Late repatriates
All information on German citizenship for ethnic German repatriates and family reunification for ethnic German repatriates.
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Here you learn ...
what late repatriates are
Difference between late repatriates, status Germans and repatriates
Requirements for citizenship for ethnic German repatriates
how family reunification with ethnic German repatriates works
Table of contents
1. What are late repatriates?
2. Difference between late repatriates, status Germans and repatriates
3. Naturalization as a late repatriate
4. Family reunification with ethnic German repatriates
5. FAQ Late repatriates
6. Conclusion Late repatriates
1. What are late repatriates?
Late repatriates are people of German descent who originate from the states of the former Soviet Union and other Eastern European countries and who entered Germany on or after January 1, 1993, as part of a legally regulated admission procedure. The legal basis for their admission is the Federal Expellees Act (BVFG) . This special group of immigrants is entitled to German citizenship if certain requirements are met.
2. Difference between late repatriates, status Germans and repatriates
People who arrived in Germany before January 1, 1993, were not considered late repatriates, but rather so-called status Germans . According to Article 116, Paragraph 1 of the Basic Law, they were recognized as Germans without German citizenship. This status was automatically converted into German citizenship with effect from August 1, 1999, for the sake of legal clarification and simplification. Even repatriates who came to Germany before January 1, 1993, did not necessarily have to go through a standardized admission procedure. Since 1993, however, immigration has been clearly regulated by law under the Federal Immigration Act (BVFG). The term "late repatriates" is therefore used exclusively for people who have immigrated to Germany since that date .
3. Naturalization as a late repatriate
The aim is to facilitate the integration of ethnic German repatriates into professional, cultural, and social life in the Federal Republic of Germany, and to compensate for the disadvantages resulting from their ethnic German repatriation ( Section 7, Paragraph 1 of the Federal Constitutional Court Act, new version ). If this is achieved, ethnic German repatriates automatically receive German citizenship ( Section 7 of the Citizenship Act, StAG ).
To be considered a late repatriate, various integration requirements must be met. The person must be of verifiable German descent—for example, through parents or grandparents—and must have clearly declared their ethnic Germanness in their homeland. This declaration can be made in various ways: through an official declaration of nationality, through automatic attribution to German nationality in the country of origin, or through so-called "other means," such as knowledge of German acquired through family or active participation in German culture. In certain cases, the declaration of ethnic Germanness can also be assumed, for example, if it was not possible due to political persecution or threatened disadvantages.
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In addition, affiliation with the German ethnic group must be confirmed. This is usually done by proving that the person can hold at least a simple conversation in German (language level A2–B1) at the time the application is decided. Exceptions are only made in cases of permanent health restrictions. This is intended to ensure that a linguistic and cultural connection to the German ethnic group exists.
4. Family reunification with ethnic German repatriates
There are several ways for relatives of ethnic German repatriates to enter Germany. The most cost-effective option is to include them in the admission notice , for example for spouses or descendants such as children and grandchildren. Spouses must generally have been married for at least three years and provide evidence of basic German language skills (A1 level), e.g. with the “Start Deutsch 1” language certificate. Minor children do not require proof of language skills if they enter the country before the age of 18. Those who are successfully included automatically receive German citizenship upon entry. Alternatively, certain relatives, such as spouses and minor children, can be included in an appendix to the admission notice so that they can enter Germany together with the ethnic German repatriate. In most cases, proof of language skills at A1 level is required for this too.
If neither inclusion nor joint entry is possible, family reunification can be applied for under the Residence Act – but only if the ethnic German repatriate already lives in Germany. Spouses with proven German language skills, minor children, and parents with custody are eligible for family reunification. Exceptions to the language requirement are only possible in special cases, such as illness or academic qualifications.
Simplified conditions apply to the family reunification of ethnic German repatriates under the Residence Act. According to Section 28, Paragraph 1, Sentence 3 of the Residence Act, a more relaxed standard applies to the reunification of spouses: Due to Germany's historical responsibility and the special legal status of ethnic German repatriates, a residence permit is generally granted even if their livelihood is not secure. However, reunification is not unconditional—in particular, integration services such as basic German language skills may be required. If an ethnic German repatriate lacks such skills despite a longer stay, this can lead to rejection.
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Are you looking for a lawyer specializing in German immigration and visa law? We are happy to assist you with residence procedures before embassies, immigration authorities, and administrative courts. Our specialised attorneys are always by your side. Contact us to book an online appointment with a German immigration lawyer!
5. FAQ
Who is considered a late repatriate?
Late repatriates are people of German descent from the states of the former Soviet Union or other Eastern European countries who entered Germany after 1 January 1993 as part of an admission procedure under the Federal Expellees Act (BVFG).
What language skills are required?
As a rule, ethnic German repatriates must demonstrate basic language skills at levels A2–B1. Spouses joining their families require at least level A1 (e.g., "Start Deutsch 1"). Children under 18 are often exempt from language tests.
Does the family reunification also apply without a secure livelihood?
Yes – according to Section 28, Paragraph 1, Sentence 3 of the Residence Act, a more relaxed standard applies to the reunification of spouses with ethnic German repatriates. A lack of secure livelihood is not necessarily a reason for rejection. However, a basic willingness to integrate (e.g., through knowledge of German) is still expected.
Can VISAGUARD help with the application?
Yes. We can connect you with competent specialist lawyers who can assist you with the admission process, reunification planning, or citizenship. Simply book an initial consultation directly through our portal.
6. Conclusion
Due to their German ancestry and their special legal status under the Federal Expellees Act (BVFG), ethnic German repatriates have easier access to German citizenship. The legally regulated admission process ensures that cultural and linguistic ties to Germany are maintained. Family reunification is also possible under certain conditions—such as basic German language skills and family ties—and is legally favored. Overall, the process underscores Germany's special responsibility toward this group and promotes their integration into society.
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List of sources
[1] Marx, Residence, Asylum and Refugee Law, 8th edition 2023
[2] Visa Handbook, Late Repatriates, 75th Supplement, as of August 2022
