Declaration of loyalty naturalization
All information about the declaration of loyalty and commitment for naturalization in Germany.
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Here you learn ...
what the declaration of loyalty and commitment for naturalization is
what content the declaration of loyalty must have
how the declaration of loyalty is made
Consequences for violations of the declaration of loyalty
Table of contents
1. What is a declaration of loyalty?
2. Content of the declaration of loyalty
2.1 Commitment to the Constitution
2.2 Germany’s special historical responsibility
2.3 Rejection of extremist endeavors
3. How is the declaration of loyalty made?
4. Exceptions to the obligation to confess
5. Consequences of violations of the declaration of loyalty
6. FAQ
7. Conclusion Declaration of Loyalty Naturalization
1. What is a declaration of loyalty?
Anyone wishing to acquire German citizenship must, as part of the naturalization process and before receiving their naturalization certificate , make a written declaration of allegiance to the free, democratic basic order of the Federal Republic of Germany ( Section 10, Paragraph 1, Sentence 1, No. StAG ). This written declaration is known as a declaration of loyalty and is a mandatory and indispensable part of the entire naturalization process. With this declaration, the applicant expresses their commitment to the fundamental principles and constitutional values of the German state. These include, in particular, respect for human dignity, commitment to democracy, and recognition of the principles of the rule of law. This declaration is an expression of inner consent to the constitutional order.
2. Inhalt der Loyalitätserklärung
2.1 Bekenntnis zur Verfassung
Die Loyalitätserklärung beinhaltet ein ausdrückliches und unmissverständliches Bekenntnis zu den grundlegenden Prinzipien der freiheitlich-demokratischen Grundordnung (FDGO) der Bundesrepublik Deutschland. Dazu gehören insbesondere das allgemeine, freie und gleiche Wahlrecht, die Unabhängigkeit der Gerichte, die Bindung der Exekutive an Recht und Gesetz sowie die Verantwortlichkeit der Regierung gegenüber dem Parlament. Ebenfalls umfasst sind das verfassungsrechtlich garantierte Recht auf parlamentarische Opposition und der kategorische Ausschluss jeglicher Form von Gewalt- oder Willkürherrschaft.
2.2 Germany’s special historical responsibility
In addition, applicants for naturalization are required to make an explicit commitment to Germany's special historical responsibility . This requires a clear and conscious agreement with fundamental principles that have grown out of German history. Applicants for German citizenship must declare that they affirm the protection of Jewish life in Germany, support the reappraisal of the National Socialist past, and fully recognize the prohibition of wars of aggression.
2.3 Rejection of extremist endeavors
A central goal of the declaration of loyalty is also to exclude extremist attitudes . Antisemitic, racist, or other acts motivated by contempt for human beings are contrary to the free democratic order. The naturalization applicant must credibly declare that they have renounced such endeavors, provided there has been relevant evidence in the past. In certain cases, the naturalization applicant may be interviewed individually—particularly if there is evidence from criminal proceedings, youth welfare offices, or schools. The authority will then examine whether a violation of the order has occurred and whether naturalization is still possible.
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3. How is the declaration of loyalty made?
In principle, the declaration of loyalty can be submitted in various forms. Theoretically, you can copy the wording of the law when applying for naturalization and attach it to the application form. There is no obligation to use a form. In practice, however, the forms provided by the naturalization authorities contain pre-written texts that you must then sign. Therefore, you must generally obtain the declaration of loyalty forms before submitting your naturalization application. However, the authorities usually send the forms no later than when the naturalization applicant has applied for naturalization (without forms). The declaration must be submitted in person; representation is not permitted.
4. Exceptions to the obligation to confess
There are a few exceptions to the obligation to submit a declaration of loyalty and to demonstrate knowledge of the German legal and social system. These particularly apply to minors under the age of 16 and persons under legal guardianship who are deemed incapable of acting. In such cases, the declaration is not required.
5. Consequences of violations of the declaration of loyalty
Naturalization in Germany is subject to clear legal requirements. A key component is the declaration of loyalty, which every naturalized person must submit as part of the process. But what happens if it later turns out that this declaration has been violated ? In certain cases, this can lead to the revocation of naturalization . A violation of the declaration of loyalty occurs if a person engages in anti-constitutional activities or belongs to extremist organizations after naturalization. The subsequent discovery that the declaration was made untruthfully – for example, by concealing extremist activities – can also constitute a violation. From a legal perspective, this constitutes deception, which can lead to the revocation of naturalization ( Section 35 of the Naturalization Act ).
In practice, revocation of naturalization due to a violation of the declaration of loyalty is particularly relevant in cases involving Palestinians . Therefore, naturalization authorities sometimes view participation in pro-Palestinian demonstrations, for example, as an indication that the naturalization applicant (or the already naturalized foreigner) does not acknowledge "Germany's special historical responsibility." In many of these cases, revocation proceedings are then initiated. In this case, legal assistance is strongly recommended to prevent the revocation of German citizenship.
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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!
6. FAQ
What is the declaration of loyalty in the naturalization process?
The declaration of loyalty is a written confirmation that the naturalization applicant is committed to the free and democratic basic order of the Federal Republic of Germany.
What does the declaration of loyalty contain?
It includes a commitment to the constitution, democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human dignity. In addition, the state demands a commitment to Germany's special historical responsibility—for example, to addressing the Nazi era and protecting Jewish life—as well as an explicit rejection of extremist, anti-Semitic, or racist activities.
What happens if the declaration of loyalty is violated?
Anyone who engages in anti-constitutional behavior or supports extremist organizations after naturalization can lose their German citizenship. A false or fraudulent declaration of loyalty—for example, by concealing extremist activities—can also lead to revocation of naturalization (Section 35 of the German Citizenship Act). Legal assistance is strongly recommended in such cases.
7. Conclusion
Anyone wishing to obtain German citizenship must submit a so-called declaration of loyalty. This declaration is a written confirmation by the applicant for naturalization that they recognize the free democratic basic order and respect Germany's constitutional values. These include, for example, human dignity, the rule of law, democracy, and peace. It also includes a commitment to Germany's special historical responsibility – particularly to addressing its Nazi past and protecting Jewish life. Extremist attitudes or actions – such as anti-Semitic or racist statements – are incompatible with this commitment. Anyone who violates this declaration risks, in the worst case, even having their naturalization revoked. The declaration is usually signed using a pre-printed form provided by the authorities and must be submitted in person. There are only a few exceptions, such as for minors or persons lacking legal capacity.
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List of sources
[1] Uwe Berlit, Community Commentary on Nationality Law (GK-StAR), 1st edition 2000 (last supplement LBW 14.02.2025)
[2] Regarding naturalization in cases of fundamentally different values, see VGH Mannheim, judgment of 20 August 2020 – 12 S 629/19
[3] Administrative instructions for staying in Berlin (VAB), as of 18.02.2025, Part S
[4] Section 10 of the Nationality Act in the Federal Law Gazette Part III, section number
