Apply for admission as a late repatriate

As a late repatriate, you can generally only be admitted to Germany if you leave your resettlement area as part of the admission procedure. Please note that you must generally submit the application from within the resettlement area.

To be admitted to Germany as a late repatriate, you must generally submit an application from the settlement area. You must submit the application in writing or online to the Federal Office of Administration (BVA) before leaving for Germany. If you receive a notification of admission, you must apply for a visa at the German diplomatic mission abroad before traveling to the Federal Republic of Germany. You must organize and pay for your departure to the federal territory yourself.

Family members

Upon your application, your spouse, your children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren can be included in the admission notice and enter the country together with you as part of the late repatriate admission procedure.

These persons must, upon reaching the age of majority, i.e., from the age of 18, demonstrate basic knowledge of the German language.

The application to include your spouse in the admission notice can only be approved if the marriage has existed for at least 3 years.

If your family members are included in the admission notice, they can enter the country together with you after receiving a visa as part of the late repatriate admission procedure.

You can also apply separately for the inclusion of your family members who remained in your country of origin even after your own departure.

You can submit the application for admission under the Federal Expellees Act in writing or online.

Written application:

• Download the application form from the BVA website and print it out.
• Alternatively, you can also request the application form in writing from the BVA.
• Fill out the application form and attach the necessary supporting documents.
• Submit the application documents to the BVA.
• You will receive a letter by mail, without having to request it, informing you of the current status of your case and the BVA's decision.

Online Application:

• Access the online form on the federal portal verwaltung.bund.de. This will guide you step by step through the necessary information.
  • Note: To use the online feature, you'll need your ID card with a PIN number, as well as a smartphone with the AusweisApp or a card reader.
• Please attach digital copies of the other required documents.
• Submit your application.
• The BVA will review your application.
• Once the review of your application is complete, you will be notified automatically of the current status of your application and the BVA’s decision.

If your application is approved:

• You can apply for a visa at a German diplomatic mission abroad and enter the Federal Republic of Germany.
• After you enter the country, you will go to the federal initial reception center in Friedland, a branch of the BVA. Your identity will be verified there.
• Then the distribution process begins.
• They will be assigned to a federal state, with family ties taken into account whenever possible.
• If you wish, you may submit a name declaration during the distribution process to adapt your first and last names to German usage.
• Once you have submitted confirmation of your new place of residence, the BVA branch office in Friedland will issue you a certificate verifying your status as a late repatriate.

• Time limit for filing an objection: 1 month after notification
• Time limit for filing a lawsuit: 1 month after service of the opposition decision

There are no costs.

• Objection
• lawsuit before the administrative court