German nationality Determination of non-existence upon application

Official proof of non-existence of German citizenship (examination and determination).

If you need official proof that you do not have German citizenship, you can apply to the citizenship authority for a declaration of non-existence of German citizenship. If it can be determined that you do not have German citizenship, a so-called negative certificate will be issued.

You will need a negative certificate, for example, if you have been requested by an authority abroad (for example in your country of origin or in the country of origin of your parents) to submit official proof of non-possession of German citizenship or if this is necessary for the use of consular services provided by the diplomatic mission of another country in Germany.

A negative certificate is often required, for example, if you were born in Germany, are descended from German ancestors or have lived in Germany for a very long time.

• Proof of identity (foreign passport, recognised foreign passport replacement document or other official foreign identity document with photo, such as an identity card or identity card)
• Proof that German citizenship was not acquired or that it was previously possessed but has since been lost, for example by:
  • German visas, residence permits, other residence permits and certificates of residence rights in Germany,
  • if the German nationality was previously possessed: old German identity documents (e.g. German passport, identity card; children's ID),
  • documents relating to the acquisition of another nationality (e.g. foreign naturalisation certificate),
  • documents on voluntary accession to the armed forces of a foreign state,
  • adoption documents,
  • Documents and certificates of a change of name.

Personal appearance required: Yes

• You do not have German citizenship.
• They must demonstrate a legitimate interest in a negative finding and certificate. Such an interest is credible if you state certain facts that make it predominantly probable to the nationality authority that the negative finding is useful for a purpose worthy of protection.

• You must apply to the competent citizenship authority for a declaration of non-existence of German citizenship and the issuance of a negative certificate.
• Upon receipt of the application documents, the citizenship authority will contact you. You don't need to do anything before you

The negative certificate shall be issued for an indefinite period.

The duration of the application processing depends, among other things, on the factual accuracy of your information and the completeness of your application documents. Moreover, it depends on what possibly difficult facts must be identified in order to be able to make the requested finding. Depending on this, it may take a few weeks or more than a year to make a final decision on your application.

Additional costs may arise for the procurement of documents, translations and certifications.

Fee for the declaratory decision: Fee 51,00 EUR

• Negative certificates will only be issued if this is necessary to prove the non-existence of German citizenship with foreign public authorities or at least if it is at least specifically useful in individual cases. Without justified reasons, applications for a declaration of non-existence of German citizenship will not be granted.
• The negative certificate is not a certificate of nationality, but an informal certificate bearing an official seal.
• The negative certificate certifies that you do not have German citizenship on the day of issue.