Who is § 15 StAG For?
The provision is aimed primarily at: former German nationals who lost citizenship in circumstances not covered by § 5 StAG or Article 116(2) GG; ethnic Germans (Volksdeutsche) who were citizens of territories that were German before World War II but which are now part of other countries; and descendants of the above, where the connection to Germany has been maintained across generations.
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.
German Naturalisation Under § 15 StAG: A Path for Those with German Roots
A discretionary route to citizenship for former German nationals and their descendants with a genuine connection to Germany.
§ 15 StAG allows German authorities to grant citizenship to former German citizens, former citizens of German territories, and their descendants, where there is a sufficient connection to Germany. Unlike § 5 StAG, this route is not automatic — it requires demonstrating a real link to the country.
What Counts as a Sufficient Connection?
German courts and authorities assess the nature and depth of your ties to Germany.
Relevant factors include: language (proficiency in German, or evidence German was spoken in the family home); cultural ties (participation in German community life or education); economic ties (employment, property, or business activity in Germany); family ties (close relatives who are German citizens or live in Germany); and residence history (time spent living in Germany). No single factor is determinative — the assessment is holistic.
Key Considerations
Key Considerations
Discretionary, Not Automatic
Demonstrating eligibility does not guarantee citizenship. The German authorities exercise genuine discretion and will consider the depth of your connection to Germany.
Renunciation May Be Required
§ 15 StAG naturalisation typically requires giving up your current citizenship unless an exception applies — a significant consideration before starting the process.
Is This the Right Route?
For some clients a stronger entitlement exists under § 5 StAG or Article 116(2) GG. A proper legal assessment at the outset is essential to avoid pursuing the wrong pathway.
Submitted to Bundesverwaltungsamt
Applications under § 15 StAG are submitted to the Federal Office of Administration (Bundesverwaltungsamt). The quality of the written submissions matters considerably.
Our expertise in Section 15 procedures
We specialise in identifying the best legal path and building a compelling case for your link to Germany to the Federal Office of Administration for a successful outcome.
Legal assessment
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Evidence of ties to Germany
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We assist you in gathering key evidence regarding language, culture and ancestry to prove your enduring connection to the German nation.
Application and correspondence
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Our firm manages your formal filing, writes specific legal justifications, and handles all communication with government authorities on your behalf.