Naturalization from abroad

All information on naturalization from abroad due to ties to Germany (§ 14 StAG).

Here you learn ...

when you can apply for naturalization from abroad
what requirements apply for foreign naturalization
what “ties to Germany” are
when there is a public interest in foreign naturalization

1. Naturalization from abroad

2. Naturalization due to special ties to Germany

3. Requirements for naturalization based on special ties

4. Naturalization process from abroad

5. FAQ Naturalization from abroad

6. Conclusion on naturalization abroad

1. Naturalization from abroad

Naturalization from abroad is an exception under German citizenship law, as naturalization generally requires the applicant to live in the country . However, there are certain cases in which naturalization is possible without residency in Germany.

Naturalization from abroad is particularly considered in the following cases:

Naturalization of former Germans ( § 13 StAG )
Naturalization for compensation ( Article 116 (2) GG , Section 15 StAG )
Naturalization due to special ties to Germany ( Section 14 StAG )

This article focuses on the requirements for naturalization based on special ties to Germany (Section 14 StAG).

2. Naturalization due to special ties to Germany

For an application under Section 14 of the Nationality Act (StAG) to be successful, strict requirements must be met. Naturalization under Section 14 of the StAG is a special form of discretionary naturalization available to individuals living abroad. There is no entitlement to this naturalization, as the German authorities decide individually whether to accept or reject the application (so-called discretionary decision).

3. Requirements for naturalization based on special ties

When naturalization is granted based on special ties to Germany, the Federal Office of Administration examines on an individual basis whether there is a public interest in naturalization. The Federal Office of Administration decides whether your naturalization is advantageous from a German perspective. This is usually the case if there are special economic, cultural, or scientific ties to Germany. The requirement of a public interest for naturalization according to Section 14 of the German Citizenship Act (StAG) is not stated in the law, but is established by the case law of the Federal Administrative Court.

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For naturalization under Section 14 of the German Citizenship Act (StAG), a close connection to Germany is also mandatory. These include, among others:

Regular stays in Germany
Close contact with relatives and friends in Germany
Ownership of real estate in Germany
Professional or economic interests in Germany

In addition to public interest and special ties to Germany, the general requirements for naturalization must also be met. The Federal Office of Administration specifically requires that applicants be able to support themselves in their current home country without state assistance . This includes adequate insurance in the event of illness, need for care, or incapacity to work. As a general rule, it is also required that the naturalization applicant has not committed a criminal offense .

4. Naturalization process from abroad

The naturalization process from abroad differs from regular naturalization applications. The application should not be submitted directly to the Federal Office of Administration (BVA), but rather first to the responsible German diplomatic mission abroad (embassy or consulate). This mission will review the documents and forward the application to the BVA with a statement. The BVA often requests additional documents during the process, which is why submitting the application early and in full is crucial.

Because naturalization is a discretionary process involving multiple authorities, the naturalization process from abroad can take several months or even years. The key to success lies in careful preparation and a convincing explanation of why naturalization is in Germany's best interest. Professional advice can significantly increase the chances of success, as errors in the application and insufficient documentation often lead to rejections.

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To apply for naturalization from abroad based on special ties to Germany, numerous documents must be submitted to the Federal Office of Administration. These include, among others, the following:

5. FAQ Naturalization from abroad

Which naturalizations can be applied for from abroad?
The following naturalizations can be applied for from abroad:

Naturalization of former Germans (Section 13 StAG)
Naturalization for compensation (Article 116 (2) of the Basic Law, Section 15 of the StAG)
Naturalization due to special ties to Germany (Section 14 StAG)

Does naturalization from abroad have to be done at a foreign mission?
In principle, the diplomatic mission abroad must be involved in naturalizations from abroad. However, this is not always mandatory. In certain cases, foreign naturalization can also be applied for directly with the Federal Office of Administration.

What are “ties to Germany”?
Naturalization under Section 14 of the Nationality Act (StAG) requires "ties to Germany." These exist if, for example, the naturalization applicant has studied or attended school in Germany, or if other family members are also from Germany. A special connection to German culture or politics can also justify naturalization under Section 14 of the Nationality Act.

6. Conclusion

Naturalization from abroad due to special ties to Germany is an exception under German citizenship law. It offers persons without a residence in Germany the opportunity to acquire German citizenship – provided there is a public interest in naturalization and close personal, cultural, economic, or academic ties to Germany. Since naturalization is a discretionary process, the Federal Office of Administration reviews each application individually. In addition to the special ties, the general naturalization requirements must also be met, such as financial independence, language skills, and a clean criminal record. The application is usually submitted through the German diplomatic mission abroad and can involve a lengthy process. Careful preparation and professional advice significantly increase the chances of success. Anyone who can credibly demonstrate that their naturalization is in Germany's interest has a good chance of success.