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My family was persecuted under the Nazi regime

There are special restitution routes for those stripped of German citizenship for political, racial or religious reasons under Nazi persecution, or who lost or could not acquire citizenship because of such persecution. Descendants may also qualify under the relevant rules. These provisions are not limited to Jewish families.

Documents and official application

Identify the persecuted relative, where they lived and when they left Germany. Gather birth and marriage records, name-change evidence, older passports, foreign naturalization records and any evidence of persecution. The Federal Office of Administration offers separate A/AK and E15/E15_K forms. German missions abroad can assist. These naturalizations are free of official naturalization fees, although obtaining records may cost money.

Restitution under Article 116(2)

Article 116(2) of the Basic Law concerns former German citizens deprived of citizenship for the stated reasons between 30 January 1933 and 8 May 1945, and their descendants. Ordinary five-year residence, B1 and citizenship-test rules do not apply to this route. The historical deprivation must be established through the official process.

Restitution under section 15 StAG

Section 15 StAG covers additional specified consequences of persecution, including losing or surrendering citizenship, being prevented from obtaining it, or losing habitual residence in Germany under the law’s historical conditions. Descendants may be covered. Article 116(2) and section 15 are distinct routes; section 15 has its own exclusions.

Official Federal Office of Administration forms ↗Official Federal Office of Administration forms ↗

MeaNext provides general guidance, not individual legal advice. Only the competent authorities can examine documents, exceptions, security checks and statutory requirements in an individual case and make the official decision.

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