Naturalization without a passport

It is a mandatory requirement for successful naturalization that your identity and previous nationality are clarified. This rule applies to all types of naturalization.

The authorities must be able to clearly determine who you are. This is important in order to be able to check, for example, whether there are reasons that speak against naturalization. These include previous criminal offenses or anti-constitutional activities. Checking whether you can support yourself also depends on your identity.

Own examination by the naturalization authority

Even if your identity has already been checked by the immigration authority in a previous procedure, for example when issuing your residence permit, the naturalization authority will carry out its own independent check. The findings of the immigration authority are not binding for the naturalization authority. It is therefore all the more important to carefully compile all documents for the naturalization application.

How you can prove your identity

Proving your identity is a crucial step in the naturalization process. There is a multi-stage system for this, which offers you various options depending on which documents are available to you.

First stage: Official documents

The simplest and most direct way to prove your identity is to present official documents from your country of origin. These documents have the highest probative value.

These include above all:

• A valid national passport
• A birth certificate
• A marriage certificate

Other government documents can also be helpful, especially if they contain a photograph, such as a driver's license or a registration certificate.

Second stage: Other evidence

If you do not have any official government documents or it is unreasonable to expect you to obtain them, other means of proof can also be used. This is an important way of proving your identity even without a passport or birth certificate.

When is the procurement unreasonable?

Obtaining official documents may be unreasonable if there is no longer a functioning state administration in your country of origin or if you, as a recognized refugee, have to fear reprisals for yourself or your relatives if you contact the authorities in your country of origin.

What other evidence is there?

• Unofficial documents that can prove your personal data.
• Witness statements from relatives or other persons who can confirm your identity.

Third stage: Your credible information

If the evidence of the second stage cannot be obtained either, there is one last possibility. In this case, your identity may exceptionally be considered proven if your own statements are conclusive and credible and are convincing in an overall assessment of all the circumstances.

Special regulations for certain groups of people

Refugees and persons entitled to protection

Recognized refugees have easier access to documents. It is taken into account that it is often unreasonable for them to contact the authorities of their country of persecution. Nevertheless, the identity of refugees must also be clarified for naturalization. A refugee passport that was issued without the note that the personal details are based on personal information can serve as proof here.

Children born in Germany

The identity of children born in Germany must also be clarified for naturalization. As a rule, this depends on the identity and nationality of their parents also being proven. A German birth certificate alone is not always sufficient for this if it contains the addition that the data is based on the information provided by the parents.

Your involvement in the process

You can actively contribute to the success of your naturalization application. Your cooperation is required by law and helps the authorities to process your application quickly. You should submit all circumstances and evidence that are favorable to you as early as possible. This also includes actively helping to clarify your identity, for example by obtaining documents or naming witnesses, insofar as this is possible and reasonable for you.