German naturalization generally requires residence in Germany (Section 10, Paragraph 1 of the German Citizenship Act). However, there are legal exceptions that allow naturalization from abroad.
Certain groups of people have the opportunity to become German citizens, even if they don't live in Germany. The most important legal foundations are:
§ 5 StAG – Child’s right to make a declaration
§ 13 StAG – Renaturalization of former German citizens
Article 116, paragraph 2 of the Basic Law, Section 15 of the StAG – Naturalization for compensation purposes for victims of Nazi persecution and their descendants
As an experienced immigration lawyer, I will advise you comprehensively on your options for naturalization from abroad and guide you through the entire application process.
The requirements for naturalization from abroad vary depending on the legal basis, but some general conditions apply to all applicants.
Important basic requirements for naturalization
Proof of identity:
Applicants must provide unambiguous proof of their identity, usually through valid identification documents.
This can be problematic when it comes to asylum or refugee recognition.
Impunity:
As a rule, naturalization is only possible if there are no serious criminal convictions.
Exceptions exist, for example, in the case of naturalisation for compensation (Article 116 (2) of the Basic Law, Section 15 of the StAG).
Differences to domestic naturalization:
When naturalizing from abroad, residence in Germany, knowledge of the German language and knowledge of the legal and social system are generally not prerequisites.
As a specialist lawyer for migration law, I will support you in submitting your application and examine your individual requirements.
German citizenship law follows the principle of descent (Section 4 (1) of the German Citizenship Act), according to which children of a German parent automatically receive German citizenship. However, Section 5 of the German Citizenship Act creates an exception for special cases in which children, despite being of German descent, have not acquired German citizenship by birth.
The right to declaration applies to the following groups of persons:
Children of a German parent who did not acquire German citizenship by birth (Section 5 (1) No. 1 StAG).
Children of German mothers who lost their German citizenship before birth by marrying a foreigner (Section 5 (1) No. 2 StAG).
Children who have lost their German citizenship through foreign legitimation (Section 5 Paragraph 1 No. 3 StAG).
Descendants of the above-mentioned groups (Section 5 (1) No. 4 StAG).
Why does the right to declaration exist under Section 5 StAG?
This regulation is intended to compensate for historical discrimination in citizenship law.
In the past, German women lost their citizenship when they married a foreigner, meaning that their children did not automatically become German.
Likewise, illegitimate children could lose their German citizenship through later legitimation.
Naturalization from abroad possible
Naturalization under Section 5 of the German Citizenship Act (StAG) does not require residence in Germany. Eligible applicants may also submit the application from abroad.
Former German citizens have the opportunity to regain German citizenship through renaturalization under certain conditions. This is regulated in Section 13 of the German Citizenship Act (StAG) and is a discretionary naturalization process—meaning that even if the requirements are met, there is no automatic legal entitlement.
Renaturalization is aimed at individuals who have lost their German citizenship, for example, by adopting another nationality, and who have close ties to Germany. The requirements are:
Loss before January 1, 2000:
The domestic privilege applies: If a person has a residence in Germany, there is no loss of German citizenship if he or she acquires another citizenship.
If there was no residence: Germany must affirm that there is a public interest in naturalization. However, this is only affirmed in a few exceptional cases. Private interests are not relevant.
Loss after January 1, 2000:
No longer a domestic privilege: The loss of German citizenship due to the adoption of another nationality could no longer be prevented by having a domestic residence.
Examination of a retention permit: Therefore, it is examined whether a retention permit could have been granted if it had been applied for before the other nationality was adopted. This requires proof of strong ties to Germany as well as plausible reasons for wanting to adopt the additional nationality. These include, for example, the expectation of professional disadvantages.
Evidence of strong existing ties to Germany, e.g.:
Regular stays in Germany
Close family or social contacts
Property in Germany
Supportability: securing a livelihood without state assistance
Sufficient knowledge of German (at least B1 level)
Impunity
Civic knowledge, e.g., through a naturalization test (if not raised in Germany)
Application and jurisdiction
Renaturalization is carried out through the Federal Office of Administration (BVA) in Cologne.
