{"id":13383,"date":"2026-04-14T10:22:52","date_gmt":"2026-04-14T10:22:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mth-partner.de\/?p=13383"},"modified":"2026-04-14T10:22:52","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T10:22:52","slug":"deutsche-staatsangehoerigkeit-zurueckholen-wiedereinbuergerung-ehemaliger-deutscher-nach-%c2%a7-13-stag-aus-dem-ausland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mth-partner.de\/en\/deutsche-staatsangehoerigkeit-zurueckholen-wiedereinbuergerung-ehemaliger-deutscher-nach-13-stag-aus-dem-ausland\/","title":{"rendered":"Reclaiming German Citizenship: Re-naturalisation of former Germans abroad pursuant to Section 13 of the Nationality Act (StAG)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You were born and raised in Germany. At some point, you emigrated \u2013 to Canada, the USA, Australia, Brazil. There, you took on the citizenship of your new country. What you perhaps didn't know at the time: by acquiring foreign citizenship, you lost your German one. Automatically, by operation of law, without you ever having renounced it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many only find this out years later. On their next visit to the German embassy. When renewing their passport. Or when their own children ask if they are also German.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Section 13 of the Nationality Act (StAG) opens up a path back for former Germans: naturalisation from abroad. We explain here what the procedure requires, what it costs, and what it means for your children.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Important Note: The content of this article has been prepared to the best of our knowledge and belief. However, due to the complexity and constant evolution of the subject matter, we must exclude liability and warranty.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This article is for general guidance only and does not replace individual legal advice. Re-naturalisation under \u00a7 13 StAG is a discretionary decision with high requirements. Have your case reviewed by a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mth-partner.de\/en\/services\/immigration-law\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Solicitor for immigration law<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Check.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Erster_Schritt_Haben_Sie_die_deutsche_Staatsangehorigkeit_wirklich_verloren\"><\/span><b>Step one: Have you truly lost your German citizenship?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That sounds like a strange question, but it\u2019s a valid one. Not everyone who believes they have lost German citizenship has actually lost it. Before you apply for re-naturalisation, it's worth checking carefully.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No loss occurred if you did not acquire foreign nationality at your own request (e.g. automatic acquisition through birth or marriage), if you had obtained a valid retention permit (Beibehaltungsgenehmigung - BBG) before acquiring it, or if you acquired the nationality of an EU member state or Switzerland (since 2007). If one of these cases applies, you may still be German.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In case of doubt, one can <\/span><b>Nationality determination proceedings<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> clarify the situation with the Federal Administrative Office. The BVA will then make a binding decision on whether German citizenship still exists. This is a different procedure than re-naturalisation \u2013 and if it is determined that you are still German, you will not need a \u00a7 13 application.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wie_geht_die_deutsche_Staatsangehorigkeit_verloren\"><\/span><b>How is German nationality lost?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Der_haufigste_Fall_Erwerb_einer_auslandischen_Staatsangehorigkeit_%C2%A7_25_StAG\"><\/span><b>The most common case: Acquisition of foreign nationality (\u00a7 25 StAG)<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since 1 January 2000, the rule was: any German national who, upon reaching adulthood, acquired a foreign nationality at their own request, lost their German nationality. Automatically, at the moment of acquisition. Unless they had applied for and received a retention permit beforehand. Not just having applied for - actually having the permit in their possession. That was the trap many fell into.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even before the year 2000, acquiring a foreign nationality could lead to the loss of German nationality \u2014 the regulations were, however, structured differently and more complicated in detail. Anyone who suspects they lost their nationality before 2000 should have the circumstances checked particularly carefully.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>This automatic loss has been abolished since 27 June 2024.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The Citizenship Modernisation Act has amended Section 25 of the Citizenship Act (StAG) such that acquiring a foreign nationality no longer affects German nationality. However: <\/span><b>This change does not apply retrospectively.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Anyone who lost their German citizenship before 27 June 2024, has lost it. The new regulation changes nothing about that. \u00a7 13 StAG is then the way back.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Weitere_Verlustgrunde\"><\/span><b>Further reasons for loss<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rare, but relevant: German women who married a foreigner before 1953 lost their nationality through marriage. Anyone who voluntarily joined the armed forces of a foreign state of which they were a national lost their nationality under \u00a7 28 of the Nationality Act (StAG) (exceptions for EU, NATO and certain other states since 2011). And anyone who has expressly renounced German nationality (\u00a7 18 StAG) has also lost it. For these groups of people too, \u00a7 13 StAG can be a way back.