Germany citizenship by descent — FAQ

Common questions about claiming Germany citizenship through ancestry.

Who qualifies for Germany citizenship by descent?: Eligibility runs through the §4 Feststellung / §5 declaration / Art. 116(2) pathway and depends on your specific line of descent — which ancestor was a citizen, when, and whether the chain was ever broken by naturalization or other events. Run the free eligibility check for a personalized answer.
Which authority decides Germany citizenship cases?: BVA Cologne. EasyPassport is not affiliated with them; we help you organize and verify, and you submit to the authority directly.
How long does it take?: Timelines vary widely by route and backlog and are outside any service's control. Treat published averages as estimates and confirm current waits with the authority.
Do I need to upload my passport or ID?: No. EasyPassport never stores passports or government IDs — it's a checklist and organization tool, not a document vault.
Is this legal advice?: No. We use “may qualify” language because the authority makes the final determination. For an individualized opinion, consult a qualified attorney in the relevant jurisdiction.

See if you qualify for Germany citizenship

Not affiliated with BVA Cologne or any government. A document-organization tool, not legal advice — always verify with the relevant authority.