Who is eligible?

Former German citizens who were deprived of their citizenship between January 30, 1933 and May 8, 1945. Likewise, the descendants of such persons may be eligible.


Is anyone who was born in Germany considered a German citizen? 

No. Unlike the law in the United States, German law operates under the principle of jus sanguinis (blood law). Under German law, citizenship is passed on by parents and not by a person’s place of birth. Thus, not everyone born in Germany is afforded German citizenship. Through review of your family history, we can determine if there was a German citizen in your family.


What does it mean to be deprived of German citizenship for political, religious or racial reasons?

The Nazi regime passed a number of laws specifically targeted to deprive German Jews of their citizenship. Some of these laws resulted in the loss of citizenship on an individual basis, while other regulations were designed to deprive large groups of German Jews of their citizenship. We can review and research your family's German citizenship history to determine and prove the circumstances of your family's deprivation to the satisfaction of the German authorities.


How does one claim the right to restoration of German citizenship?

Restoration of German citizenship under the German law is not automatic. An eligible individual must make an application for restoration of citizenship to the German government and make a showing of proof. This also applies to such a person’s descendants. 


What if I have applied for another country’s citizenship in the meantime?

Anyone who became a citizen of another country after having been deprived of German citizenship for political, religious or racial reasons is eligible for restoration of German citizenship. This also applies to the descendants of a former German citizen. However, a person who became a citizen of another country prior to having been deprived of German citizenship is not eligible for restoration under this law. Please note, once you successfully obtain restoration of German citizenship, you will not have to give up your US citizenship or passport. 


Which descendants are entitled to restoration of German citizenship?

Any descendant of a person deprived of German citizenship is entitled to restoration, but only if the descendant would have been considered a German citizen under German law had the deprivation not taken place. Through a thorough analysis of your family’s history, we can make the necessary determination about a descendant’s eligibility.


What evidence must be submitted with the application for restoration of citizenship?

Any evidence that: (1) proves that you were or your ancestor was a German national prior to having been deprived of citizenship between 1933 and 1945; (2) proves there was a deprivation of your (or your ancestor’s) German citizenship between 1933 and 1945; (3) establishes that you or your ancestor acquired US citizenship after having been deprived of German citizenship; and (4) proves that you are a descendant of the former German national.


What if I do not have the necessary documents?

We will make every attempt to obtain all necessary documents for your successful application through various state and federal agencies in the United States and Germany. 


How can I learn more?

Contact Nathalie Tauchner at (646) 468-7316, or by e-mail at n.tauchner@germancitizenshipproject.com