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Was_regelt_%C2%A7_13_StAG_%E2%80%94_und_was_steht_nicht_im_Gesetz\"><\/span><b>\u00a7 13 StAG regulates the legal status of a foreigner who is a member of a German ethnic group and who has been granted the right to be resettled in Germany.\n\nThe law does not regulate the following:\n\n*   The conditions for a foreigner to be considered a member of a German ethnic group.\n*   The number of ethnic Germans who may be resettled in Germany.\n*   The financial support that ethnic Germans will receive.\n*   The legal status of ethnic Germans after they have been resettled in Germany.<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The wording is brief: A former German national and their minor children, who are normally resident abroad, may be naturalised upon application if their identity and nationality have been clarified and they meet the requirements of Section 8(1) Numbers 1 and 2.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Noticeable is what here <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">not<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It states. The law only requires: clarified identity, legal capacity (adulthood or legal representation) and no criminal convictions. Neither language skills, nor financial capacity nor ties to Germany are mentioned in the legal text.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, this does not mean that these things would be irrelevant. \u201eCan be naturalised\u201c means: The BVA <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">permission<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, but it does not have to. It is a discretionary decision. And this discretion is filled by the Federal Administrative Office's administrative practice with additional requirements that go far beyond the wording of the law. Anyone who only reads the paragraph will underestimate the application. Anyone who knows the administrative practice of the BVA knows what is important.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Was_das_BVA_tatsachlich_verlangt\"><\/span><b>What the BVA actually requires<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Public interest.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The BVA will examine whether it is \u201eadvantageous for Germany to naturalise you exceptionally, despite your residence abroad.\u201c Purely private motives are not sufficient - neither inheritance matters nor sentimental attachment. A particularly strong indication: <\/span><b>Would a retention permit have been granted if the application had been submitted in time?<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If the prerequisites for a BBG were met at the time and the ties to Germany continue to this day, this clearly argues for re-naturalisation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Close ties to Germany in multiple respects.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The same criterion as for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mth-partner.de\/en\/auslaenderrecht-anwalt\/einbuergerung-ausland-14-stag-bindungen-deutschland\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a7 14 StAG<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">regular contact with relatives in Germany, regular visits, property ownership, professional or business connections, cultural engagement. However, it is easier for former Germans who grew up in Germany to provide this proof than for \u00a7 14 applicants who were never German. Someone who lived in D\u00fcsseldorf for 20 years and visits their parents every Christmas has a different starting point than someone who only knows Germany by hearsay.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Affordability.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> You must be able to support your livelihood in the country of residence without state assistance, including health insurance and old-age pension. In individual cases, the BVA may waive this requirement under \u00a7 8(2) of the Nationality Act (StAG), for example, for pensioners with low incomes or in cases of proven disability.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>German language skills at B1 level.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Verbally and in writing. A German school-leaving certificate or a vocational qualification completed in Germany is recognised. For former Germans who emigrated as adults, this is rarely a problem. For someone who left Germany at the age of three and has not spoken German since, it can be the biggest hurdle. Here too, \u00a7 8 Paragraph 2 StAG can apply in special hardship cases.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Citizenship test.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Unless you grew up in Germany, the BVA may require proof of knowledge of the legal and social order. The test is taken at the foreign mission.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Commitment to the free and democratic basic order.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Since the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mth-partner.de\/en\/auslaenderrecht-anwalt\/auslaenderrecht-das-neue-einbuergerungsgesetz-ein-ueberblick\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reform 2024<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Stricter wording: Actions motivated by racism, antisemitism, or contempt for human beings preclude naturalisation (\u00a7 11 Sentence 1 No. 1 StAG).<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sonderfall_Ehemalige_Deutsche_in_der_EU_dem_EWR_oder_der_Schweiz\"><\/span><b>Special case: Former Germans in the EU, EEA or Switzerland<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The BVA distinguishes in its guidance notes between former Germans living in a state outside the EU and those living in an EU\/EEA member state or Switzerland. For the latter, there is a separate guidance note with potentially differing discretionary criteria. Someone, for example, who was born German and lives in France, having acquired French nationality there (which since 2007 no longer results in loss of nationality), is in a different situation than someone in Canada. If you live in the EU or Switzerland, it is worthwhile to request the specific BVA guidance note for your case.