Naturalization from abroad
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Naturalization from abroad? We support you!
German citizenship normally requires residence in Germany according to Section 8, Paragraph 1 of the German Citizenship Act (StAG). However, there are legal exceptions that allow naturalization from abroad.
Certain groups of people are entitled to naturalization even if they don't live in Germany. The most important legal foundations include:
- § 5 StAG – Right to declare citizenship for children
- §§ 8, 13 StAG – Renaturalization of former German citizens
- § 15 StAG – Naturalization as compensation for victims of Nazi persecution and their descendants
As experienced immigration lawyers, we offer you comprehensive advice on your naturalization options from abroad and support you in every step of the application process.
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We not only support you with the application process, but also accompany you through the entire process – from visa application to the granting of the residence permit.
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Our experienced immigration lawyers will assess your individual prospects of success and professionally guide you through the entire naturalization process.
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We will thoroughly examine your individual requirements, assist you in compiling and certifying the necessary documents, and submit the application to the relevant authority.
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3Requirements for naturalization from abroad
The conditions for naturalization from abroad vary depending on the legal basis, but some general requirements apply to all applicants.
Proof of identity: Applicants must provide unambiguous proof of their identity, usually through valid identification documents. This can be challenging in the case of refugees.
Impunity: As a rule, naturalization is only possible if there are no serious criminal convictions. Exceptions exist, for example, in cases of naturalization for compensation (Section 15 of the Citizenship Act).
Differences to naturalization in the country: When naturalizing from abroad, the requirements regarding residence in Germany, language skills and knowledge of the legal and social system are often less strict.
Our immigration lawyers will be happy to assist you with your application and assess your individual requirements. Get advice now!
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Naturalization according to Section 5 StAG – right of declaration for children
Naturalization according to Section 5 StAG – right of declaration for children
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 do not automatically acquire German citizenship by birth despite their German ancestry.
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).
The right to declaration under Section 5 of the Nationality Act (StAG) aims to compensate for historical discrimination in citizenship law. Previously, German women lost their citizenship upon marriage to foreigners, meaning their children did not automatically become German citizens. Likewise, illegitimate children could lose their German citizenship through subsequent legitimation.
Naturalization under Section 5 of the German Citizenship Act (StAG) is possible even without residency in Germany. Eligible applicants can also submit their application from abroad.
Our immigration lawyers are available to provide comprehensive advice on your right to declare your citizenship and will guide you through the entire naturalization process. Find out more and get advice now!
Renaturalization according to §§ 13, 8 para. 1 no. 1, 2 StAG – requirements and procedure
Former German citizens have the opportunity to regain German citizenship through renaturalization under certain conditions. This option is regulated in Section 13 of the German Citizenship Act (StAG) and is granted on a discretionary basis. This means that even if all requirements are met, there is no automatic legal entitlement to naturalization.
Individuals who have lost their German citizenship and who maintain close ties to Germany are eligible for renaturalization. The requirements include public interest in naturalization and proof of strong ties to Germany. This can be demonstrated through regular residence, close family or social contacts, and property in Germany. Further requirements include the ability to support oneself without state assistance, sufficient German language skills at least at B1 level, a clean record, and knowledge of the German legal and social system, which may need to be demonstrated through a naturalization test.
Applications are submitted to the Federal Office of Administration (BVA) in Cologne. Typically, the application is submitted through the responsible German diplomatic mission abroad, which then forwards it to the BVA.
Our immigration lawyers will be happy to assist you with your application and assess your individual prospects of success. Schedule a consultation now to discuss your options!
Naturalization for compensation purposes according to Article 116, Paragraph 2 of the Basic Law – Return to German citizenship
Naturalization for compensation purposes, as provided for in Article 116, Paragraph 2, Sentence 1 of the Basic Law, enables persons 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.
Those directly affected who were deprived of their German citizenship between January 30, 1933, and May 8, 1945, as well as their descendants who would otherwise have inherited their citizenship, are entitled to naturalization as compensation.
