Last updated: November 12, 2026
Re-naturalization means regaining German citizenship after it was lost. Many Germans in Canada lost their citizenship without noticing, for example because they became Canadian years ago. Others are descendants of people whose citizenship was taken away by the Nazi regime. There is a way back for both groups, but they are different ways.
TL;DR
- Anyone who voluntarily acquired a foreign citizenship before June 27, 2024 generally lost German citizenship. Since then, this no longer applies.
- Former Germans abroad can be re-naturalized under Section 13 of the Nationality Act. This is a discretionary decision.
- People persecuted by the Nazi regime and their descendants have a legal right to restoration under Article 116(2) of the Basic Law and Section 15 of the Nationality Act.
- You do not have to give up Canadian citizenship in either case.
- For applicants in Canada, the Federal Office of Administration (BVA) in Cologne decides.
How was German citizenship lost?
Until June 26, 2024, a German who acquired another citizenship on their own application automatically lost German citizenship. The authorities did not send any notice. The loss could only be avoided if keeping German citizenship had been approved before the naturalization.
Since June 27, 2024, acquiring a foreign citizenship no longer leads to a loss. The change does not apply retroactively. Anyone who became Canadian in 1998 or 2015, for example, without prior approval, is no longer German today.
Re-naturalization of former Germans under Section 13
Former Germans who live abroad can be re-naturalized under Section 13 of the Nationality Act. The same applies to their minor children. There is no legal right. The BVA decides at its discretion.
In practice, your connection to Germany matters most. The BVA usually expects:
- ties to Germany in several respects, for example through family, property or regular stays,
- German language skills, as a rule at level B1,
- the ability to support yourself without state aid,
- no convictions for serious criminal offences.
Because it is a discretionary decision, a lot depends on how well the application is reasoned and documented.
Restoration for persecuted persons and descendants
The situation is entirely different if citizenship was lost through Nazi injustice. Under Article 116(2) of the Basic Law, former German citizens who were deprived of their citizenship between January 30, 1933 and May 8, 1945 on political, racial or religious grounds, and their descendants, are to be re-naturalized on application. Since August 20, 2021, Section 15 of the Nationality Act extends this right to persecuted persons who lost citizenship in other ways or never acquired it, and to their descendants. Details in Restoration of German citizenship.
Both routes compared
| Re-naturalization (Section 13) | Restoration (Art. 116(2) Basic Law, Section 15) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who | Former Germans living abroad and their minor children | People persecuted by the Nazi regime and their descendants |
| Legal right | No, discretionary decision | Yes |
| German language | Usually level B1 | Not required |
| Ties to Germany | Required in several respects | Not required |
| Fee | 255 euros per adult, 51 euros per child | Free of charge |
| Keep Canadian citizenship | Yes | Yes |
Applying from Canada
You submit the application to the German Embassy in Ottawa or one of the Consulates General. The mission checks whether the documents are complete and forwards them to the BVA, which decides. If the decision is positive, you receive a naturalization certificate and can apply for a German passport. Important documents include:
- proof of your former German citizenship or that of your ancestor, such as old passports or certificates of citizenship,
- your Canadian citizenship certificate with the date,
- birth and marriage certificates, for descendants for every generation,
- for persecuted persons, documents on persecution, expatriation or emigration.
More on Canadian records in Applying for German citizenship from Canada.
Example from practice: Ms. D. from Calgary grew up in Freiburg and became a Canadian citizen in 2009. She only learned that she had lost German citizenship when she tried to renew her German passport in 2025. We documented her ties to Germany: her mother and siblings in Freiburg, an inherited apartment, annual visits and fluent German. The application under Section 13 went to the BVA fully documented. She can keep her Canadian citizenship. (Fictitious example based on typical cases from our practice.)
Every case is different. Book a consultation now or call us at +1 587 349 3535.
Frequently asked questions
Did I lose German citizenship when I became Canadian?
If you became a Canadian citizen on your own application before June 27, 2024, and keeping German citizenship had not been approved beforehand, generally yes. Since June 27, 2024, acquiring another citizenship no longer leads to a loss.
Do I have to give up Canadian citizenship to be re-naturalized?
No. Since June 27, 2024, Germany generally accepts multiple citizenship. Canada also allows dual citizenship. You can become German again and remain Canadian.
What are the requirements for re-naturalization from abroad?
Former Germans living abroad can be re-naturalized under Section 13 of the Nationality Act. The Federal Office of Administration decides at its discretion. It usually expects ties to Germany in several respects, German language skills at level B1, the ability to support yourself without state aid and no convictions for serious offences.
How much does re-naturalization cost?
The fee for the naturalization certificate is 255 euros for adults and 51 euros for minor children naturalized together with a parent. A rejection costs between 25 and 255 euros.
Who can apply for restoration instead?
People who lost German citizenship between 1933 and 1945 for political, racial or religious reasons, or as a result of persecution, and their descendants. The basis is Article 116(2) of the Basic Law and Section 15 of the Nationality Act. Unlike re-naturalization, this is a legal right.
Where do I apply if I live in Canada?
Through the German Embassy in Ottawa or one of the Consulates General. The mission checks the application for completeness and forwards it to the Federal Office of Administration in Cologne, which decides.
Sources
- Section 13 Nationality Act (StAG)
- Section 15 Nationality Act (StAG)
- Federal Office of Administration: Naturalization under Section 13
- Federal Office of Administration: Fees
This article is for general information only and does not replace individual legal advice. Rocky Mountain German Law Ltd., Suite 201, 8989 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, AB.
