Applying for German citizenship as a foreigner with habitual residence abroad

If you live abroad, have close ties to Germany, and would like to acquire German citizenship, you can apply for naturalization.

Even if you live abroad, you can apply for German citizenship under certain conditions.

The prerequisite is that you have a close connection to Germany, for example:

• through family members living in Germany
• through your German spouse or registered partner

If you are married to or in a registered partnership with a German citizen, the stay abroad of one of you must be in the public interest.

Naturalization is a discretionary decision by the Federal Office of Administration (BVA). This means that you have no legal entitlement to naturalization.

Provided you meet the requirements for naturalization, you will receive a naturalization certificate. Afterwards, you will hold German citizenship.

For your application, you can also name an authorized representative, for example a legal counsel. To do this, you must attach a power of attorney.

You or a person authorized by you can apply for naturalization in writing or, after making an appointment, in person at your competent German foreign mission, or online or in writing at the Federal Office of Administration (BVA). You must take the naturalization test in the course of the procedure.

Written or personal application:

• You can obtain all necessary information regarding the application process and the required certificates and documents in advance by email, telephone, or during a personal consultation by appointment at your competent German diplomatic mission abroad.
• You can download the application form directly from the BVA website.
• Fill out the application form completely and sign it.
• Submit the signed application by mail or in person, together with the required supporting documents, to your competent German diplomatic mission abroad.
• Contacting the foreign mission as part of the application process is not mandatory. You can also submit the application with all documents directly to the BVA. However, contacting and submitting the application through the foreign mission is recommended, as it must provide an assessment of your application.
• The BVA will review your application and inform you if further documents and information are required for processing the application.

Online Application:

• Access the online application on the federal portal and fill out the application form electronically.
• Attach the requested documents as files.
• Submit the application.
• The BVA will review your application and, if necessary, request any required documents as certified copies.
• To be able to prepare a statement regarding your application, the German diplomatic mission responsible for you will contact you if necessary.

Completion of the procedure (written and online):

• To take the naturalization test, you will receive an invitation from the responsible foreign mission.
• Following the BVA's decision, you must pay the administrative fee.
• Should your application be approved, the BVA will send your naturalization certificate to your competent German diplomatic mission abroad. They will inform you about the further procedure for handing over the naturalization certificate.
• Should the BVA reject your application, you will as a rule also receive a notice of rejection via your competent German foreign mission.

There is no deadline.

Note:

Additional costs may apply for the procurement of certificates, translations, and authentications.

Additional transfer fees may apply for transfers from a foreign account. 

• Objection