⚖️ NATURALIZATION LAW · § 10 STAG
The Declaration of Loyalty in the Naturalization Process
Be well prepared for your naturalization appointment: We’ll explain in simple terms what you need to declare, what questions will be asked—and what you absolutely need to know if you’re unsure.
What is the declaration of loyalty?
During the naturalization process, all applicants must actively pledge their commitment to the free democratic basic order. This is required by law.
Text of the Creed
“I affirm my commitment to the free democratic basic order of the Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany and declare that I do not pursue or support, nor have I ever pursued or supported, any efforts directed against the free democratic basic order, the existence, or the security of the Federation or a state, or that unlawfully aim to harm the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany or to eliminate, alteration, or undermining of the constitutional order.”
Source: Section 10(1), sentence 1, item 1 of the Nationality Act (StAG) in conjunction with the official form issued by the naturalization authorities
Practical guidance
The declaration will be discussed when the application is accepted or during the naturalization process and must be signed in writing. A false declaration may result in the application being denied or—if Naturalization has already taken place Naturalization in the revocation of citizenship pursuant to § 35 of the German Nationality Act (StAG).
📝 Commitment to the rule of law
They actively uphold the fundamental values of the Constitution: human dignity, democracy, the rule of law, and the separation of powers.
❌ Negative declaration
They declare that they do not pursue or support any anti-constitutional activities—neither actively nor passively.
✍🏽 In-person drop-off
The declaration must be submitted and signed in person at the naturalization office. You cannot have a third party act on your behalf.
👧🏻 For kids, too
Minors aged 16 and older must submit the declaration themselves. For younger children, the parents must submit the declaration on their behalf.
Here's how the appointment works
The naturalization process involves several steps. Here’s what to expect.
1. Preparation: Read the information sheets
Before your appointment, please read through all the information sheets on the Basic Law, democracy, and the declaration of loyalty. These are available for download below. The Naturalization Office expects you to be familiar with their contents.
2. Review of the documents
All submitted documents will be reviewed. Please ensure that all documents are included—missing documents may cause delays.
3. Discussion on Commitment and Loyalty
The case worker will discuss the contents of the declaration of loyalty with you. During this discussion, you may be asked questions about fundamental democratic values, German history (particularly National Socialism), and your personal beliefs.
4. Signing of the Declaration
You are signing the application form, including the declaration of loyalty. By doing so, you are legally confirming its contents.
5. Further Processing & Security Checks
Once your application has been accepted and your documents reviewed, the Naturalization Office will conduct security checks (with the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, the Federal Central Register, and the Central Register of Foreigners). Only then will a decision be issued.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Declaration of Loyalty
Our clients ask us the same questions all the time. Here are the most important answers.
Signing the declaration is a mandatory requirement for naturalization under Section 10(1), sentence 1, item 1 of the State Naturalization Act (StAG). Anyone who refuses to sign the declaration is not eligible for Naturalization. In such cases, the application will be denied.
The fdGO defines the inalienable core principles of the German constitutional state. These include:
- Human dignity (Article 1 of the Basic Law)
- The Principle of Democracy (Art. 20 of the Basic Law)
- The Rule of Law
- The separation of powers
- The Independence of the Judiciary
- The multi-party system and the right to dissent
- The subordination of state power to law and order
The Federal Constitutional Court has clarified these principles in its established case law.
Yes.Anyone who Naturalization provides false information during the Naturalization risks having their citizenship revoked under§ 35 of the Swiss Citizenship Act (StAG). This is possible even if the revocation would result in statelessness—provided the false information was provided intentionally. The revocation period is generally 10 years from the date of Naturalization.
Participating in lawful demonstrations isnot a disqualifying factor—it is a fundamental right (Art. 8 of the German Basic Law). However, supporting organizations under surveillance by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution or actively participating in anti-constitutional activities can be problematic. Each case must be evaluated on its own merits. Please contact usif you are unsure—we will review your specific situation.
The commitment to the rule of law does not affect religious beliefs as such. Under Article 4 of the Basic Law, everyone has the right to freedom of religion and conscience. The declaration refers to state action: you declare that you will not support any efforts aimed at overthrowing the democratic order. A religious way of life, including a conservative or orthodox one, is compatible with this—as long as no anti-democratic structures are supported.
Examples of anti-constitutional activities include:
- Membership in or active support of organizations that are prohibited by the Federal Constitutional Court or by law
- Active involvement in extremist organizations monitored by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution (left-wing or right-wing extremist, Islamist, etc.)
- Public endorsement or dissemination of anti-constitutional content
- Support for terrorist organizations
Passive memberships or brief contacts in the past do not automatically lead to rejection—the overall assessment is what matters.
Children under the age of 16 do not need to submit their own declaration—their parents submit the declaration on their behalf. Once a child reachesthe age of 16,they must submit their own declaration of loyalty. For children between the ages of 10 and 16, the parents’ declaration is considered sufficient, provided there is no concrete evidence of anti-constitutional attitudes on the part of the child.
The questions vary depending on the naturalization office, but typically the following are asked:
- Are you familiar with the terms of your loyalty agreement, and do you agree to them?
- Are you, or have you ever been, a member of organizations that reject the free democratic basic order?
- What do you understand by democracy and the Constitution?
- Do you have any criminal convictions that might be relevant here?
Our recommendation:
Prepare yourself using our information sheets so you arrive at your appointment well-informed. If your medical history is complex, we recommend consulting with an attorney beforehand.
Our recommended reading
Declaration of Loyalty for Naturalization
The declaration of loyalty is an important step toward Naturalization Germany. Anyone wishing to obtain German citizenship must declare that they recognize the free democratic basic order …
Information Sheets for Download
These materials are designed to help you prepare specifically for your naturalization appointment. All documents have been prepared by MIGRANDO and are available free of charge.
💡 Recommendation: Be sure to read the information sheet on the declaration of loyalty *before* your appointment. The case worker will discuss the contents with you.
