Apply for naturalization for former Germans abroad

The Federal Office of Administration (BVA) is responsible, among other things, as the citizenship authority for persons abroad for issues related to citizenship.

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

Provided you meet the requirements for re-naturalization, you will be issued a naturalization certificate. You will then again have German citizenship.

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

You or your authorized person can submit your application for re-naturalization in writing or by appointment in person at your competent German mission abroad or in writing to the BVA.

Requirements

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

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

Further requirements:

• Identity and citizenship have been clarified
• You are capable of acting, i.e. at least 16 years old or legally represented.
• You are exempt from punishment and
• do not pursue or support any anti-constitutional or extremist endeavors
• 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 by way of exception.
Essential discretionary criteria:

• public interest in naturalization
• ties to Germany
• Sufficient German language skills (level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference)
• 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.

What documents do I need?

• Proof of parentage and identity
  

  by for example:
  

  • foreign identity documents, for example:
    - passport
    - identity card
    - alien's identity card
    - birth certificate of the applicant
    - marriage certificate
  • Proof of previous possession of German citizenship, for example:
    - German identity documents (for example: passport, children's identity card, identity card, naturalization certificates, citizenship cards/home registration certificates, excerpt from the German register of residents)
  • Proof of loss of German citizenship, for example:
    - Foreign naturalization certificates
    - Proof of acquisition/possession of further citizenships
    
  • Other helpful documents (if applicable):
    - Name change certificates/certificates
    - Documents on custody (for applications of children under 16 years of age)
    - Certificates of graduation from German schools
• Evidence of close ties to Germany
  

  All circumstances that prove 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 graduation or vocational training in Germany,
  • membership in German cultural associations,
  • work for German authorities, companies or organizations.
• Evidence on other relevant circumstances
  

  Other circumstances will be considered in the decision:
  

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

  Please attach the documents and evidence as officially or notarially certified copies, unless otherwise stated.

  Documents and evidence in foreign languages must be accompanied by a translation by a sworn translator.