Apply for reparative naturalization after revocation during the Nazi era for directly affected persons and their descendants abroad

If you or your ancestors were deprived of German citizenship during the National Socialist era and you live abroad, you can apply for restitution by way of re-naturalization under certain conditions as part of making amends.

You can have your German citizenship restored if it was revoked during the National Socialist era. If you are a descendant of such a person, you are also entitled to naturalization.

If you meet the requirements, the re-naturalization becomes effective upon the presentation of the naturalization certificate. With this, you hold German citizenship.

The Federal Office of Administration (BVA) is a higher federal authority within the portfolio of the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI). Among other things, as the nationality authority for persons abroad, it is responsible for all matters relating to citizenship.

You or your authorized representative can apply for naturalization as part of restitution in writing or in person by appointment at your responsible German foreign mission or online with the Federal Office of Administration (BVA).

Written or personal application:

• You can obtain all necessary information regarding the application process and the required documents or papers in advance by email, telephone, or in a personal consultation on-site by appointment.
• You can download the application form directly from the Federal Office of Administration's website.
• If necessary, the diplomatic mission can assist you in filling out the application form.
• 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 local German diplomatic mission after making an appointment.
• However, contact with the diplomatic mission is not mandatory. You can also send the application directly by post to the BVA.
• 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 website and fill out the electronic application form for naturalization as part of reparation there.

• You need an identification document with an online function to identify yourself (eIDAS-compliant authentication). Please add the other requested documents as a file.
• Submit your application.
• The BVA will review your application and, if necessary, request any required documents as certified copies.

Completion of the procedure (written and online):

• Should your application be approved, the BVA will send your naturalization certificate to the competent foreign mission. They will inform you about the further procedure for handing over the naturalization certificate.
• Should the BVA reject your application, you will be informed via the German diplomatic mission abroad.

There is no deadline

• Objection