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Section 5 StAG: How the Declaration Works and Why the 2031 Deadline Matters

One of the most common questions applicants ask is how a Section 5 StAG declaration works in practice, and how much time is left to make one.

The process is simpler than a naturalization in several respects. However, it is subject to a strict deadline.

A Declaration, Not a Discretionary Decision

Under Section 5, citizenship is not granted at the discretion of an authority.

An eligible person acquires German citizenship by declaring that they wish to become German. The Federal Office of Administration (BVA) then reviews whether the legal requirements are met.

How the Declaration Is Filed

The declaration is made on the official BVA forms, which must be completed in German. These usually include:

• Form EER, the declaration itself
• Appendix EER, generally needed if no other citizenship procedure is already pending at the BVA
• Appendix AV, for information about earlier generations of ancestors

Applicants living abroad can send the declaration directly to the BVA in Berlin or submit it through the responsible German embassy or consulate.

When Citizenship Is Acquired

If all requirements are met, German citizenship is acquired on the day the BVA receives the declaration.

Submitting the declaration at an embassy or consulate does not count as receipt. Only the date the BVA receives it is decisive.

The BVA then issues a certificate confirming the acquisition of German citizenship by declaration.

The 19 August 2031 Deadline

The right to make a declaration is limited to ten years. The declaration must reach the BVA no later than 19 August 2031.

Declarations received after that date cannot lead to the acquisition of citizenship.

Because records from several generations and countries are often needed, preparation usually takes longer than families expect.

Declarations for Minors

For children under 16, the declaration is made by their legal representatives, and all of them must sign.

Applicants aged 16 and older make and sign their own declaration.

Costs and Processing Time

The BVA procedure itself is free of charge. Costs for obtaining documents, certifications, and translations are not reimbursed.

Processing can take a considerable amount of time. Some German missions ask applicants not to enquire about the status for at least 30 months after receiving confirmation of receipt.

Conclusion

A Section 5 declaration is a comparatively streamlined route, but it only works if it reaches the BVA by 19 August 2031. Starting early and preparing a complete, well-documented declaration is the best way to avoid problems with the deadline.