Graphical Abstract: The new complexes [Ni(phen)3][Ge(HCit)2]•2H2O (1), [Ni(phen)3][Sn(HCit)2]•3H2O (2) (where phen is 1,10-phenanthroline, H4Cit is citric acid) were obtained. The identity, composition, and thermal stability of the complexes were established by elemental analysis, thermogravimetry, and IR spectroscopy. According to the X-ray diffraction data, the bis(citrate)germanate / bis(citrate)stannate [Ge/Sn(HCit)2]2- carries out the role of the dianion while two halves of the nickel complexes with phenanthroline [Ni(Phen)3]2+ are cations.