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Brits Urged to Take Up German Citizenship

Furthermore, a spokesperson with the group said that even individuals who think they are not eligible should make enquiries, given that the process is only likely to become harder in the future. As it stands, to qualify for German citizenship an applicant must have lived for at least eight years in the country, speak the language, have no criminal record and, crucially, be able to pass a citizenship test.

However, if a person has been in Germany for fewer than eight years, but has strong ties with the country and is married or in a long-term relationship with a German citizen, there may be some leeway when it comes to the otherwise strict rules.

“We’ve been exchanging a lot of information on how to become a German citizen, what the requirements are and encouraging people to take up this option,” said the spokesperson.

According to Germany’s Federal Office of Statistics, last year 7,493 British people achieved German citizenship – a record number – 162% more than in 2016; a rise experts believe is directly attributable to concerns around Brexit.

Blacktower Financial Management

Blacktower Financial Management operates from numerous locations across Europe, including Germany. We specialise in all areas of expat wealth management and financial advice including assistance with SIPP and QROPS expat transfers and dealing with Brexit.

For more information about how we can help you successfully manage your wealth in Germany and the ramifications of becoming, or not becoming a Germany citizen, contact our financial services team in Germany today.

This communication is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice, investment recommendations or investment research. You should seek advice from a professional adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information contained in this communication is correct, we are not responsible for any errors or omissions.

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Go Dutch?

French FlagBritish expats in the Netherlands are experiencing a difficult time at the moment. Not only do they have to deal with continued uncertainties over Brexit as well as government plans to overhaul the 30% expat tax break, they are also now having to digest news that the Dutch government is readying itself to publish new legislation regarding dual nationality.

However, early news suggests that developments on this final matter could prove to be rather more encouraging – albeit with a number of qualifications – with initial statements indicating that preparations are being made to reduce some of the restrictions on dual-nationality in the Netherlands.

As it stands, expats who wish to remain in the Netherlands and embrace Dutch citizenship are, in the majority of cases, obliged to renounce their nationality of origin. The choice is stark and onerous: go Dutch or stay as you are. This, of course, will prompt a number of British and Netherlands wealth management considerations and must be considered very carefully.

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Savers who compared ISA’s and bonds on the site were not offered the best rates on the market. Thousands of savers who used the website to select a savings account were misled, costing them potentially up to £500 a year in lost interest, according to a recent investigation. Channel Four’s Dispatches said that the comparison website advertised poor-value savings. 

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