Applying for naturalization for former Germans abroad

You or your authorized representative can apply for naturalization in writing or by appointment in person at your competent German diplomatic mission abroad or in writing to the Federal Office of Administration (BVA).

Written application:

• You can obtain all the necessary information about the application and required documents in advance by e-mail, telephone or in a personal meeting on site at your competent German diplomatic mission abroad (appointment).
• You can download the application form directly from the BVA website.
• Complete the application form in full and sign it.
• Submit the signed application by post or in person together with the required documents to your competent German diplomatic mission abroad.
• It is not compulsory to contact the diplomatic mission abroad. You can also submit the application with all documents directly to the BVA. However, it is recommended that you contact and submit your application via the diplomatic mission or consular post abroad, as they must issue an opinion on your application.
• The BVA will check your application and inform you if further documents and information are required to process the application.

Conclusion of the procedure (in writing):

• Once the decision has been made, you will receive a request to pay the procedural fee. If your application is approved, the BVA will send your naturalization certificate to your responsible German diplomatic mission abroad. They will inform you about the further procedure for handing over the naturalization certificate.
• If the Federal Office of Administration (BVA) rejects your application, you will usually also receive a notice of rejection from your competent German diplomatic mission abroad.
  

Applications for re-naturalization of former Germans can be submitted by

• Persons who previously had German citizenship and
• whose habitual residence (domicile) is abroad.

Further requirements:

• Identity and nationality have been clarified
• You are capable of acting, i.e. at least 16 years old or legally represented
• You have no criminal record and
• do not pursue or support any anti-constitutional or extremist activities; you are committed to the free democratic basic order (so-called declaration of loyalty).

Naturalization is a discretionary decision. It is examined whether persons abroad can be naturalized as an exception.
Essential discretionary aspects:

• Public interest in naturalization
• ties to Germany
• Sufficient German language skills (level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)
• Ability to support yourself: You must be able to support yourself and your family in your country of residence without state assistance. This should also be the case if you move to Germany.
• In principle, you must give up or lose your previous nationality; exceptions are possible.

Note: In individual cases, a naturalization test may be required.

You must submit your application:

• Proof of parentage and identity, by for example:
  • foreign identity documents, such as:
    • Passport,
    • identity card,
    • foreigner's identity card,
    • Birth certificate of the applicant,
    • marriage certificate
    • Proof of previous possession of German citizenship, for example:
  • German identity documents, such as
    • Passport,
    • children's identity card,
    • identity card
    • Naturalization certificates,
    • Citizenship cards / certificates of citizenship,
    • Extract from the German population register
  • Proof of loss of German citizenship, for example:
    • Foreign naturalization certificates
    • Proof of acquisition/possession of other nationalities
  • Other helpful documents (if applicable):
    • Name change documents/certificates
    • Custody documents (for applications from children under the age of 16)
    • Certificates from German schools

All circumstances that demonstrate close ties to Germany are favorable for the discretionary decision, for example

• long-standing close contact with relatives and friends in Germany,
• longer and/or regular stays in Germany,
• property ownership in Germany,
• School-leaving qualifications or vocational training in Germany,
• Membership of German cultural associations,
• work for German authorities, companies or organizations.

Other circumstances will be taken into account in the decision:

• Ability to support yourself: you must be able to support yourself and your family in your country of residence without state assistance. This also includes sufficient cover against illness, the need for care, occupational disability or incapacity to work and for old age.
• Circumstances of loss of German citizenship.

Notes:
Unless otherwise stated, please enclose officially or notarized copies of the documents and evidence.
Documents and evidence in foreign languages must be accompanied by a translation by a sworn translator.

• Naturalization certificate for adults: EUR 255.00
• Naturalization certificate for a minor child (up to the age of 18): EUR 51.00
• Notice of rejection for adults (rejection of the application): EUR 25.00 to EUR 255.00
• Notice of rejection for a minor child (rejection of the application): EUR 25.00 to EUR 51.00

Note:
Please bear in mind that you may incur additional costs for obtaining documents, translations and notarizations.

There are no deadlines.

For processing the application: usually 12 to18 months. Depending on the individual case, extensive investigations may be required.

• § Section 13 of the Citizenship Act (StAG)

• Contradiction

• Forms: yes
• Online procedure possible: no
• Written form required: no
• Personal appearance required: yes

• Forms on the BVA website

20.10.2021