This page was automatically translated using the online service DeepL. The translation is intended to aid understanding and may contain language-specific inaccuracies. The official text is written in German. Any discrepancies or differences resulting solely from the translation are not legally binding. In case of doubt, the German version shall prevail. It is recommended to consult a qualified translator in case of doubt.

Certificate of Citizenship

  • Service description

    Possession of German citizenship is proven, for the purposes of all government agencies, by a certificate of citizenship, which is issued by the citizenship authority upon application as part of a special determination procedure.

  • Prerequisites

    A certificate of citizenship can only be issued if German citizenship has been established. To this end, the citizenship authority reviews

    • whether and by what means you acquired German citizenship,
    • whether and under what circumstances you may have lost your German citizenship.

    In addition to your personal information, you will therefore also need to provide information about the individuals from whom you derive your citizenship. Please consult the relevant authority for guidance on this matter.

  • What documents are required?

    To establish German citizenship, it is both necessary and sufficient to demonstrate, with a reasonable degree of probability, through documents, extracts from the resident registration records, or other written evidence, that you have acquired German citizenship and have not subsequently lost it.

    The following documents may be helpful:

    • Documents Regarding Ancestry and Civil Status:
      Birth or Ancestry Certificates, Marriage Certificates, Copies/Extracts from the Family Register
    • Documents regarding the acquisition of German citizenship: naturalization certificates
      , certificates of conferral, certificates of admission, certificates/documents regarding the acquisition of German citizenship by declaration or option, certificates of appointment for civil servants, notices of determination regarding the acquisition of citizenship through service in the former German Wehrmacht and other organizations
    • Documents proving membership in the group of persons covered by a collective naturalization: displaced persons’ identity cards
      , certificates for late repatriates (pursuant to Section 15(1) and (2) of the Federal Act on the Recognition of Displaced Persons [BVFG]), ethnic group identification cards, certificates of ethnic affiliation, or other documents proving German ethnic affiliation; proof of (former) right of domicile, citizenship, or residence in the relevant territories; certificates confirming the waiver of the right to renounce citizenship
    • Documents regarding the acquisition of the legal status of a German without German citizenship:
      Displaced Persons ID cards, certificates for late repatriates (pursuant to Section 15(1) and (2) of the Federal Displaced Persons Act (BVFG)), (old) refugee ID cards, registration certificates, and proof of registration or registration certificates
    • Documents proving German citizenship or legal status as a German: proof
      of citizenship, certificate of origin, documents/identification cards proving legal status as a German, passports, identity cards, and other identification documents (including old ones), excerpts from (former) family registers, lists of citizens, or citizen registries; documents regarding military service or employment as a civil servant; registration confirmations; registration certificates; and documents regarding authorization to retain German citizenship

    Bring whatever you have; the Citizenship Office will help you sort through it.

  • What fees apply?

    The fee for the certificate of citizenship is 25.00 euros.

  • Legal basis


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