For the application following documents Required: Birth certificate, passport, proof of previous German citizenship, and evidence of persecution during the Nazi era. Descendants must also submit their own birth certificate and passport, as well as evidence of persecution of their ancestor and documents proving their ancestry.
A special feature is that persons 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) do not have to provide separate evidence of their persecution background.
Naturalization can only be obtained from abroad, as former Germans who lived in Germany again after 1945 are still considered German citizens.
Our immigration lawyers will provide you with professional support throughout the entire application process. Contact us for a consultation to discuss your options and optimize the process of reparatory naturalization.
Discretionary naturalization according to Section 14 StAG – naturalization from abroad
The termination of a loan agreement is not only a serious financial blow, but can also have long-term consequences such as a prepayment penalty and a negative SCHUFA entry. Therefore, many people are thinking about using their "cancellation joker". This means that instead of terminating the contract, the customer revokes it. In both cases, the loan agreement ends, but in contrast to termination, where the claims count at the time of termination, in the case of revocation the contract is completely reversed. This means that a negative SCHUFA entry and a prepayment penalty can be avoided.
Naturalization under Section 14 of the StAG is a discretionary naturalization process, in which German authorities decide individually whether to grant naturalization from abroad. There is no legal entitlement to this type of naturalization, and applications are only approved in exceptional cases.
Requirements for discretionary naturalization
There must be a public interest insist on naturalization and strong bonds to Germany, such as close family ties, long-term residence in Germany, or property ownership in the country. A secure livelihood without social assistance and German language skills at B1 level (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) are also required. Civic requirements, such as a naturalization test, may be necessary if the applicant did not grow up in Germany.
Application and documents
The application must be submitted in person to the responsible German diplomatic mission abroad, which then forwards it to the Federal Office of Administration (BVA). Direct applications to the BVA may result in delays. Required documents include proof of identity and parentage (such as birth certificates, passports, and marriage certificates), proof of other nationalities, and any name changes. All documents should be officially or notarized.
After the application, the Federal Office of Immigration and Naturalization (BVA) will review the documents and may request additional documentation. It is recommended that you take a naturalization test beforehand, if necessary.
Our immigration lawyers We are available to provide comprehensive advice on your individual situation and will guide you through the entire application process. Contact us for a consultation to discuss your naturalization prospects and prepare your application professionally.
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Naturalization process from abroad – procedures and responsibilities
Naturalization from abroad differs significantly from naturalization within Germany. Applicants who do not reside in Germany must submit their applications through German diplomatic missions abroad, which then forward them to the Federal Office of Administration (BVA) in Cologne.
The German diplomatic mission abroad (Embassy or consulate) is the first point of contact for naturalization applications from abroad. It receives the applications, certifies the necessary documents, and then forwards them to the Federal Office of Administration further.
The Federal Office of Administration (BVA) in Cologne is the competent authority for deciding on naturalization applications from abroad. It examines the applications and makes a decision on naturalization.
It is important to note that applying directly to the BVA is possible, but may delay the process, as the foreign mission often issues an opinion and certifies important documents.
Our immigration lawyers will assist you with your application and professionally guide you through the entire process of naturalization from abroad. Contact us for a personalized consultation and secure your support now!
Naturalization from abroad – your lawyer for migration law
Would you like to apply for German citizenship but live abroad? Naturalization without residency in Germany is possible, but often involves complex legal hurdles. Our immigration lawyers will guide you through the entire process and ensure that your application is submitted professionally and legally.
Our firm offers you tailored advice and legal support to ensure your naturalization process is efficient and successful:
Checking your individual requirements: We 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: We will support you in correctly preparing and certifying all necessary documents.
Preparation and submission of the application: We 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 on time.
Communication with authorities: We 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, we will take care of submitting them and represent you until a decision is made on your application.
Appeal in case of rejection: If your application for naturalization is rejected, we will examine your legal options and advocate for your right to naturalization.
Our immigration lawyers will support you with your application and guide you through the entire process. Contact us for a personalized consultation and secure your support now!
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