Green card holder moving abroad, re-entry?

[emariep 0]

I’m a US citizen, husband is German citizen. We’d like to live in Germany for a year or two and give ourselves (and our kid) a chance at that part of our family culture. He has a US green card, valid for 10 years, conditions removed.

It seems he can apply for a re-entry permit but I wonder if anyone has personal experience with that.

Also, if he applies and is approved for a re-entry permit, does that allow any visits to the US while we would be living in Germany?

 

Additionally, he’s considering applying for US citizenship but not sure if Germany would allow dual. They are unclear on stating their rules but looks like have approved some changes since 2024 began. 

 

Advice appreciated!

 

[OldUser 6,999]

Yes, you can return to the US at any point with valid GC and reentry permit.

 

When it comes to naturalization in the US, if your husband spends 6 months or more outside of the US, then he'll have to wait full 3 or 5 years again to naturalize.

 

I'd monitor closely the changes in German laws. If it's not urgent and you can wait for 2-3 years, maybe he should naturalize first once German laws get passed. The kid will become the citizen by operation of the law. Then you're all free to go to Germany and live there however much you want. And won't have to deal with USCIS ever again.

 

 

 

Edited March 23 by OldUser

[Ontarkie 14,313]

Check out the N400 forum. Others from Germany have gone through the process to get permission to keep their German citizenship and obtain US citizenship. It is very doable and you listed one of the reason that will allow it. Family ties and being able to raise your child(ren) with family. 

 

I found this off of google https://www.germany.info/us-en/service/03-Citizenship/-/2124886