FAQ
Who can apply for restoration of German citizenship?
People who were persecuted during the Nazi regime and lost their German citizenship between January 30, 1933, and May 8, 1945, or were unable to acquire it, are eligible to apply for restoration of German citizenship.
Jewish citizens who were systematically persecuted because of their religion and stripped of their German citizenship were particularly affected. Today, the descendants of these Jewish victims of persecution make up the largest group of applicants.
Other groups persecuted by the regime, such as those persecuted for political, racial, or religious reasons, as well as their descendants, can also be granted restoration of German citizenship.
My ancestors lived in Germany in 1933 but did not have German citizenship. Can I still apply for restoration of German citizenship?
Yes, if your ancestors were persecuted by the Nazis for political reasons, for example because they were Jewish, you may be entitled to restoration of German citizenship even if they did not have German citizenship. For example, many Jewish citizens of Polish origin who lived in Germany did not have German citizenship in 1933. From that point on, they were no longer able to obtain it due to the discriminatory laws of the National Socialists.
Are descendants also eligible to apply?
Yes, direct descendants of affected persons (e.g., children, grandchildren) are also eligible for restoration of German citizenship.
What services does GERPASS provide?
For restoration of German citizenship, you must prove that your ancestors were persecuted under the Nazi regime between 1933 and 1945 and therefore lost their German citizenship or were unable to acquire it.
GERPASS will help you gather the necessary documents and evidence.
GERPASS will handle the entire process with the German authorities. We will check whether you are eligible, work with you to compile the necessary documents, submit them, and respond to any inquiries from the authorities.
What documents and information do I need for the application?
After confirming your order, GERPASS will send you a list of the documents and information required for the application. We only need copies of the documents for the application. The originals (e.g., birth certificates) remain with you. GERPASS also helps you obtain certified copies for the German authorities.
What does GERPASS charge for its services?
GERPASS offers its services at attractive rates. We will be happy to provide you with the exact costs upon request.
How long does it take for a decision to be made on my application?
After the application has been submitted to the Federal Administrative Office, it usually takes at least one year for a decision to be made. If the applicant is older, the procedure can be expedited, and GERPASS will advocate for faster processing in such cases.
In which language is the procedure conducted?
GERPASS communicates with you in English or French. However, the procedure before the Federal Office of Administration is conducted exclusively in German. We take care of this communication for you.
How much does the procedure before the German authorities cost?
The examination of the application by the German authorities is free of charge.
Can I also submit my application directly to the German Embassy?
German embassies are not directly involved in the process. GERPASS accompanies you throughout the entire process - from submitting the application to clarifying any questions from the authorities to handing over the naturalization certificate.
Do I have to renounce my current citizenship upon naturalization?
Germany, like the US and Canada, allows dual citizenship. However, whether you can retain your previous citizenship depends on the laws of the respective country.
Can you also obtain a German passport for me?
GERPASS supports you in regaining German citizenship. Once you have received your citizenship certificate, you can apply for a passport at the relevant German consulate.
Find out how GERPASS has helped many people - and how we can help you too!
Thanks to GERPASS, numerous people have already successfully regained their German citizenship - in many cases faster than expected. See for yourself with our success stories and read how we can help you get what you are entitled to. Visit our website to find out more.