Why German Citizenship by Descent
German citizenship by descent allows you to reclaim citizenship that was lost by your ancestors, particularly those affected by Nazi persecution. Germany offers one of Europe's most valuable citizenships.
EU Freedom of Movement: Live, work, and study anywhere in the 27 EU member states.
Powerful Passport: German passport provides visa-free access to 190+ countries worldwide.
Economic Powerhouse: Access to Europe's largest economy and job market.
Dual Citizenship: Germany permits dual citizenship for those restoring citizenship lost due to persecution.
Who Qualifies
You may qualify for German citizenship by descent if you meet one of the following criteria:
Direct Lineage: You have a parent who was a German citizen at the time of your birth.
Descendants of Nazi Persecution Victims (Article 116): Your ancestor was a German citizen who was persecuted and denaturalized between 1933 and 1945. This pathway has no generational limit.
Born Before 1975 to German Mother Only: Special provisions apply for those born before 1975 to a German mother and non-German father.
2024 Update: Since June 27, 2024, Germany fully permits dual citizenship. Acquiring another nationality no longer causes loss of German citizenship.
The Process
Step 1: Eligibility Assessment
We analyze your lineage to determine eligibility. Key pathways include Article 116(2) for descendants of those persecuted between 1933-1945, and standard descent claims through German-born ancestors.
Step 2: Document Collection
We guide you through obtaining birth certificates, marriage records, naturalization documents, and evidence of persecution where applicable.
Step 3: Application Preparation
Our team prepares your complete Feststellung application with all required documentation and translations.
Step 4: Submission to BVA
We submit your application to the Federal Office of Administration (BVA) and manage all correspondence.
Need help finding documents? Our genealogical research service helps locate vital records across countries and generations. Learn more →
Requirements
Application form: Completed application form
Passport-sized photos: Recent passport-sized photographs
Valid passport: Copy of your valid passport
Birth certificate: Your personal birth certificate
Marriage certificates: If applicable
Ancestral records: Birth, marriage, and death records for all direct ancestors linking you to the German citizen
German citizenship documentation: Documentation of your ancestor's German citizenship status
Criminal background check: From your country of residence
What's Included
Comprehensive eligibility analysis
Genealogical research support
Document procurement guidance
Feststellung application preparation
Translation coordination
BVA submission and liaison
Regular status updates
Certificate of citizenship application support
Timeline
| Milestone | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Eligibility assessment | 1-2 weeks |
| Document collection | 2-6 months |
| Application preparation | 2-4 weeks |
| BVA processing | 12-36 months |
Processing times vary significantly based on case complexity. Article 116(2) cases often process faster than standard descent claims.
Important Notes
Article 116(2) of the German Basic Law provides restoration rights for descendants of Nazi persecution victims.
No German language requirement for citizenship by descent.
No residency requirement in Germany.
Children born to German citizens abroad automatically acquire German citizenship.