The application is usually submitted via the responsible German diplomatic mission abroad, which forwards it to the BVA.
With my help, submitting an application directly to the BVA is possible and effective in saving time.
As an immigration lawyer, I will support you in your application process and assess your individual prospects of success. Get advice now!
Naturalization for compensation purposes under Article 116, Paragraph 2, Sentence 1 of the Basic Law (GG) allows people who lost their German citizenship during the Nazi era for political, religious, or racist reasons to regain it. Their descendants—including grandchildren and great-grandchildren—can also apply for naturalization from abroad.
Who is entitled to reparation naturalization?
Those affected themselves: Persons who were deprived of their German citizenship between January 30, 1933, and May 8, 1945.
Descendants (children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren) if they would otherwise have inherited German citizenship.
Important documents for the application
For those directly affected:
birth certificate
passport
Proof of previous German citizenship
Evidence of persecution during the Nazi era
For descendants:
Own birth certificate & passport
Evidence of tracing the ancestor
Documents proving ancestry (birth/marriage certificates)
Special feature: No proof of persecution required
Anyone who lost their citizenship through the “Law on the Revocation of Naturalizations” (July 14, 1933) or the “Eleventh Ordinance to the Reich Citizenship Law” (November 25, 1941) does not have to provide separate evidence of the persecution background.
Naturalization only possible from abroad
Article 116, paragraph 2, sentence 2 of the Basic Law considers former Germans who lived in Germany again after 1945 to continue to be German citizens.
Therefore, naturalization for compensation can only be applied for from abroad.
I will professionally guide you through the entire process and support you with your application. Get advice now!
Naturalization under Section 15 of the German Citizenship Act (StAG) allows individuals who lost their German citizenship during the Third Reich or were never able to obtain it due to persecution to obtain naturalization from abroad. Their descendants—including children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—are also entitled to renaturalization.
Who can apply for compensation naturalization under Section 15 of the StAG?
Directly affected: Persons who demonstrably lost or were not granted their German citizenship due to Nazi persecution.
Descendants (children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren): If German citizenship would have been passed on without the persecution.
Where is the application submitted?
At the German diplomatic mission abroad, which forwards the application to the Federal Office of Administration (BVA) in Cologne.
Directly from the BVA with the official application forms.
Important documents for the application
For those directly affected:
Birth certificate & passport
Proof of previous possession or refusal to acquire German citizenship
Evidence of political, religious or racist persecution
For descendants:
Own birth certificate & passport
Evidence of tracing the ancestor
Documents of ancestry (birth and marriage certificates)
Special feature: Applications only from abroad
Since naturalization for the purpose of compensation under Section 15 of the StAG aims to correct historical injustice, it is – like naturalization under Article 116, Paragraph 2 of the Basic Law – only possible from abroad.
Naturalization under Section 14 of the StAG is a discretionary naturalization process, in which German authorities decide on an individual basis whether to grant naturalization from abroad. There is no legal entitlement to this form of naturalization, and applications are only approved in exceptional cases.
Requirements for discretionary naturalization
Public interest in naturalization
OR
the fulfilment of the requirements of the mother’s decree or the father’s decree:
Applicant born before 23 May 1949
No acquisition of German citizenship despite a German mother or father
No acquisition of German citizenship because one parent lost their German citizenship before the birth of the child (applicant), e.g. due to marriage to a foreigner
Strong ties to Germany, e.g.:
Close contact with family and friends
Long-term stays in Germany
Real estate ownership in Germany
Secure livelihood without social assistance
German language skills at B1 level (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)
Fulfillment of civic requirements (naturalization test required if not raised in Germany)
Even if all conditions are met, naturalization remains a discretionary decision of the authorities.
Where is the application submitted?
In person at the responsible German diplomatic mission abroad, which will forward the application to the Federal Office of Administration (BVA).
Applying directly to the BVA may result in delays.
What documents are required?
Proof of identity and parentage (birth certificate, passport, marriage certificate, etc.)
