Eligibility Quiz
Application Process
You submit your application through the German mission (embassy or consulate) in your country of residence. The mission pre-checks your application and forwards it to the Federal Office of Administration (Bundesverwaltungsamt, or BVA) in Cologne, which makes the final decision. There is no online portal; all applications are paper-based and submitted in person or by mail to your nearest German diplomatic mission.
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Before contacting the German mission, compile all required documents. You will need one set of certified copies and one set of plain photocopies of each document.
Required documents include:
- Completed application form (Form E for adults, Form AK for children under 16)—available in German and English from the BVA website
- Full, unabridged birth certificates for all persons in the line of descent from you to the ancestor whose citizenship was affected
- Full, unabridged marriage certificates for all persons in the line of descent
- Proof of your ancestor's former German citizenship: old German passports, identity cards, naturalization certificates, or registration certificates
- Evidence that your ancestor was persecuted between January 30, 1933, and May 8, 1945, on political, racial, or religious grounds. This can include deportation lists, emigration papers, letters, reparation files, entries in victim databases (such as Yad Vashem or Arolsen Archives), or compensation records
- Your current passport or naturalization certificate (proof of current nationality)
- Certificate of good conduct from your country of residence (requirements vary by case)
- "Annex About Ancestors" form (unless you personally were deprived of German citizenship between 1933 and 1945)
If you are applying on behalf of a child under 16, the child's application form must be signed by all legal guardians.
Document translations: All documents must be accompanied by certified German translations. Use professional translation services that specialize in legal and immigration documents to avoid delays.
If original documents are missing: The BVA understands that documents may have been destroyed due to persecution. You can submit affidavits, indirect evidence from archives, or entries in victim databases instead. However, more complete documentation significantly speeds processing.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
Download the application form (Form E for adults or Form AK for minors) from the BVA website. Forms are available in German and English. Every applicant needs a separate application form. Complete the form carefully and sign it. If you are applying for a child under 16, all legal guardians must sign.
Critical tip: If a close family member (parent, sibling, aunt, uncle, or cousin) has already had their citizenship restored under Article 116, write their Aktenzeichen (reference number) prominently on the first page of your application. This single step can reduce processing time from years to just months.
Step 3: Book an Appointment or Prepare Your Submission
If you live abroad, contact your nearest German embassy or consulate to book an appointment or ask about mail submission procedures. Do not send original documents by mail; send certified copies only. Certified copies are accepted from Australian Notary Publics, Australian police, German Honorary Consuls, or equivalent authorities in your country.
If you live in Germany, contact the responsible local citizenship authority (Einbürgerungsbehörde) in your city or district.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
In-person submission: Attend your appointment at the German mission with your completed application form and all supporting documents (certified copies and plain photocopies). The consular officer will pre-check your application to ensure it is complete and correct.
Mail submission: If your mission accepts mail submissions, send your application and documents to the address provided. Include a cover letter with your contact details and, if applicable, the Aktenzeichen of a family member whose application was already approved.
The consular officer or staff member will review your application and forward it to the BVA in Cologne for processing.
Step 5: BVA Processing and Decision
The BVA reviews your application and supporting documents. If your application is approved, you will receive a Naturalization Certificate (Einbürgerungsurkunde). You acquire German citizenship from the moment the certificate is handed over to you, not from the date of the decision.
Before the certificate is issued, you must make a solemn declaration of commitment to the free democratic basic order (feierliche Erklärung). This declaration is typically made before the German mission in your country.
The certificate is usually handed over via the German diplomatic mission in your country of residence.
Fees
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Application processing | Free |
| Naturalization certificate | Free |
Total estimate: €0
Does not include: Document procurement and legalization, apostilles, archive searches, certified translations, and professional legal assistance (if you choose to hire a lawyer).
Processing Time
Standard processing: 18 months to 3+ years from submission to decision, depending on the completeness of your documentation and the complexity of your case.
Factors that affect speed:
- Complete documentation: Careful preparation of all required documents and a fully completed application can significantly shorten processing time by avoiding queries and requests for additional information.
- Family member reference: If a close family member (parent, sibling, aunt, uncle, or cousin) has already had their citizenship restored, citing their Aktenzeichen (reference number) prominently on your application can reduce processing time from years to just months.
- Archive research required: If the BVA must conduct archive research to verify your ancestor's persecution or citizenship status, processing takes longer—potentially 2 to 3 years or more.
- Incomplete or missing documents: Applications with missing documents or poor-quality translations experience delays as the BVA requests clarification or resubmission.
Current backlog context: As of 2024–2025, the BVA is severely backlogged. The office received approximately 13,500 Article 116 applications in 2024 alone, but only 14 full-time staff members are allocated to handle all Article 116 and Section 15 applications. This means each officer theoretically has over 1,700 applications on their desk. Processing times have extended significantly as a result.
Approval rates: Between 2021 and 2024, only 36 applications under Article 116 were rejected out of thousands submitted—an exceptionally low rejection rate of less than 1%. If you meet the eligibility criteria and submit complete documentation, approval is highly likely.
Document validity: Your current passport or nationality certificate must be valid at the time of submission. Birth and marriage certificates do not expire, but certified translations are valid indefinitely.