney to represent me if SS drags their feet too much.
I'd like to thank you all for your responses. I intend to follow up on everything.
Thanks
B~
A word of caution about dual citizenship US/Germany. I am a native German, moved here as a child with my family and became a naturalized US citizen when I was 16.
I recently contacted the local German consul and was told that I had NO right whatsoever to apply for dual German/US citizendhip (this despite still having my old German passport, German birth certificate, etc.)
Being fed-up with America, this was quite a disappointment, to say the least!
Social Security benefits are payable but Medicare is not. I don't know about Disability.
