What is the declaration of loyalty?
The declaration of loyalty is an essential step on the path to German citizenship. In this section, we explain what exactly the declaration of loyalty is and why it is so important for your Naturalization .
Definition and purpose of the declaration of loyalty
The declaration of loyalty is a formal confirmation that you must submit in person to the naturalization authority. With this declaration, you show that you accept the rules and laws of the Federal Republic of Germany and are committed to the free and democratic basic order. This step is necessary to ensure that all new citizens respect and support the fundamental values and principles of the German state.
Legal basis according to § 10 para. 1 sentence 1 StAG
According to Section 10 (1) sentence 1 of the Citizenship Act (StAG), a prerequisite for Naturalization is that the foreigner is committed to the free democratic basic order of the Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany. This is done by means of a signed declaration of loyalty. Depending on the naturalization authority, it may be necessary to sign an additional information sheet on loyalty to the constitution. These legal requirements ensure that new citizens are actively committed to the values of the German constitution.
The declaration of loyalty process
Submitting the declaration of loyalty is a clearly structured process that ensures that you meet all the requirements for Naturalization in Germany. Here you can find out how to submit the declaration of loyalty correctly and which additional documents may be required.
Personal submission to the naturalization authority
To submit your declaration of loyalty, you must appear in person at the relevant naturalization authority. This ensures that your identity is verified and that you make the declaration in a formal setting.
- Preparation: Make sure that you bring all the necessary documents and evidence with you.
- Making an appointment: Make an appointment with the naturalization office in advance.
- On site: Bring a valid identification document with you to prove your identity.
Signature on site
The declaration of loyalty must be signed in front of an employee of the naturalization authority. This is an important step to ensure that your declaration is official and legally valid.
- Verification: The official will check your identity and the completeness of the documents.
- Signature: You sign the declaration of loyalty on site in the presence of the official.
- Confirmation: The official confirms the submission of your declaration.
Possible additional documents (information sheet on loyalty to the constitution)
In some cases, it is necessary to sign an additional information sheet on loyalty to the constitution. This information sheet contains important information on the free democratic basic order and the requirements for loyalty.
- Fact sheet on loyalty to the constitution: This document explains the principles of loyalty to the constitution and the rejection of extremist aspirations.
- Signature: You must confirm that you have understood the contents of the information sheet and that you will comply with it.
Preparation for the declaration of loyalty
Thorough preparation for the declaration of loyalty is crucial to successfully mastering this important step. In this section, you will learn what content is particularly important, how to make your presentation convincing and which examples and templates can help you.
Important contents of the declaration of loyalty
The declaration of loyalty includes several key points that you must acknowledge and confirm. These contents are essential to document your willingness to integrate and to recognize the German constitutional order.
Commitment to the free and democratic basic order:
- Recognition of the right of the people to exercise state power and to hold elections.
- Binding legislation to the constitutional order.
- Independence of the courts.
- Right to form and exercise a parliamentary opposition.
- The removability of the government and its accountability to the people's representatives.
- Exclusion of any rule of force and arbitrariness.
- Recognition of the human rights set out in the Basic Law.
- Rejection of anti-Semitic, racist, xenophobic or other inhumane objectives.
Tips for a convincing presentation
A convincing presentation of your declaration of loyalty is important to convince the naturalization authority staff of your sincerity. Here is some advice on how you can best prepare yourself:
- Understanding the contents: Make sure that you have fully understood all points of the declaration of loyalty and the information sheet on constitutional loyalty.
- Clarity and precision: Formulate your statements clearly and precisely, without unnecessary digressions.
- Self-confidence: Be self-assured and show that you stand behind the content of the statement.
- Preparation for questions: Prepare for possible questions from the officers and think in advance about how you would answer them.
Examples and templates for preparation
To make it easier for you to prepare, we have put together some examples and templates. These will help you to familiarize yourself with the typical content and procedure of the declaration of loyalty.
The examples as a table for the declaration of loyalty:
Point | Example content |
|---|---|
Commitment to the free and democratic basic order | "I am committed to the free democratic basic order of the Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany." |
Recognition of human rights | "I accept the human rights set out in the Basic Law and the equality of all people." |
Rejection of extremist aspirations | "I declare that I do not pursue or support any extremist endeavors." |
Sample table for the information sheet on constitutional compliance:
Point | Example content |
|---|---|
Recognition of the right of the people | "I recognize the right of the people to exercise state power in elections and votes." |
Binding legislation | "I accept that legislation is bound by the constitutional order." |
Independence of the courts | "I recognize the independence of the courts." |
Changes to the Naturalization Act 2024
The new Naturalization Act, which comes into force on 27 June 2024, brings with it several significant changes. These changes aim to simplify the naturalization process and make it easier for certain groups of people to obtain German citizenship.
Shortened length of stay
One of the most important changes concerns the shortening of the legal residence period required for Naturalization .
- Previous regulation: 8 years of legal residence.
- New regulation: Naturalization after 5 years of legal residence.
- Special regulation: In the case of special integration achievements, Naturalization is possible after 3 years .
Special integration services
The new law enables a faster Naturalization for people who make special integration efforts. A C1 certificate in German is a basic requirement.
The Naturalization after 3 years is only possible in combination with a C1 certificate and these special integration achievements:
- Voluntary activities: Proof of active and sustained voluntary work.
- Professional achievements: Special professional achievements or successes.
- School performance: Excellent academic performance.
Possible stricter requirements
In addition to the simplifications, it can be assumed that the new law will also bring stricter requirements, particularly with regard to anti-Semitism and racism. The German government explains this in an overview of the new law.
The changes are as follows:
- Anti-Semitism and racism: stricter checks and clear rejection of such activities.