Proof of additional nationalities and name changes
Officially or notarized copies of all documents
After the application, the Federal Office of the Immigration and Naturalization (BVA) will review the documents and may request additional documentation. It is recommended that you take a naturalization test in advance, if necessary.
Naturalization from abroad differs significantly from naturalization within Germany. Since applicants do not reside in Germany, applications are submitted through German diplomatic missions abroad and the Federal Office of Administration (BVA) in Cologne.
Who is responsible for the application?
German diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate)
First point of contact for applicants
Accepts the application and certifies documents
Forwards the application to the Federal Office of Administration
Federal Office of Administration (BVA) in Cologne
Competent authority for deciding on naturalization applications
Handles cases that cannot be assigned to a specific naturalization authority in Germany
Application & Process
Submission of the application to the German embassy (usually required)
Examination and forwarding to the BVA by the embassy
Processing by the BVA (if necessary with a statement from the embassy)
Decision on naturalization
Important note: Except for Section 14 of the StAG, you can also submit an application directly to the Federal Office of Administration (BVA), which may help expedite the waiting period. Please contact me for advice.
Would you like to apply for German citizenship but live abroad? Naturalization without residency in Germany is possible, but often involves complex legal hurdles. As a specialist lawyer for immigration law, I will guide you comprehensively through the entire process and ensure that your application is submitted professionally and legally.
My law firm offers you tailored advice and legal support to ensure your naturalization process is efficient and successful:
Checking your individual requirements:
I will analyze your situation and clarify whether you are entitled to naturalization under Sections 5, 13, 14 or 15 of the StAG or Article 116, Paragraph 2 of the Basic Law.
Compilation of the required documents:
I will support you in correctly preparing and certifying all necessary documents.
Preparation and submission of the application:
I will fill out the official forms for you, check them for completeness and submit them to the responsible German diplomatic mission abroad or the Federal Office of Administration (BVA) in Cologne by the due date.
Communication with authorities:
I will handle all correspondence with the embassy, the Federal Office of Immigration and Customs, and other relevant authorities to minimize delays or queries.
Support throughout the entire process:
If additional documents or declarations are required, I will take care of submitting them and represent you until a decision is made on your application.
Objection or appeal in case of rejection:
If your application for naturalization is rejected, I will examine your legal options and advocate for your right to naturalization.
Naturalization from abroad is often complicated, and even minor errors can lead to long waiting times or rejections. Benefit from my experience – I'll handle the entire legal process for you!
Get advice now and start your path to German citizenship!Yes, naturalization from abroad is possible under certain conditions. The most common cases are renaturalization, reparation naturalization, and naturalization by declaration. Discretionary naturalization is also possible in a few individual cases.
The Federal Office of Administration (BVA) is the central authority for naturalization applications submitted from abroad. Within Germany, the federal states are responsible for naturalization, which is why the BVA only processes applications from individuals who do not reside in Germany.
The requirements vary depending on the legal basis. However, in most cases, applicants must provide proof of identity, have close ties to Germany (family contacts, property ownership, regular residence), and be financially independent.
This depends on the basis of naturalization. For example, no knowledge of German is required for the acquisition of a declaration of citizenship under Section 5 of the Nationality Act (StAG) and for compensation naturalization under Article 116 Paragraph 2 of the Basic Law (GG) and Section 15 of the Nationality Act (StAG). For other types of naturalization, German language skills at B1 level are required. Advanced language skills may enable earlier naturalization.
Processing typically takes one to three years. The more carefully applications are prepared, the faster the actual processing of the application will be.
Not all criminal records automatically lead to rejection. Fines of up to 90 daily rates and prison sentences of up to three months, provided they were suspended and not served, as well as criminal records that are no longer recorded in the Federal Central Criminal Register, are not taken into account.
No, the entire naturalization process can usually be handled through the German embassy or consulate in your country of residence. If the application is submitted directly to the Federal Office of Vat with the help of a lawyer, entry from abroad is not necessary. However, in individual cases, a personal interview or the submission of a declaration of commitment to the embassy or consulate in your country of residence may be required.
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