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Die_Frage_die_alle_stellen_Was_ist_mit_meinen_Kindern\"><\/span><b>The question everyone is asking: What about my children?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is usually the point where the conversation gets emotional. The answer depends on when your children were born \u2013 and how they acquired their foreign nationality.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Kinder_die_nach_dem_Verlust_der_deutschen_Staatsangehorigkeit_geboren_wurden\"><\/span><b>Children born after the loss of German citizenship<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here is the harsh answer: These children are not German. If you lost German citizenship before the birth of your child, you could not pass it on \u2013 the chain of descent is broken. For these children, \u00a7 13 StAG does not apply (which requires that one <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">former<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> German is), but rather, if necessary, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mth-partner.de\/en\/german-nationality-after-14-days\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Naturalisation according to \u00a7 14 StAG<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 with higher requirements and a different procedure.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A specific example: You were born in Hamburg in 1972, emigrated to Canada in 1998, and became a Canadian citizen in 2006. Your daughter was born in Toronto in 2008. At the time of her birth, you were no longer German \u2013 your daughter did not acquire German citizenship. You can be naturalised again under \u00a7 13 StAG, but your daughter cannot. \u00a7 14 would be applicable for her.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Minderjahrige_Kinder_die_vor_dem_Verlust_geboren_wurden\"><\/span><b>Minor children born before the loss<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Section 13 of the Nationality Act expressly provides that minor children of former Germans can be re-naturalised together with the parent (co-naturalisation). They do not need to fulfil the requirements independently. Children under 16 years of age require the signature of all persons with parental responsibility. From the age of 16, they submit their own application. The fee is 51 Euros per child.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Kinder_die_bei_der_auslandischen_Einburgerung_des_Elternteils_automatisch_mit_eingeburgert_wurden\"><\/span><b>Children who were automatically naturalised upon the naturalisation of a parent abroad<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is where it gets legally interesting. \u00a7 25 StAG required the acquisition of foreign nationality \u201eupon application\u201c. If your minor child was automatically naturalised along with you when you were naturalised abroad \u2013 without a separate application being made for the child (so-called extended acquisition) \u2013 then in some circumstances there may be no ground for loss. The child could still be German without knowing it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is not a theoretical edge case. In the USA, Canada, and Australia, minor children are often automatically naturalised when a parent is naturalised. Whether this qualifies as \u201eacquisition by application\u201c within the meaning of Section 25 of the Nationality Act (StAG) in individual cases depends on the foreign law and the specific circumstances. If there are doubts, a nationality determination procedure should be carried out before re-naturalisation \u2013 it might turn out that the child is still German and does not need a naturalisation application at all.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wichtig_%C2%A7_13_StAG_setzt_Auslandsaufenthalt_voraus\"><\/span><b>Important: Section 13 of the Nationality Act (StAG) requires a stay abroad<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A point that the BVA specifically highlights on its website: \u00a7 13 StAG only applies to persons who have their habitual residence abroad. If you have already returned to Germany and live there, \u00a7 13 is not applicable. In this case, you must apply for discretionary naturalisation under \u00a7 8 StAG with the locally responsible naturalisation authority (city or district administration) \u2013 not with the BVA. The requirements are partly different, and responsibility lies with a different authority. Moving to Germany during an ongoing \u00a7 13 procedure with the BVA can lead to the BVA relinquishing responsibility.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mehrstaatigkeit_seit_2024\"><\/span><b>Multiple nationality from 2024<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From 27 June 2024, dual nationality will generally be accepted for all naturalisations. You will not have to give up your current nationality to be naturalised again. For many former Germans, this was precisely the reason for years why they did not apply \u2013 they did not want to risk their Canadian, American, or Australian citizenship. This obstacle no longer exists.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, please note that whether your country of residence permits dual nationality is governed by its own laws. The BVA cannot provide information on this.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%C2%A7_13_vs_%C2%A7_14_StAG_Der_Unterschied\"><\/span><b>\u00a7 13 vs. \u00a7 14 StAG: The Difference<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><b>\u00a7 13 StAG (Re-acquisition of nationality)<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mth-partner.de\/en\/german-nationality-after-14-days\/\">\u00a7 14 StAG<\/a><\/b><b> First naturalisation<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>For whom?