Naturalization as compensation for the victims and their descendants of the Nazi regime

Entitlement to naturalization for the purpose of redress under Article 116(2) of the Basic Law
 
Article 116(2) of the Basic Law grants people whose German citizenship was “revoked” by the Nazi regime an explicit right to have that citizenship restored. This includes individuals who were already German citizens at the time and lost their citizenship under the Nazi regime for political, religious, or racial reasons.
 
This includes:
• Individuals who lost their citizenship under Section 2 of the 11th Ordinance to the Reich Citizenship Act of November 25, 1941. This ordinance resulted in many Jewish Germans being automatically expatriated, often without their knowledge.
• Persons whose naturalization took place between 1918 and 1933 and was later revoked. This often occurred on the grounds that the naturalization was “unjustified” or had been granted for political reasons.
 
​Since May 24, 1949, those affected and their descendants have had a constitutionally guaranteed right to re-naturalization. Reparation-based naturalization under Article 116(2) of the Basic Law is intended to ensure that German citizenship and the associated rights are restored to the victims of the Nazi regime and their descendants.​
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In addition to the constitutional right under Article 116(2) of the Basic Law, Section 15 of the Nationality Act (StAG) also provides a pathway to naturalization for individuals who lost their right to German citizenship or were never able to acquire it due to persecution during the Nazi regime.
 
This provision primarily benefits individuals and their descendants who:
 
• Lost their German citizenship due to fleeing the country—for example, by acquiring foreign citizenship in exile because they had to seek safety.
 
• Were excluded from legally acquiring German citizenship, for example through marriage.
 
• Had their habitual residence in Germany prior to January 30, 1933, and were unable to acquire German citizenship due to their Jewish faith.
 
Section 15 of the German Nationality Act (StAG) thus creates a possibility for naturalization for all those who do not fall directly under the provisions of Article 116(2) of the German Basic Law (GG), but who nevertheless found themselves in a legally disadvantaged situation as a result of Nazi persecution.
 
Assistance with applying for restitution naturalization:

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

In addition to the constitutional right under Article 116(2) of the Basic Law, Section 15 of the Nationality Act (StAG) also provides a pathway to naturalization for individuals who lost their right to German citizenship or were never able to acquire it due to persecution during the Nazi regime.
 
This provision primarily benefits individuals and their descendants who:
 
• Lost their German citizenship due to fleeing the country—for example, by acquiring foreign citizenship in exile because they had to seek safety.
 
• Were excluded from legally acquiring German citizenship, for example through marriage.
 
• Had their habitual residence in Germany prior to January 30, 1933, and were unable to acquire German citizenship due to their Jewish faith.
 
Section 15 of the German Nationality Act (StAG) thus creates a possibility for naturalization for all those who do not fall directly under the provisions of Article 116(2) of the German Basic Law (GG), but who nevertheless found themselves in a legally disadvantaged situation as a result of Nazi persecution.
 
Assistance with applying for restitution naturalization:

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In addition to the constitutional right under Article 116(2) of the Basic Law, Section 15 of the Nationality Act (StAG) also provides a pathway to naturalization for individuals who lost their right to German citizenship or were never able to acquire it due to persecution during the Nazi regime.
 
This provision primarily benefits individuals and their descendants who:
 
• Lost their German citizenship due to fleeing the country—for example, by acquiring foreign citizenship in exile because they had to seek safety.
 
• Were excluded from legally acquiring German citizenship, for example through marriage.
 
• Had their habitual residence in Germany prior to January 30, 1933, and were unable to acquire German citizenship due to their Jewish faith.
 
Section 15 of the German Nationality Act (StAG) thus creates a possibility for naturalization for all those who do not fall directly under the provisions of Article 116(2) of the German Basic Law (GG), but who nevertheless found themselves in a legally disadvantaged situation as a result of Nazi persecution.
 
Assistance with applying for restitution naturalization:

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Determining eligibility for naturalization can be a complex and emotionally taxing process, especially when historical documents are difficult to obtain or family relationships seem complicated. As an attorney with experience in citizenship law, I am happy to assist you with the application process. I offer:
 
• Advice on eligibility assessment and application submission: We will determine whether you or your ancestors fall under one of the applicable eligibility provisions.
 
• Assistance with document procurement and evidence gathering: Documenting family history, particularly from the Nazi era, can be complicated.
 
• Guidance throughout the entire application process: I will help you submit the application correctly in terms of both form and content and represent you before the German authorities.
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If you or your family are eligible and you wish to regain your citizenship, I am happy to assist you. Schedule a consultation, and together we will navigate the path to German citizenship.

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