Naturalization, i.e. applying for and being granted German citizenship, is usually meant for persons who currently live in German and have lived in Germany continuously for several years. Naturalizations of persons living abroad on the basis of discretion are rare and need to be of special interest to the Federal Republic of Germany.

The following exceptions allow naturalization of persons living outside of Germany:

• Restoration of German citizenship according to art. 116 of the Basic Law (former German citizens and their descendants who were persecuted on political, racial and religious grounds between 1933 and 1945)
• Naturalization of children of German mothers who did not become German citizens at birth
• Naturalization of children of German fathers who did not become German citizens at birth
• (Re-)Naturalization of former German citizens who lost their German citizenship by applying for a foreign citizenship no longer than 12 year ago
• (Re-)Naturalization of former German citizens who lost their German citizenship by applying for another EU-citizenship

For persons living abroad the Federal Office of Administration (BVA) is the competent Authority to deal with citizenship matters.

Please find detailed information leaflets and application forms on the BVA website.