Applying for German Citizenship under StAG 14

Facilitated (Discretionary)-Naturalization according to § 14 StAG in conjunction with the 2019 BMI Descendant’s Decree

If you meet one of the three situations listed below then, in principle, you can apply to be naturalised as a German citizen.

a. You are the legitimate child of a German woman (she also could have the right to be a German citizen) that married a non-German man and you were born on or after 01. January 1914 up to 23. May 1949.
b. You are the illegitimate child of a German man (he also could have the right to be a German citizen) and a non-German woman and you were born on or after 01. January 1914 up to 23. May 1949. Keep in mind that there are different paternity recognition criteria that apply.
c. You are a direct descendant of such situations, up to § 4(4) StAG (Generational Cut-Off Point).

You will need to have:

  • documented proof of the existence of German citizenship of your direct line, namely (but not limited to): German passport, German ID card, certificate of German Citizenship, among a diverse range of documents that can attest to the existence of German citizenship. 

  • a certificate of the level B1 CEFR/GER of German language

  • a documented array of ties to Germany.

These links may be helpful:

If you live in Germany:

If you apply while living in Germany then the local authority (Inlandsbehörde) will take the responsibility of processing your case. You should contact them. It might be:

  • the Staatsangehörigkeitsbehörde of your district (Bezirk) OR

  • the district office (Landratsamt) OR

  • the municipality (Rathaus)

You will probably be given different forms to complete

The relevant section of the law that applies, if residing in Germany, is § 8 StAG in conjunction with a preliminary modification notice, the VAH-StAG 8.1.3.3. The core effect of the said notice comes from the 2019 BMI Decree itself.

Here is Section §8 of the German Law

You need to check the VAH-StAG 8.1.3.3.

Note that the VAH-StAG 8.1.3.3:

  • does not require the applicant a minimum residence time in Germany

  • it exempts from administrative fees because of Public Interest

  • it requires to either have a right to reside (e.g. as EU citizen) or having a residence permit.