On today’s episode, we’re going to talk about citizenship….I’m an American living in Germany with a German baby….doesn’t that mean she automatically gets American citizenship….well, it’s a little more complex than that….so let’s talk about it.
Hallöchen, Lieblings. I’m Mari, a sci/fi and fantasy author, who has been living in southern Germany since 2014.
So I gave birth to a little girl back in October, we’re gonna call her Maus – as in Maus not Mouse – cause obviously there’s a difference – and while I’m married to a German, she was automatically given German citizenship. But as an American citizenship, she is entitled to receive US citizenship as well….but will she get it?
The short answer is yes, but not now. Why?
Well….the actual process isn’t that difficult. According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, I have to fill out the Application for Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-600), provide proof of my citizenship, a photo of my child, as well as a copy of their birth certificate.
Oh, and I have to fork over $1170 for the honor. Yeah, the US wants about $1200 for the paperwork, I know people who have naturalized for less….my mom paid like $250 to become a US citizen back in the 80s! Why so much? I don’t know, I think the US thinks their expats make so much money living abroad – it would explain why they would tax us.
If you don’t know what this means, I did a video on the US tax system while living abroad and I’ll link it in the description below. But long story short, the US taxes their citizens based on citizenship and not residency. That means every year, I have to fill out US taxes even though I haven’t lived in the States for almost a decade. It also means that it’s hard for me to invest abroad, and certain banks won’t touch me because of how complicated our tax system is.
So at this point you’re probably wondering….I want to subject my kid to that?
Why yes of course….
Actually we are going to let her choose. I have until she’s 18 to give her citizenship. If it weren’t for the high price tag, I would have already started the paperwork…but mama ain’t got no job right now and with building a house, $1200 is rather steep at the moment. Especially because they can deny her because someone shat in their cereal that day and decided to and then I would lose that money and would have to pay again to reapply.
Once I am back in the world of working and have income, I’ll pay for it then.
But once she turns 18, she would then be subject to our stupid tax laws, and by then she can decide if she wants to keep it or give it up. I do have a cousin who has both German and US citizenship so I would want my Maus to talk to her and get enough info to make an informed decision. Also I have to note that I’m not related to this cousin, she’s the daughter of one of my mom’s high school besties….so this chick is also half-Peruvian hehehe.
I want Maus to have the option for the States. With citizenship – she can work and live there without needing a visa. Maybe she’ll want to go to my old university, maybe not – maybe she doesn’t want anything to do with the States. It’ll be sad for me, but it’ll be her choice. At least I can give that to her and let her decide.
What do you think? What are your thoughts on all of this? If you were in my position, what would you do? There are no wrong answers here and I would love to know your thoughts. Let me know in the comments below!
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And that’s it. Until next time. Adee.
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