Military status and returning to the US
Different rules. Members of the US forces, the civilian component and their dependants in Germany are covered by the NATO status of forces agreement and the supplementary agreement. Their residence status is not the same as that of a civilian immigrant, and the routes on this site do not describe it. Ask your unit or the US military legal office. We do not go further.
Leaving the forces and staying
If you leave service and stay in Germany, you move to the civilian rules: Which route fits me?
Voting from abroad
US citizens abroad can vote in federal elections by absentee ballot. The Federal Voting Assistance Program explains the steps: fvap.gov. Rules differ by state; registration is usually repeated each year.
Keeping in touch with the US
- Passport renewal, birth abroad and notarial services: see the U.S. Department of State for US consular services.
- Taxes: Taxes for US citizens. Children born in Germany: check US citizenship rules for children born abroad.
A question this page does not answer? Contact us. Free orientation only, no legal advice for individual cases.