What is Article 116 of the German Basic Law?
Article 116 (2) of the German Basic Law (Grundgesetz) serves as a vital pillar of Germany’s post-war restitution framework. It provides a legal right for former German citizens who were stripped of their citizenship on political, racial, or religious grounds between January 30, 1933, and May 8, 1945, to have their citizenship restored.
Crucially, this right extends to the descendants of those persecuted. This means that children, grandchildren, and subsequent generations can reclaim the German nationality that their ancestors were unjustly deprived of. Unlike other naturalisation pathways, this restoration process acknowledges a historic loss and aims to rectify the legal consequences of Nazi-era persecution.
Successful applicants under Article 116 GG receive full German and European Union citizenship. This route is part of Germany’s commitment to restorative justice, allowing families worldwide to reconnect with their heritage while requiring no renunciation of their current citizenship in most cases.
Citizenship Restoration (Article 116 GG)
Fiona Macdonald, Rechtsanwältin, provides specialist legal guidance to navigate this complex historical and legal process with precision and care.
Article 116(2) of the German Basic Law (Grundgesetz) provides a right to citizenship for those whose citizenship was revoked by the Nazi regime on political, racial, or religious grounds between 1933 and 1945 — and for their descendants. Unlike other routes to German citizenship, there is no deadline, no generational limit, and no requirement to live in Germany or speak German. If your family was among those persecuted, you may have a right to citizenship that has never been extinguished.
Who can qualify?
Eligibility criteria based on Nazi-era persecution.
Descendants of individuals who lost German citizenship on political, racial, or religious grounds under the Nazi regime between 1933 and 1945 may qualify for restoration.
Children, grandchildren, and further descendants can usually reclaim their citizenship, provided the original persecution and subsequent loss of citizenship can be confirmed through historical documentation.
Key advantages of Article 116 GG
No Application Deadline
Restoration claims under Article 116 GG are not subject to any statutory deadlines, allowing eligible descendants to reclaim their birthright at any point in the future.
Generation-Spanning Rights
Successful restoration typically extends the right to German citizenship to all subsequent generations, ensuring that your descendants can hold German and EU status in perpetuity.
Retention of Current Citizenship
Successful applicants are generally not required to renounce their current nationality, enabling families to benefit from dual citizenship and the flexibility of holding multiple passports.
Full German and EU Rights
Successful restoration grants a German citizenship certificate and passport, conferring full rights to live, work, and study freely across all European Union member states.
How the restoration process works
We perform a thorough analysis of your ancestry to identify the specific grounds for restoration and confirm that your family history aligns with the legal requirements of Article 116 GG.
Initial Eligibility Assessment
01
Gathering Historical Evidence
02
Our office coordinates with historical archives to gather essential records, including birth and marriage certificates, naturalisation indices, and evidence of Nazi-era persecution.
We expertly prepare your application forms and draft legal submissions that clearly present your case, ensuring every piece of historical evidence is correctly documented.
Preparing the Application
03
Application Submission
04
Your application is submitted to the appropriate German diplomatic mission. We manage communication and ensure that all preliminary requirements are met for transmission to Germany.
The Federal Administration Office (BVA) in Cologne reviews your claim. We act as your counsel during this period, addressing any follow-up inquiries from the German authorities.
Examination Phase
05
Successfully reclaimed citizenship is formalized by the issuance of your certificate. This document grants you full rights as a German and European Union citizen.
Receiving the Certificate
06
Book a Consultation
Fiona Macdonald, a German-qualified attorney (Rechtsanwältin) admitted to the Rechtsanwaltskammer Berlin, advises families worldwide on Article 116 GG restoration claims and manages the process from initial assessment through to the issue of the citizenship certificate.