Apply for naturalization for former Germans abroad

If you live abroad, were once German and would like to become so again, you can apply for re-naturalisation under certain conditions.

If you have lost your German citizenship and live abroad, you can apply for re-acquisition of German citizenship (re-naturalization).

Re-naturalization after loss of German citizenship is a discretionary decision. The main considerations are

• public interest in the naturalization
• ties to Germany.

If you meet the requirements, naturalization takes effect when you receive your naturalization certificate. The Federal Office of Administration (BVA) is the citizenship authority for persons abroad and is responsible for all matters relating to citizenship.

• Application for re-naturalization
• Current identity document, for example:
  • passport
  • identity card

• documents relating to marital status:
  • Marriage certificate, if applicable
  • Divorce decree or death certificate, with translation, legalization or apostille, if applicable
    • of the previous spouse or the previous registered partner or
    • of the previous registered civil partner
• Birth certificate of the applicant
• Proof of previous possession of German citizenship, for example
  • German identity documents:
    • Passport
    • child's identity card
    • identity card
  • Naturalization certificates
  • Certificates of citizenship or certificates of origin
  • Extract from the German population register
• Proof of loss of German citizenship and the circumstances of the loss, for example
  • foreign naturalization certificates
  • Proof of the acquisition or possession of other nationalities
• Proof of sufficient German language skills at least at level B1, for example with a B1 certificate or a school, vocational, training or university degree obtained in Germany
• In individual cases: Proof of civic knowledge, for example with a naturalization test
• Before receiving your naturalization certificate, you must submit it in person:
  • Your commitment to the free democratic basic order and
  • your commitment to Germany's special historical responsibility for the unjust National Socialist regime and its consequences and
  • your declaration of loyalty
• Proof of ties to Germany, for example:
  • Evidence of longer or regular stays in Germany
  • Proof of property ownership in Germany
  • Degree certificate or certificate of schooling or vocational training in Germany
  • Membership of German cultural associations
  • Proof of work for German authorities, companies or organizations
• Proof of ability to support yourself, for example
  • payslips
  • tax assessment notice
  • bank statements
• Statement of financial circumstances
• Other helpful documents, if available:
  • Name change documents or certificates
  • Custody documents (for applications from children under the age of 16)
• If represented by a third person: Power of attorney

Notes on the required documents:

• Unless otherwise stated, please enclose the documents and evidence as officially or notarized copies.
• Foreign-language documents and evidence must be translated by a sworn translator. Attach these translations to the application.
• For the online application, you first need simple electronic copies. The BVA may only request certified copies of the necessary documents and evidence after the application has been submitted.

• You were previously in possession of German citizenship and have lost it, for example
  • after you have taken on a foreign nationality or
  • after joining the armed forces abroad.
• Your habitual residence (domicile) is abroad. Your identity and nationality have been established.
• You have the capacity to act or are legally represented. In the naturalization procedure, you are generally capable of acting if you have reached the age of 16. You have not been convicted of a criminal offense. If you are currently under investigation on suspicion of a criminal offence, the citizenship authority will suspend the naturalization procedure until the proceedings have been concluded. You are committed to the free democratic basic order of the Basic Law and make a declaration of loyalty. This means that
  • You do not support any anti-constitutional or extremist activities.
  • If you have supported such activities in the past, you must have credibly renounced them.
• You acknowledge Germany's special historical responsibility for the National Socialist reign of injustice and its consequences, in particular
  • for the protection of Jewish life and
  • the peaceful coexistence of peoples and
• the prohibition of waging a war of aggression. In individual cases, you may have to take a naturalization test.
• A public interest in naturalization can be established.
• You can prove close ties to Germany, for example
  • many years of close contact with relatives and friends in Germany
  • Longer or regular stays in Germany
  • property ownership in Germany
  • School-leaving qualification or vocational training in Germany
  • Membership of German cultural associations
  • Work for German authorities, companies or organizations
• In principle, you can support yourself and your dependent family members without receiving state benefits.
  • This also includes adequate cover against illness, the need for care, occupational disability or incapacity to work and for old age.
  • You can also ensure this in the event of a move to Germany.
  • You have sufficient knowledge of the German language, at least at level B1, exceptions are possible.

• Contradiction

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

Written or personal application:

• You can obtain all the necessary information about the application and required documents or papers in advance by e-mail, telephone or in a personal meeting on site at your competent German diplomatic mission abroad with an 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.

Online application:

• Go to the website of the federal portal and complete the application form electronically.
• Attach the other required documents as files.
• Submit the application.
• The BVA will check your application and request certified copies of any required documents.
• If necessary, the German diplomatic mission or consular post responsible for you will contact you to provide an opinion on your application.

Completion of the procedure (in writing and online):

• After 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 the German diplomatic mission responsible for you. They will inform you about the further procedure for handing over the naturalization certificate.
• If the BVA rejects your application, you will usually also receive a notice of rejection from your competent German diplomatic mission abroad.

There are no deadlines.

For processing the application: usually 12 to18 months. Depending on the individual case, complex investigations must be carried out.

Please note:

• Please bear in mind that you may incur additional costs for the procurement of documents, translations and notarizations.
• You may incur additional transfer fees for transfers from a foreign account.

Naturalization certificate for adults: Fee 255,00 EUR (Information on cost composition can be found here)

Naturalization certificate for co-naturalized minor child (up to the age of 18): Fee 51,00 EUR (Information on cost composition can be found here)

Rejection notice for adults (rejection of the application): Fee from 25,00 EUR to 255,00 EUR (Information on cost composition can be found here)

Notice of rejection for minor child to be naturalized (rejection of the application): Fee from 25,00 EUR to 51,00 EUR (Information on cost composition can be found here)

You can also nominate an authorized person, for example a lawyer, for your application. You must enclose a power of attorney for this purpose.