In 1578, he went to the Netherlands, to serve in the army, under Count of Günther XLI of Schwarzburg-Arnstadt.

Until 1612, George resided in Dillenburg, as regent for his absent brother William Louis, who was in Holland.

After his brother returned, George moved into Beilstein Castle, in his own territory.

So George moved back to Dillenburg and became the founder of the younger Nassau-Dillenburg line.

His first wife was Anna Amalia of Nassau-Saarbrücken (1565–1605), the only child of Philip IV of Nassau-Weilburg.