<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Former German<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People who were never German<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Statutory minimum requirements<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Identity + \u00a7 8 para. 1 nos. 1 and 2 (legal capacity, impunity)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The whole of Section 8 (all conditions)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>BVA Benefit Assessment Criteria<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Public interest, ties, B1, maintenance, naturalisation test<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Public interest, ties, B1, maintenance, naturalisation test<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Naturalisation of children<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expressly provided for in the text of the law<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">About management practice<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Central discretion point<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Would a BBG have been issued?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do the bonds serve a German interest?<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Those who have never possessed German nationality cannot rely on \u00a7 13. Those who have possessed and lost it do not need \u00a7 14.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wer_hat_gute_Chancen\"><\/span><b>Who has a good chance?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A specific case, as is typical: You were born in Munich in 1975, completed your Abitur there and studied mechanical engineering. In 2001, you moved to Houston for a job. In 2008, you accepted US citizenship \u2014 without BBG because you weren\u2019t aware of the regulation. Your parents still live in Munich. You visit them every year. You own a rented condominium in Schwabing. You speak German fluently. This is a \u00a7 13 case with very good prospects.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It becomes more difficult when contact with Germany has been broken off for decades, no German is spoken anymore, and there are no family, economic, or cultural ties. In such cases, the BVA will deny the public interest in re-naturalisation \u2013 and this decision is difficult to contest.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ablauf_Vom_Antrag_zur_Urkunde\"><\/span><b>Process: From Application to Certificate<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The procedure is conducted entirely through the German mission abroad. Travel to Germany is not required.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Application form<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> In person at the responsible German embassy or consulate general. Use the BVA application forms \u2013 others will not be accepted. Sending the application directly to the BVA will cause delays because the embassy has to be involved anyway.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Examination by the BVA:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The embassy will forward the application to the Federal Administrative Office in Cologne with its own statement. Expect follow-up questions and requests for further documentation. Check your email regularly, including your spam folder.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Naturalisation test:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Carried out at the foreign mission if required. Fee: 25 Euros.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Certificate of naturalisation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Upon a positive decision, you will receive the certificate at the embassy after you have taken the solemn oath and paid the fee. Naturalisation only becomes effective upon handover (\u00a7 16, Sentence 1 of the StAG). Keep the certificate safe permanently \u2013 no duplicate will be issued if lost.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a rule, the procedure takes several months to over a year. Incomplete documentation is the most common reason for delays. Foreign documents generally need to be accompanied by an apostille and translated into German by a sworn translator. Clarify with the embassy in advance which form of certification is accepted.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Kosten\"><\/span><b>Costs<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The naturalisation fee is \u20ac255 per person (\u00a7 38(2) StAG), \u20ac51 for minor children being naturalised concurrently. A fee will also be charged if the application is rejected. Please only pay after express instruction from the BVA. Transfers from a German bank account are recommended; credit cards and online payment services are not accepted.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additional costs may apply: translations, apostilles, naturalisation test (\u20ac25), and legal advice if required.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wenn_der_Antrag_abgelehnt_wird\"><\/span><b>If the application is rejected<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can appeal against the rejection notice. If this is unsuccessful, you can take legal action before the Administrative Court of Cologne. The Administrative Court of Cologne has jurisdiction because the BVA is based there.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, in discretionary decisions, the court only checks whether the BVA has exercised its discretion correctly \u2013 not whether it would have made the same decision. If the BVA has provided a factually comprehensible justification as to why the ties are insufficient, a court will rarely correct this. Therefore, the quality of the application is entscheidend. Legal representation is not only worthwhile in the appeals procedure, but already during the application process \u2013 that\u2019s where the decision is made.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Haufige_Fragen_FAQ\"><\/span><b>Frequently asked questions (FAQ)<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Kann_ich_die_deutsche_Staatsangehorigkeit_zuruckbekommen_obwohl_ich_sie_durch_Einburgerung_im_Ausland_verloren_habe\"><\/span><b>Can I regain German citizenship even though I lost it through naturalisation abroad?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, concerning \u00a7 13 StAG. Prerequisites: close ties to Germany and public interest. Particularly good chances if a BBG had been granted at the time. Discretionary decision, no legal entitlement.