How to Apply for German Citizenship – A Step by Step Guide
This step-by-step guide outlines the key stages involved in applying for German citizenship, from initial eligibility assessment through to submission and decision. For a more detailed overview of how our end-to-end service works in practice, please see how our service works.
1
You share information about your family history with German Citizenship Restoration and supply copies of any available official documentation.
2
We make an informal evaluation of your citizenship prospects within a few business days.
a) If the documentation you provide does not contain sufficient proof of former German citizenship, but there is enough information to suggest that further research in German archives and registries may secure the required evidence, we will contact you to seek approval for a research fee of £600.
b) If, based on the information and documentation you provide, we are confident that you are eligible and you wish to proceed, we will request an application fee of £3000 for the first applicant and a further £600 for each additional eligible family member applying for re-naturalisation.
c) Where research has been undertaken and successfully identifies sufficient evidence to proceed, the £600 research fee will be deducted in full from the total application fees, ensuring that no additional cost is incurred for the research itself.
3
Application fees are payable in two equal instalments: 50% on engagement with GCR and 50% once the application has been fully prepared and is ready for submission. Fees are subject to 20% VAT where applicable.
4
We then begin the application process either by commencing research (usually takes around 3 months) where document retrieval is necessary, OR by collating authorised copies of original documents to initiate the application process. In the latter case, this is when the first instalment of the application fee is to be paid, less the research fee, where applicable.
5
Once we are 100% confident that all necessary documentation is in place and your application meets the requirements under German law, German Citizenship Restoration will prepare and submit the application forms together with the full evidence dossier and legal submissions.
At this stage, we request payment of the remaining balance of the application fee.
6
German Citizenship Restoration will act as the liaison with the German authorities, handling any queries and fulfilling all requirements associated with your case.
7
Once you have been awarded German citizenship, you will be invited to the relevant German Embassy or Consulate to collect your citizenship certificate. At this stage, German Citizenship Restoration’s service will formally conclude. However, should the need arise for assistance with Embassy or Consulate communications, we will of course be happy to help.
8
The German Embassy/Consulate will then guide you through the passport application process.
In most cases, the process from commencement to certificate collection usually takes 30-36 months. However, where an applicant is of advanced years (85 and above), the German authorities seek to expedite the process substantially.