Germany
Section 15 StAG: German Citizenship for Descendants When an Ancestor Fled Nazi Persecution
Section 15 of Germany's Nationality Act (StAG) took effect on August 20, 2021. It gives a legal right to naturalization to people who lost or were denied German citizenship because of Nazi persecution and aren't already covered by Article 116(2) of the Basic Law, and to all of their descendants. Source: Federal Foreign Office
How it differs from Article 116(2)
Article 116(2) is for people whose citizenship was actually taken away by the Nazi regime. Section 15 covers people who lost German citizenship some other way, or could never acquire it, because of persecution, for example by acquiring a foreign citizenship or marrying a foreign national after fleeing. Source: Federal Office of Administration (BVA)
Who qualifies
People persecuted on political, racial or religious grounds between January 30, 1933 and May 8, 1945 who:
- gave up or lost German citizenship before February 26, 1955, especially by naturalizing in another country
- were excluded from acquiring German citizenship by marriage, legitimation or the collective naturalization of ethnic Germans
- were refused naturalization, or generally excluded from naturalization that would otherwise have been possible
- gave up or lost their ordinary residence in Germany (within its December 31, 1937 borders), if it was established before January 30, 1933, or later if they were children
The right extends to their descendants, including descendants adopted before January 1, 1977. Source: BVA information sheet, Section 15
Requirements
- No disqualifying criminal record, such as a prison sentence of two years or more, even if imposed abroad. On request you must provide a national police clearance; U.S. applicants need one from the FBI.
- Applicants 16 and older must pledge allegiance to Germany's free democratic order and make a declaration of loyalty before receiving the naturalization certificate.
Source: BVA information sheet You don't have to give up your current citizenship for Germany; whether you keep it depends on your other country's law. Source: BVA information sheet
Documents and how to apply
You need birth and marriage records for every generation back to the persecuted ancestor, proof of their German citizenship or residence in Germany, and proof of the reason and type of persecution. Foreign documents usually need an apostille or legalization, and foreign-language documents need a sworn translation. Fill out one Appendix AV per generation before your parents. Source: BVA information sheet
Use form E15 (16 and older) or E15_K (under 16). Apply directly to the Federal Office of Administration or through your German mission abroad. Source: BVA information sheet No fees are charged, but costs for documents, translations and certifications aren't reimbursed. Source: BVA information sheet