Applying for naturalization for former German citizens living abroad

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

If you have lost your German citizenship and live abroad, you can apply to reacquire German citizenship (re-naturalization).

Re-naturalization after the loss of German citizenship is a discretionary decision. Essential considerations are:

• public interest in naturalization
• Ties to Germany.

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

You or your authorized representative can apply for naturalization back into Germany in writing, or in person by appointment at your competent German diplomatic mission abroad, or online at the Federal Office of Administration (BVA).

Written or personal application:

• You can obtain all the necessary information about the application process and required documents or papers in advance by email, telephone, or in a personal consultation on-site at your responsible German diplomatic mission abroad by making an appointment.
• 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 diplomatic mission is not mandatory. You can also submit the application with all documents directly to the BVA. However, contact and application submission via the diplomatic mission are recommended, as they must provide a statement on your application.
• The BVA will review your application and inform you if further documents and information are required for processing the application.

Online Application:

• Go to the federal portal's website and fill out the application form there electronically.
• Please add the additionally required 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.

Conclusion of the procedure (written and online):

• After the decision, you will receive a request for payment of the procedural fee.
• If your application is approved, the BVA will send your naturalization certificate to your responsible German foreign mission. 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 are no deadlines.

Notes:

• Please note that you may incur additional costs for obtaining certificates, translations, and authentications.
• When transferring from a foreign bank account, additional transfer fees may apply. 

• Objection