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Declaration of loyalty naturalization
All information about the declaration of loyalty and commitment for naturalization in Germany.
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what the declaration of loyalty and confession 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
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 , declare in writing their commitment 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. Content of the declaration of loyalty
2.1 Commitment to the Constitution
The Declaration of Loyalty contains an explicit and unequivocal commitment to the fundamental principles of the free democratic basic order (FDGO) of the Federal Republic of Germany. These include, in particular, the universal, free, and equal right to vote, the independence of the judiciary, the executive's adherence to law and order, and the government's accountability to parliament. Also included are the constitutionally guaranteed right to parliamentary opposition and the categorical exclusion of any form of violent or arbitrary rule.
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 commitment to 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 unconditionally 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 nevertheless possible.
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 the 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 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 subsequently emerges 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. Legally, 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 . For example, naturalization authorities sometimes view participation in pro-Palestinian demonstrations as evidence 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.
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 include?
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 confirms in writing that they recognize the free and democratic basic order and respect Germany's constitutional values. These include, for example, human dignity, the rule of law, democracy, and peace. Furthermore, they must acknowledge Germany's special historical responsibility – particularly in addressing its Nazi past and protecting Jewish life. Extremist attitudes or actions – such as anti-Semitic or racist statements – are incompatible with this declaration. 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 minors or persons lacking legal capacity.
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List of Sources (Paywall)
[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 residence in Berlin (VAB), as of 18 February 2025, Part S
[4] Section 10 of the Nationality Act in the Federal Law Gazette Part III, section number