If you have German ancestry, you might be eligible for citizenship by descent—even if you’ve never lived in Germany. This guide explains who can apply, what the rules are, and how to start your application with the right documentation.

What is citizenship by descent?

Citizenship by descent (Abstammung) allows people to claim German nationality if one or more of their ancestors were German citizens. You don’t need to be born in Germany or speak German to qualify—what matters is your family history and how citizenship was passed down.

Who qualifies

You may be eligible if:

• One of your parents was a German citizen at the time of your birth (even if you were born abroad)

• You were born to a parent who was eligible for German citizenship but lost it due to past discriminatory laws

• You are descended from German Jews, political refugees, or others who were stripped of their citizenship during the Nazi era (under Article 116 of the Basic Law)

Recent changes to German law have expanded eligibility, especially for those whose ancestors lost citizenship due to gender-based laws or persecution before or during World War II.

Key eligibility factors

• Your parent was a German citizen when you were born

• You were not naturalized in another country before 2000 while still a minor

• If your parent lost their German citizenship before your birth, you may no longer qualify—unless recent reforms apply

• In some cases, you can apply for restoration of citizenship (Wiedergutmachung) instead of standard descent-based citizenship

If your German ancestor emigrated a long time ago (e.g. grandparent or great-grandparent), eligibility depends on whether citizenship was passed down legally through each generation.

What documents you need

This process is document-heavy. You’ll likely need:

• Your passport and birth certificate

• Your parent’s and grandparent’s birth and marriage certificates

• Naturalization records (if any ancestor became a citizen of another country)

• Proof of German citizenship (passport, naturalization certificate, military service, etc.)

• Evidence of name changes (if applicable)

• Explanatory family tree and cover letter

• Certified translations of non-German documents

The German authorities will want to see proof of continuous citizenship transmission—so gaps or unclear records can complicate the process.

Where to apply

You apply through the German Federal Office of Administration (Bundesverwaltungsamt) or through the German embassy or consulate in your country.

In many cases, you’ll be interviewed at your local consulate and your application will be reviewed in Cologne by the citizenship office.

How long it takes

This is not a fast process. Average timelines:

• 6–18 months from submission to decision

• Longer if documentation is incomplete or needs further research

Because there is no official online tracking, applicants should prepare for a patient, well-organized process.

Common delays

• Missing birth or naturalization certificates

• Gaps in citizenship documentation

• Confusion over name changes or inconsistent records

• Uncertainty about whether German citizenship was lost or retained in a past generation

Do you need a lawyer?

It depends on the complexity of your case. You may want legal help if:

• You’re unsure whether your ancestor kept their German citizenship

• You don’t have full documentation

• Your case involves restoration of citizenship (e.g. Nazi-era persecution cases)

• You need help communicating with German authorities or structuring the application

Drift partners with licensed immigration lawyers who specialize in descent-based and restoration citizenship cases. Our platform helps applicants organize complex documentation and manage the process in collaboration with their lawyer.

Before you apply

• Talk to family members and gather as much documentation as possible

• Create a family tree to understand the citizenship timeline

• Contact a German embassy to ask about the process in your country

• Prepare certified translations for all required documents

  
  

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Drift is not a law firm. We partner with licensed immigration lawyers in Germany and provide a platform that helps manage and streamline the citizenship by descent process. All legal services are delivered by qualified professionals in accordance with German law.