Applying for German Citizenship under StAG 5

Acquisition of German Citizenship by Declaration

If you meet one of the three situations listed below then, in principle, you can apply to declare on becoming a German citizen.

a. 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 24. May 1949 up to 31. December 1974.
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 24. May 1949 up to 30. June 1993. Keep in mind that there are different paternity recognition criteria that apply.
c. 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. 

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