What is This?

You can apply for determination of German citizenship in order to obtain a certificate of citizenship. The certificate confirms and proves that you are a German citizen, for example because you obtained citizenship by birth and have not lost it since. An application is useful for example if it is not clear whether you (still) have German citizenship.

“Am I German?”

You are looking for information on whether you might be a German citizen, for example because you have a German ancestor? Or do you want to know what chances of success your application would have? Read “Am I German?”

How Do I Apply?

The competent authority for all applicants from abroad is the Federal Office of Administration (“Bundesverwaltungsamt”). You have the possibility to submit your application with the German Consulate General in Sydney.

1. Read the Information sheet carefully.
2. Compile the required documents as per the information sheet.
   If you lack any of the documents, you must apply for them at the issuing authorities (also see: Family Research/Genealogy) For documents on naturalizations or the arrival in Australia, contacting the National Archive in Canberra (https://naa.gov.au) and/ or the Australian Immigration Department might be helpful.
   The research concerning these documents would has to be carried out by you; the Consulate General cannot do this on your behalf.
3. Fully complete the German application form and sign it. Fill out appendix V for all relevant ancestors.
   The English forms below are a courtesy translation for your convenience only, and are not to be submitted.
4. Book an appointment online with the Consulate General in Sydney and bring all documents as originals to your appointment.
   OR
   Post your complete signed application to the German Consulate General (17/100 William Street, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011). Please do not send original documents, but certified copies. Certified copies are accepted from Australian Notary Publics, the Australian police or the German Honorary Consuls in Australia. Please do not send in your application via e-mail.

Your application will then be forwarded to the Federal Office of Administration for processing.

Information concerning data protection with regard to the processing of your application

Fees

The fee for a certificate of citizenship is 51,- Euro. In case your application is rejected, the fee is between 25,- and 51,- Euro. Payment is due once your application has been decided upon and is to be paid by you directly to the Federal Office of Administration.

The service provided by the German Consulate is free of charge.

Negative Certification

If you require proof that you are not a German citizen, you can apply for a so-called negative certification. During this process your citizenship status is evaluated, and if you are indeed not a German citizen a so-called negative certification will be issued.

Further information on the process can be found here and the application form here

The application form and information are only available in German.

The fees are the same as for the certificate of citizenship.