Approximately 3-4 million German citizens live abroad [1], making voting rights in Germany's upcoming 2025 election crucial. The Bundestag election takes place on February 23, 2025 [2]. Voters will use a mixed-member proportional representation system that gives them two votes - one to select a candidate and another to choose a party [2].

German citizens abroad need to plan ahead to participate in this democratic process. The rules are straightforward: citizens over 18 years old [2] must register themselves in the electoral list where they last lived in Germany. This applies to everyone living overseas. Even those who voted in the 2021 election need to submit a new application to vote in 2025 [2].

Let us walk you through the voting eligibility criteria, requirements, and registration steps to vote in the 2025 German election.

[Numbers referenced from official sources. This information is current as of 2024 but may be subject to change. Please verify details with official German government sources.]

Voting Rights by Citizenship Status

German citizenship status determines voting rights in the country. German citizens can vote in federal elections if they are 18 or older and have lived in Germany for at least three months [1]. German expatriates can also vote if they lived in Germany for a minimum of three months after turning 14 within the last 25 years, or they can show direct involvement with German politics [1].

The upcoming federal election will have about 59.2 million eligible German voters [2]. EU citizens who live in Germany have special voting privileges that allow them to participate in local and European Parliament elections [3]. These EU citizens must register on the electoral roll by May 19, 2024, unless they cast their vote in the 2019 European elections [4].

Germany's nationality status prevents around 10 million residents, mostly non-EU citizens, from voting in federal elections [2]. These residents make up about 14% of Germany's adult population [2]. Several EU countries let non-EU nationals vote in local elections, but Germany's Federal Constitutional Court ruled this practice unconstitutional in 1990 [2].

[Disclaimer: Electoral regulations and deadlines may change. Please verify current requirements with official German authorities.]

Types of Elections Open to Different Voters

German voters participate in four different types of elections, each with its own voting eligibility rules. The Federal Elections (Bundestagswahl) happen every four years. Voters get two votes - one to choose their constituency candidate and another for a party list [1].

German states hold State Elections (Landtagswahl) every four to five years across all 16 federal states. These elections work just like federal elections, using a mixed-member proportional representation system [3]. German citizens who are 18 or older can vote in both federal and state elections.

Local Elections (Kommunalwahlen) welcome a broader group of voters. EU citizens can vote in municipal elections if they've lived in Germany for more than three months [5]. The voting age varies - most states set it at 18, but some let citizens vote from age 16.

European Parliament Elections (Europawahlen) give EU citizens a special choice. They can vote in Germany or their home country, but not both [6]. EU citizens planning to vote in the upcoming European election on June 9, 2024, need to register by May 19, 2024. This doesn't apply to those who voted in the 2019 European elections [4].

[Electoral regulations and deadlines may change. Please verify current requirements with official German authorities.]

Key Requirements to Vote in 2025

Meeting registration deadlines is a vital first step to vote in the 2025 Bundestag election. Germans living abroad must register in the electoral list by February 2, 2025 [7]. All eligible voters should submit their applications to their last registered municipality in Germany before this deadline.

The registration process needs a hand-signed application form with personal details - full name, date of birth, and exact address [8]. Germans who live abroad need to prove they lived in Germany for three months within the past 25 years or show they understand German political conditions [9].

The voter registration timeline varies based on residential status:

• Up to April 28, 2024 (42 days before election): Automatic registration for those with registered German addresses

• April 29 - May 19, 2024: Must apply for entry in new residence's voter register

• After May 20, 2024: Remain registered at previous residence [10]

Voters receive their notification (Wahlbenachrichtigung) by February 2, 2025 once they register [7]. Postal voting applications stay open until February 21, 2025, at 3 PM [11]. The Federal Foreign Office provides courier services through German missions for Germans abroad, but this needs advance planning [12].

Temporary residents abroad with German registration appear automatically in electoral registers [7]. However, they need to apply for postal voting through their local authority in person or in writing because phone applications are not accepted.

[Electoral regulations and deadlines may change. Please verify current requirements with official German authorities.]

Conclusion

German citizens' voting rights and responsibilities, especially for those living abroad, play a significant role in the 2025 Bundestag election. The process might seem complex initially, but proper planning and timely registration will give a smooth voting experience.

German citizens abroad need to focus on two vital points. Your previous registration from the 2021 election won't automatically apply - you must submit a new application for 2025. Meeting the February 2, 2025 registration deadline will determine your voting eligibility.

Citizenship status affects your voting rights by a lot. German nationals can vote in all elections, while EU citizens have specific rights limited to local and European Parliament elections. This system provides proper representation in governments of all levels and protects federal elections' integrity.

Official German government sources should be your reference point because electoral rules and deadlines can change. Starting your registration early helps you avoid complications and makes your voice count in Germany's political future.

[Disclaimer: This guide serves as general information only. Please consult official German authorities for the most current requirements and deadlines.]

References

[1] - https://www.bmi.bund.de/EN/topics/constitution/electoral-law/bundestag-elections/bundestag-elections-node.html
[2] - https://www.dw.com/en/who-can-and-cant-vote-in-germanys-2025-election/a-71399830
[3] - https://www.iamexpat.de/expat-info/official-issues/elections-voting-rights-expats-germany
[4] - https://www.bundeswahlleiterin.de/en/info/presse/mitteilungen/europawahl-2024/08_24_unionsbuerger-wahlberechtigt.html
[5] - https://handbookgermany.de/en/rights-laws/elections.html
[6] - https://www.bmi.bund.de/EN/topics/constitution/electoral-law/european-elections/european-election-2024/european-election-2024-node.html
[7] - https://www.bundeswahlleiterin.de/en/info/presse/mitteilungen/bundestagswahl-2025/01_25_antragsfrist-auslandsdeutsche.html
[8] - https://www.heidelberg.de/,Len/-/Verfahrensbeschreibung/voters-register-bundestag-election---applying-for-registration-of-germans-living-in-germany/vbid367
[9] - https://uk.diplo.de/uk-en/02/bundestag-election-2025-notice-to-germans-2692480
[10] - https://www.bundeswahlleiterin.de/en/europawahlen/2024/informationen-waehler/waehlerverzeichnis-umzug.html
[11] - https://www.bundeswahlleiterin.de/en/bundestagswahlen/2025/termine.html
[12] - https://www.bundeswahlleiterin.de/en/bundestagswahlen/2025/informationen-waehler/deutsche-im-ausland.html