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Was_kostet_das\"><\/span><b>How much does that cost?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u20ac255 per person, \u20ac51 per child. A fee will also be charged for refusal. Additionally: translations, apostilles, tests, and potential legal fees.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sind_meine_nach_dem_Verlust_geborenen_Kinder_Deutsche\"><\/span><b>Are my children born after the loss German?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No. If you were no longer German at the time of birth, you could not pass on citizenship. For these children, if applicable <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mth-partner.de\/en\/auslaenderrecht-anwalt\/einbuergerung-ausland-14-stag-bindungen-deutschland\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a7 14 StAG<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Consideration.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mein_Kind_wurde_bei_meiner_Einburgerung_automatisch_mit_eingeburgert_Hat_es_die_deutsche_Staatsangehorigkeit_verloren\"><\/span><b>My child was automatically naturalised with me during my naturalisation process. Have they lost their German citizenship?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not necessarily. Section 25 of the Nationality Act (StAG) required acquisition \u201eupon application\u201c. In cases of automatic extension of citizenship, German nationality can subsist. This should be checked through a declaration of citizenship procedure.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Gilt_die_Abschaffung_von_%C2%A7_25_ruckwirkend\"><\/span><b>Does the abolition of Section 25 have retroactive effect?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No. Losses prior to 27 June 2024 will remain. Section 13 of the German Nationality Act (StAG) is the way back.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ich_lebe_wieder_in_Deutschland_Kann_ich_trotzdem_%C2%A7_13_nutzen\"><\/span><b>I am living in Germany again. Can I still use \u00a7 13?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No. \u00a7 13 of the Nationality Act (StAG) requires a period of residence abroad. Those living in Germany must apply for discretionary naturalisation under \u00a7 8 of the Nationality Act (StAG) with the local naturalisation authority.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bin_ich_vielleicht_noch_deutsch_ohne_es_zu_wissen\"><\/span><b>Could I perhaps still be German without knowing it?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Possible. If the foreign nationality was not acquired voluntarily, a valid BBG was in place, or it was acquired in the EU\/Switzerland, German nationality may continue to exist. A determination procedure at the BVA will clarify this conclusively.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Was_passiert_bei_Ablehnung\"><\/span><b>What happens if you are rejected?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Objection, followed by legal action before the Administrative Court of Cologne. Standard of review: error of discretion. Therefore, a convincing application from the outset is crucial.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ihre_Staatsangehorigkeit_zuruckholen\"><\/span><b>Reclaiming your citizenship<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The loss of German citizenship only affects some people with a delay \u2013 when they realise what it concretely means: no more German passport, no voting rights, no automatic transmission to their own children. \u00a7 13 StAG offers a way back. It requires that the connection to Germany is more than a memory \u2013 that it is demonstrated in concrete ties that still exist today.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you wish to ascertain whether naturalisation has prospects of success in your case, please seek advice. Call us on <\/span><b>0221 - 80187670<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or write to <\/span><b>info@mth-partner.de<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Solicitors in Cologne \u2013 Advice and Representation in <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mth-partner.de\/en\/rechtsanwalt-auslaenderrecht-koeln\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Asylum and nationality law<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sie sind in Deutschland geboren und aufgewachsen. Irgendwann sind Sie ausgewandert \u2014 nach Kanada, in die USA, nach Australien, nach Brasilien. Dort haben Sie die Staatsangeh\u00f6rigkeit des neuen Landes angenommen. Was Sie damals vielleicht nicht wussten: Mit dem Erwerb der fremden Staatsangeh\u00f6rigkeit haben Sie die deutsche verloren. Automatisch, kraft Gesetzes, ohne dass Sie jemals darauf [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":13384,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[36],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13383","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-auslaenderrecht-anwalt"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Deutsche Staatsangeh\u00f6rigkeit zur\u00fcckholen: Wiedereinb\u00fcrgerung ehemaliger Deutscher nach \u00a7 13 StAG aus dem Ausland - Rechtsanwaltskanzlei\u00a0Tieben<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Wiedereinb\u00fcrgerung nach \u00a7 13 StAG: Wie ehemalige Deutsche ihre Staatsangeh\u00f6rigkeit aus dem Ausland zur\u00fcckbekommen. Voraussetzungen, Ablauf, Kosten, Kinder und typische Verlustgr\u00fcnde \u2014 von Rechtsanw\u00e4lten f\u00fcr Staatsangeh\u00f6rigkeitsrecht in K\u00f6ln erkl\u00e4rt\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mth-partner.de\/en\/deutsche-staatsangehoerigkeit-zurueckholen-wiedereinbuergerung-ehemaliger-deutscher-nach-13-stag-aus-dem-ausland\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Deutsche Staatsangeh\u00f6rigkeit zur\u00fcckholen: Wiedereinb\u00fcrgerung ehemaliger Deutscher nach \u00a7 13 StAG aus dem Ausland - Rechtsanwaltskanzlei\u00a0Tieben\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Wiedereinb\u00fcrgerung nach \u00a7 13 StAG: Wie ehemalige Deutsche ihre Staatsangeh\u00f6rigkeit aus dem Ausland zur\u00fcckbekommen. 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