Whilst GCR is a UK registered company, we boast a truly global clientele, helping those eligible to restore German citizenship under Article 116 II GG or section 5 or 15 of the German Nationality Act, secure EU rights and maximise opportunities.
With over 50% of our clients based outside the UK, GCR is well experienced at assisting American, Australian, Israeli and worldwide clients in the restoration of their family’s citizenship. Prior to setting up GCR in the UK, our lead legal counsel ran the New York based “German Citizenship Project”, active over several years, successfully restoring thousands of citizenships.
In a nutshell, Article 116 II GG and section 15 of the Nationality Act seek to compensate for the loss of citizenship or ordinary place of residence due to Nazi persecution. Ironically, some may say, it is the descendants of those who fled persecution to safety abroad that now seek to restore their citizenship and reconnect to their European heritage.
Section 5 of the German Nationality Act now enables all those to declare for German citizenship who had formerly been excluded, such as children of a German mother born before January 1st, 1975.
The motivation of our clients is often similar. With many countries experiencing drastic changes to their political landscape, all recognise the significant benefits acquiring EU citizenship will afford their family. A German passport is widely considered one of the most sought after in the world, providing access to the entire EU, not only Germany.
Importantly, you will NOT need to surrender your American / UK / Australian / Israeli and select other citizenships to take advantage of the German citizenship.
GCR’s expertise lies in meeting the German authorities’ exact requirements. When we present a petition to the Bundesverwaltungsamt, the evidence is watertight and there will be no grounds to deny or delay our clients’ application. We never engage clients to proceed to petition stage unless we are 100% confident of a positive outcome.
GCR’s service
Stage 1 Eligibility Assesment
We offer a no fee, no obligation free initial consultation to assess eligibility. You provide the family background, sharing any documental evidence available relating to your ancestor’s former German citizenship. We assess the evidence and evaluate your chances of a successful petition. If we confirm eligibility to proceed to petition stage, and you wish to formerly engage GCR’s services, we move onto Stage 2.
Stage 2 Petition Preparation & Submission
As presenting the correct evidence is key, we often start the process with research in Germany’s state and national archives to retrieve original documents proving former citizenship. Simultaneously, we advise how to source your personal documents locally, if required.
In the event no further evidence is required, we supply you & all family applicants with a tailored list of required supporting documents. We advise:
- How to prepare the documental evidence to submit with your petition
- Which supplementary ID documents are required – dependent on the number of additional family members applying (N.B. only direct descendants are eligible)
Now we get to work for you:
- GCR provides clients with draft English petition forms. We subsequently translate the contents into the official German versions, as required by the German authorities
- We closely review all applicant petition forms and check evidence is correctly prepared before sending to the Bundesverwaltungsamt in Germany, with our legal recommendation
- GCR stay in touch and update you throughout the process, answering any queries
Final Stage – Citizenship restoration
Once the petition has been granted, your naturalization certificate can be collected at your local German Embassy. Of course, we can assist you further with the passport application process.
Contact us for a free, no obligation, eligibility assessment: info@germanpassport.co.uk www.germanpassport.co.uk tel: +44-20-8066 9900