How to Obtain a German Passport?
Increasingly, Israelis and Jews around the world are exploring the options for obtaining a foreign passport. One of the most powerful passports in the world is the German passport. In light of changes made to German citizenship law in 2021, the conditions for eligibility have increased and the chances of successfully filing an application increased. So, how to obtain a German passport? The answer is to first gain German citizenship, after which the passport can be issued.
In this article, we will learn about the process required to apply for German citizenship, who is eligible to apply, the changes made to German citizenship law, and how to issue a German passport.
Our firm specializes in assisting clients through the process of applying for German citizenship. We have vast and rich experience in this field and have helped many clients obtain their German passport. We can assist you in verifying your eligibility and accompany you through the process of proving and obtaining your citizenship.
What Changes Were Made to the German Citizenship Law in 2021?
The circle of those eligible to obtain German citizenship has significantly expanded in recent years. While previously the German Citizenship Law (Section 116) stipulated that only descendants of German citizens were eligible for citizenship, descendants of German residents may now also obtain citizenship.
According to the new Section 15 established in 2021, direct descendants of those who were residents in Germany before January 30, 1933, and who left the country as a result of persecution after this date, are eligible for German citizenship. Applicants must prove that their ancestors were residents of Germany during the relevant period by presenting suitable documents.
The German government does not require a single specific document to prove residency in Germany before January 30, 1933. Thus, any document that can establish residency, including school certificates, vaccination records, documents related to local businesses, and more, can provide the desired proof.
Often, family members interested in applying for German citizenship do not have the necessary documents at hand. In such cases, an archival search can be conducted in Germany to find the documents. Our firm offers a preliminary archive check service in Germany before applying for German citizenship, ensuring that all required findings are available to prove eligibility.
How Does One Obtain German Citizenship?
As we explained at the beginning of the article, in order to issue a German passport, one must first obtain German citizenship. Preparing the application requires several essential steps. Firstly, of course, all documents proving eligibility for citizenship must be gathered, depending on whether the persecuted ancestor on whom the application is submitted was a citizen or a resident of Germany.
Secondly, relevant documents proving the personal status of the applicants and their familial connection to the persecuted person my be collected. This includes gathering documents such as birth certificates, registration summaries from the Ministry of Immigration and Population, good conduct certificates from the Israeli police, and if necessary, marriage, divorce, and death certificates.
In order to prove that these documents authenticated and correct, they must be translated into the German language. The translation must be done with the approval of a notary, who will confirm the validity of the documents. In addition, since Germany is a member of the Hague Convention, all translated documents must be stamped with an apostille stamp before sending them. Also, the application forms for obtaining the citizenship must be filled in in the German language.
After preparing the application, it will be sent to the citizenship department in Cologne, Germany. The process of examining the application takes between two and three years on average. It is important to understand that in light of the expansion of the circle of eligibility, there are more and more applications submitted to the citizenship department and thus the waiting time for receiving an answer may be longer.
At the end of the evaluation, if approval is received, all applicants will receive an invitation to make an appointment at the German Embassy in Israel. As part of this appointment, a naturalization certificate will be issued which confirms that the applicants are indeed German citizens for all intents and purposes.
You should know that in order to obtain citizenship there is no need to pay taxes to Germany, there is no need to know the German language and there is no need to take a politics, government or history test. All that is required is to prove eligibility to the satisfaction of the citizenship department.
How do you get a German passport?
Once your citizenship application is approved, you will receive your German citizenship certificate. This document confirms your status as a German citizen, entitling you to apply for a German passport. To do this, you must schedule a dedicated appointment for this purpose at the German embassy in Israel. This appointment can be set up online via the embassy’s website.
When attending your scheduled appointment, you’ll need to provide several key documents. First, present your newly acquired German citizenship certificate. Next, you will be asked to provide two passport photos, adhering to the embassy’s specifications. Additionally, for first-time German passport issuance after receiving your citizenship certificate, you will need a valid passport from your country of origin. It’s advisable to prepare a printed passport application form in advance, available for download on the German embassy’s website.
Acquiring a German passport comes with a fee of 81 Euros (as of 2023). The processing time for passport applications is approximately ten weeks. The passport will be sent via registered mail, but in urgent cases, it can be collected directly from the German embassy.
What are the Advantages of a German Passport?
Choosing to obtain foreign citizenship and its accompanying passport often stems from various motivations. While some may be looking to migrate to a European country, many applicants desire the benefits conferred by the foreign passport itself.
The German passport offers a plethora of advantages, whether you’re looking to settle in Germany or any other European Union (EU) country, or simply to enjoy its benefits. One notable perk of holding a German passport is the visa-free travel it provides to many countries, including Australia and the United States. With the German passport, the cumbersome and often costly process of securing a visa for these countries can be avoided.
Moreover, the German passport grants unlimited stays in all 27 EU countries. Plus, you can work or study in any of these countries without any restrictions. In many EU nations, especially Germany, numerous educational benefits await you. In fact, there are institutions in Germany where you can pursue a bachelor’s degree entirely free of charge.
Whether you’re aiming to migrate or merely wishing to possess a German passport for its numerous advantages, this powerful passport undeniably offers tremendous benefits.
How Do You Obtain a German Passport? Speak with Our Experts!
The process of applying for German citizenship is an essential step for those wishing to obtain a German passport. It necessitates a deep understanding of German laws and adherence to the bureaucratic requirements set by various German entities. Therefore, it is highly recommended to seek professional assistance during this process from a lawyer who specializes in this field. By doing so, you can enjoy peace of mind and a streamlined, efficient process.
Our offices, located in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, specialize in assisting applicants throughout the process of applying for German citizenship—from the beginning to the receipt of the application’s approval. If you are eligible for German citizenship, we would be delighted to accompany you during the application process, ensuring you have the highest chances of approval. We invite you to reach out and speak with our experts, setting you on this exciting journey.
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