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Apply for Naturalization for Former Germans Living Abroad

  • Migration und Integration

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

  • Basic information

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

    Re-naturalization following the loss of German citizenship is a discretionary decision. Key considerations include:

    • public interest in naturalization
    • ties to Germany.

    If you meet the requirements, naturalization becomes effective upon issuance of the naturalization certificate. The Federal Office of Administration (BVA) is responsible, among other things, as the citizenship authority for persons abroad, for matters relating to citizenship.

    Requirements

    • You previously held German citizenship and have lost it, for example,
      • after acquiring foreign citizenship or
      • after joining foreign armed forces.
    • Your habitual residence (place of residence) is abroad. Your identity and citizenship have been verified.
    • You have legal capacity or are legally represented. In the naturalization process, you generally have legal capacity if you have reached the age of 16. You have not been convicted of a criminal offense by a final judgment. If you are currently under investigation on suspicion of a criminal offense, the citizenship authority will suspend the naturalization process until the investigation is concluded. You must commit to the free democratic basic order of the Basic Law and submit 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 must acknowledge Germany’s special historical responsibility for the Nazi regime of injustice and its consequences, in particular
      • the protection of Jewish life, as well as
      • the peaceful coexistence of peoples, and
      • the prohibition against waging wars of aggression. In certain cases, you must take a naturalization test.
    • A public interest in naturalization may be established.
    • You can demonstrate close ties to Germany, for example:
      • long-standing close contact with relatives and friends in Germany
      • extended or regular stays in Germany
      • Real estate ownership in Germany
      • a high school diploma or vocational training in Germany
      • Membership in German cultural associations
      • Work for German government agencies, companies, or organizations
    • You must generally be able to support yourself and your dependents without receiving government benefits.
      • This also includes adequate coverage for illness, long-term care, occupational disability, or inability to work, as well as for retirement.
      • You can also ensure this in the event of a move to Germany.
      • You have sufficient knowledge of the German language, at least at the B1 level
      • exceptions are possible.

  • Procedure

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

    Submitting an Application in Writing or in Person:

    • You can obtain all necessary information about the application process and the required documents in advance by email, phone, or in person at your local German diplomatic mission by scheduling an appointment.
    • You can download the application form directly from the BVA’s website.
    • Fill out the application form completely and sign it.
    • Submit the signed application by mail or in person, along with the required supporting documents, to your local German diplomatic mission.
    • Contacting the diplomatic mission is not mandatory. You may also submit the application and all supporting documents directly to the BVA. However, contacting the diplomatic mission and submitting your application through it is recommended, as the mission must provide a statement regarding your application.
    • The BVA will review your application and notify you if additional documents or information are required to process it.

    Online Application:

    • Go to the Federal Portal website and fill out the application form electronically.
    • Attach the other required documents as files.
    • Submit the application.
    • The BVA will review your application and, if necessary, request certified copies of any required documents.
    • In order to prepare a statement regarding your application, the German diplomatic mission responsible for your case may contact you.

    Conclusion of the procedure (in writing and online):

    • Once a decision has been made, you will receive a request to pay the processing fee.
    • If your application is approved, the BVA will send your naturalization certificate to your relevant German diplomatic mission abroad. The mission will inform you of the next steps for receiving the naturalization certificate.
    • If the BVA rejects your application, you will generally receive a notice of rejection, usually through your relevant German diplomatic mission abroad.

    More information

    Appeal

    • Objection

  • Necessary Documents
    • Application for Re-naturalization
    • A valid form of identification, such as:
      • Passport
      • Identity Card
    • Civil Status Records:
      • Marriage certificate, if applicable
      • if applicable, divorce decree or death certificate, with translation, legalization, or apostille if necessary
        • of the previous spouse or
        • the previous registered partner
    • Birth certificate of the applicant
    • Evidence of the loss of German citizenship and the circumstances surrounding that loss, for example:
      • Foreign naturalization certificates
      • Proof of the acquisition or possession of other nationalities
    • Proof of sufficient German language proficiency at least at the B1 level, for example, through a B1 certificate or a school, vocational, apprenticeship, or university degree earned in Germany
    • In certain cases: Proof of knowledge of civics, for example, by passing a naturalization test
    • Before receiving your naturalization certificate, please submit the following in person:
      • Their commitment to the free democratic basic order and
      • your commitment to Germany’s special historical responsibility for the Nazi regime of injustice and its consequences, as well as
      • your declaration of loyalty
    • Evidence of ties to Germany, for example:
      • Proof of extended or regular stays in Germany
      • Proof of real estate ownership in Germany
      • Diploma or certificate of completion of school or vocational training in Germany
      • Membership in German cultural associations
      • Evidence of employment with German government agencies, companies, or organizations
    • Proof of financial ability to provide support, for example:
      • Pay stubs
      • Tax Assessment Notice
      • Bank statements
    • Statement of Financial Position
    • Additional helpful documents, if available:
      • Name Change Certificates or Documents
      • Documents regarding custody (for applications involving children under 16)
    • If represented by a third party: Power of Attorney
    • Information on the required documents:
      • Unless otherwise specified, please include officially certified or notarized copies of the documents and supporting evidence.
      • Documents and supporting evidence in foreign languages must be translated by a certified translator. Please attach these translations to your application.
      • For the online application, you will initially need simple electronic copies. If necessary, the BVA will request certified copies of the required documents and supporting evidence after the application has been submitted.

  • Online Services

  • Forms

  • Fees / Costs

    255,00 EUR Naturalization certificate for adults
    51,00 EUR Naturalization certificate for minor child (up to the age of 18)
    25,00 EUR bis 255,00 EUR Notice of Denial for Adults (Rejection of the Application)
    25,00 EUR bis 51,00 EUR Notice of Denial for a Minor Child (Denial of the Application)
    Please keep in mind that you may incur additional costs for obtaining documents, translations, and certifications.

    If you make a transfer from an overseas account, you may also incur additional transfer fees.

  • Deadlines & processing time

    What deadlines must be paid attention to?

    There are no deadlines.

    How long does it take to process

    12 months bis 18 months Depending on the specific case, extensive investigations may be necessary.

  • Legal Bases

  • More Information

This page has been automatically translated by DeepL. We cannot guarantee that the translation is correct.

The official information in German is complete and correct. 01.07.2026

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