- Germany's historical responsibility: Special emphasis on Germany's responsibility for National Socialism and the protection of Jewish life.
Possible stricter requirements in detail:
- Stricter checks: The draft law stipulates that applicants who have committed anti-Semitic, racist or other inhumane acts will be excluded from Naturalization . This process is intended to ensure that only those who respect and live by the values of the free and democratic basic order are granted German citizenship.
- Commitment to historical responsibility: Applicants for naturalization must expressly acknowledge Germany's special historical responsibility for the unjust National Socialist regime and its consequences, in particular for the protection of Jewish life, as well as for the peaceful coexistence of peoples.
Dual citizenship permitted by law
The new law will allow dual citizenship. The requirements under § 10 StAG to give up your previous citizenship will no longer apply to you. The exceptions under § 12 St AG are also no longer relevant for you and will no longer apply. If your home country recognizes dual citizenship, you can become a dual citizen at Naturalization .
Relief for the guest worker generation
The new law also provides for relief for the so-called guest worker generation. These changes take into account the particular challenges faced by this group of people.
- Language skills: Simplified requirements for German language skills.
- Naturalization test: Easier conditions for the naturalization test.
Regional differences in dispensing
The submission of the declaration of loyalty may be regulated differently depending on the federal state and the responsible authority. In this section, we highlight the most important regional differences and give you an overview of what you can expect in different parts of Germany.
Requirements in different federal states
There are 16 federal states in Germany, each of which may have its own regulations and requirements for submitting the declaration of loyalty. These differences often concern the specific forms, additional documents and, in some cases, the procedure for submitting the declaration.
Bavaria:
- Required documents: identity card or passport, birth certificate, proof of legal residence.
- Additional requirements: In some cases, a police clearance certificate is required.
North Rhine-Westphalia:
- Required documents: identity card or passport, proof of residence, confirmation of language skills (at least B1).
- Additional requirements: Integration of integration courses as a prerequisite.
Berlin:
- Required documents: identity card or passport, registration certificate, proof of legal residence.
- Additional requirements: In some districts, a migration background must be proven.
A comparison table of the requirements:
Federal state | Required documents | Additional requirements |
|---|---|---|
Bavaria | Identity card, birth certificate, proof of residence | Police clearance certificate (in some cases) |
North Rhine-Westphalia | ID, proof of residence, language skills (B1) | Integration courses |
Berlin | Identity card, registration certificate, proof of residence | Proof of migration background |
Differences in the procedures depending on the authority
Not only the requirements, but also the procedures for submitting the declaration of loyalty may differ depending on the authority. This can affect the process, the processing time and the additional steps required.
Appointments can be made:
- In some federal states, it is mandatory to make an appointment in advance, while in others it is possible to make an appointment without an appointment.
Processing time:
- The processing time can vary depending on the authority. In large cities such as Berlin or Munich, the waiting time can be longer than in smaller municipalities due to the high volume of applications.
Additional interviews or conversations:
- Some authorities conduct additional interviews or discussions to ensure that the applicant fully understands the Declaration of Loyalty and the associated obligations.
Examples in a table for process differences:
Procedure | Federal state/authority | Description |
|---|---|---|
Making an appointment | Bavaria, Munich | Mandatory, often long waiting times for appointments |
Processing time | North Rhine-Westphalia, Düsseldorf | On average 4-6 weeks |
Additional interviews | Berlin | Interviews to check the understanding of the declaration of loyalty |
Difficulties with Naturalization?
Conclusion and outlook for the declaration of loyalty
The declaration of loyalty is a central component of the naturalization process in Germany. In the following, we summarize the most important points of the topic for you once again and venture an outlook on the future with the declaration of loyalty.
Summary of the most important points
- Definition and purpose: The declaration of loyalty is a formal confirmation that you recognize the rules and laws of the Federal Republic of Germany and are committed to the free and democratic basic order.
- Procedure for submission: The declaration must be submitted in person to the naturalization authority and signed on site. In some cases, additional documents such as the information sheet on loyalty to the constitution are required.
- Preparation: Thorough preparation is crucial. Make sure you fully understand the contents of the Declaration of Loyalty and prepare for any questions the officers may ask.
- Changes to the Naturalization Act 2024: The new regulations facilitate access to German citizenship by shortening the duration of residence and special integration achievements, while at the same time introducing stricter requirements regarding anti-Semitism and racism.
- Regional differences: The requirements and procedures may vary depending on the federal state and authority. You should therefore find out exactly what the specific requirements are in your area of responsibility.
Outlook for future changes and developments
The declaration of loyalty and the associated processes are an important step on the path to German citizenship. This will always be the case in the future. With careful preparation and a clear understanding of the requirements, you can successfully master this step and consolidate your place in German society!
FAQ - The most frequently asked questions about the declaration of loyalty
Submitting the declaration of loyalty is the formal process in which you appear in person at the naturalization office to confirm that you recognize the laws and the free democratic basic order of Germany.
At Naturalization you must read out the text of the declaration of loyalty, which includes your commitment to the free democratic basic order and your rejection of extremist activities.
The commitment to the free democratic basic order is a formal declaration in which you confirm that you recognize and respect the basic principles of the German Basic Law, such as democracy and human rights.
The information sheet on constitutional loyalty is a document that explains the principles of the free democratic basic order and ensures that you do not pursue or support any extremist endeavors.
The declaration of loyalty consists of several sections in which you declare your commitment to the free democratic basic order, recognize the laws of Germany and confirm that you do not support any extremist activities.
The forms for the declaration of loyalty can be found on the websites of the relevant naturalization authorities or can be requested directly from the authorities.
