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Please note!
This is an English version of the website www.doppeltestaatsbuergerschaft.com.au with limited content only. If you want to access the full content please visit the German version of the website with more detailed information and click the button on the right! |
German citizenship
Application for permission of retention of the German citizenship
If you would like to discuss your individual situation and how I can help you with your application please find my contact details here.
Where do I apply?
Germans who have their permanent residency outside Germany submit their application for grant of a permit to retain the German citizenship at the local diplomatic mission in charge.
How do I apply?
There are forms available at the diplomatic mission in charge to apply for grant of permission to retain the German citizenship. The statement of reason can be prepared using a separate document (See „Links“). The principal language for the entire application including statement of reason is German.
Which documentation do I submit?
The documentation to be submitted depends on the individual case. However, usually the following documents must be submitted.
· Application including statement of reason, supporting documents respectively
· Passport (certified copy)
· Evidence of residency status (certified copy)
· Information regarding the possession of further citizenships
Further more depending on the individual case the following documents may be necessary, useful respectively:
· Birth certificate
· Marriage-divorce certificate
· CV
· Other documents to substantiate the application
Please note that German authorities do not necessarily accept Australian certified copies such as copies by justice of the peace. However, certified copies can be prepared at the local diplomatic mission in charge.
How do I argue my case in the application?
The argumentation for grant of a permit to retain the German citizenship addresses principally two points:
· Your ongoing bond with Germany
· Reasons for the application of Australian citizenship
The principal language for the entire application including statement of reason is German. More information in this regard under “statement of reasons”
How much does the application cost?
The current information regarding fees is available at the local diplomatic mission in charge. At the time of the last update of this web page the following fees applied for the decision regarding grant of a permit to retain the German citizenship:
· 255 EUR per person in case of a successful application (permission granted)
· 51 EUR per child if application is combined with the parent’s application
· 191 EUR per person in case of an unsuccessful application (permission not granted), 75% of the regular fee
respectively.
You will receive the notification regarding the fees together with the notification regarding the decision of the German Federal Office of Administration.
How long do I have to wait for the decision regarding my application?
Usually the applicant receives the decision on the application for grant of permission to retain the German citizenship approx. 12 to 15 months after submission of the application, given the application is complete and no further documents are requested. However, processing times can vary and may be shorter or longer than the period indicated.
When can I apply for the Australian citizenship?
The certificate of grant of permission to retain the German citizenship expires on the date noted on the certificate. This is usually 2 years from the day of it’s announcement. The certificate is only valid for the applicant with its receipt of the applicant or his/her representative. Within the given period years period the Australian citizenship should be acquired.
However, the application for the grant of Australian citizenship should only be submitted once the certificate of grant to retain the German citizenship has been received. This because the potential retroactive effect of the grant of Australian citizenship back to the time of it’s application may otherwise pose the risk of losing the German citizenship.
Where do I apply?
Germans who have their permanent residency outside Germany submit their application for grant of a permit to retain the German citizenship at the local diplomatic mission in charge.
How do I apply?
There are forms available at the diplomatic mission in charge to apply for grant of permission to retain the German citizenship. The statement of reason can be prepared using a separate document (See „Links“). The principal language for the entire application including statement of reason is German.
Which documentation do I submit?
The documentation to be submitted depends on the individual case. However, usually the following documents must be submitted.
· Application including statement of reason, supporting documents respectively
· Passport (certified copy)
· Evidence of residency status (certified copy)
· Information regarding the possession of further citizenships
Further more depending on the individual case the following documents may be necessary, useful respectively:
· Birth certificate
· Marriage-divorce certificate
· CV
· Other documents to substantiate the application
Please note that German authorities do not necessarily accept Australian certified copies such as copies by justice of the peace. However, certified copies can be prepared at the local diplomatic mission in charge.
How do I argue my case in the application?
The argumentation for grant of a permit to retain the German citizenship addresses principally two points:
· Your ongoing bond with Germany
· Reasons for the application of Australian citizenship
The principal language for the entire application including statement of reason is German. More information in this regard under “statement of reasons”
How much does the application cost?
The current information regarding fees is available at the local diplomatic mission in charge. At the time of the last update of this web page the following fees applied for the decision regarding grant of a permit to retain the German citizenship:
· 255 EUR per person in case of a successful application (permission granted)
· 51 EUR per child if application is combined with the parent’s application
· 191 EUR per person in case of an unsuccessful application (permission not granted), 75% of the regular fee
respectively.
You will receive the notification regarding the fees together with the notification regarding the decision of the German Federal Office of Administration.
How long do I have to wait for the decision regarding my application?
Usually the applicant receives the decision on the application for grant of permission to retain the German citizenship approx. 12 to 15 months after submission of the application, given the application is complete and no further documents are requested. However, processing times can vary and may be shorter or longer than the period indicated.
When can I apply for the Australian citizenship?
The certificate of grant of permission to retain the German citizenship expires on the date noted on the certificate. This is usually 2 years from the day of it’s announcement. The certificate is only valid for the applicant with its receipt of the applicant or his/her representative. Within the given period years period the Australian citizenship should be acquired.
However, the application for the grant of Australian citizenship should only be submitted once the certificate of grant to retain the German citizenship has been received. This because the potential retroactive effect of the grant of Australian citizenship back to the time of it’s application may otherwise pose the risk of losing the German citizenship.