Loss of the Naturalization Certificate (Einbürgerungsurkunde) in Germany: How to Apply for a Replacement

The naturalization certificate (Einbürgerungsurkunde) is the official document proving that you have acquired German citizenship. Losing this certificate can be stressful, but you can obtain a replacement document by following a formal procedure.

Steps to Apply for a Replacement Naturalization Certificate

1. Reporting the loss of the certificate
At the beginning, it is advisable to report the loss of the certificate to the local police or security authorities, so that the incident is officially documented.
This is not always a strict legal requirement, but it helps to clarify the situation for the authorities.

2. Contact the local naturalization office (Einbürgerungsbehörde)
Get in touch with the naturalization office (Einbürgerungsbehörde) in the city or federal state where your naturalization decision was issued and the certificate was originally granted.
You may be required to make an appointment in order to submit an application for a replacement certificate.

3. Submit a formal written application
Prepare a written application in which you explain the loss of the naturalization certificate, and include your personal data and, if available, your file or reference number.
If the office provides a standard application form, you can use that instead of a free-form letter.

4. Attach supporting documents
You may be asked to present your German ID card or German passport in order to prove your identity.
In some cases, recent passport photos may also be required.

5. Pay the applicable fees
Issuing a replacement naturalization certificate is subject to administrative fees, which usually range between 10 and 50 euros, depending on the federal state.

6. Wait for the new certificate to be issued
Once all steps are completed and the necessary documents and fees have been submitted, a new naturalization certificate will be issued as a replacement.
Processing times can vary and may range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the authority and the federal state.

Important tips

• As soon as you receive the new certificate, make a digital copy or take a clear photo of it for your records.

• If the certificate is urgently needed, ask the naturalization office whether they can provide a temporary document or interim confirmation.

• To avoid future problems, store your important original documents in a safe and secure place.

Conclusion

Losing your naturalization certificate is inconvenient, but not the end of the world. By submitting a formal application to your local naturalization office and paying the required fees, you can normally obtain a replacement certificate without major complications. Acting quickly and in an organized way helps ensure that you receive your new document with minimal delay.

The website’s editorial and author team strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and consultation of multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors may occur, or some information may be uncertain or not fully verified. For this reason, the information contained in the articles should be considered an initial, non-binding reference, and you should always consult the relevant authorities for definitive and officially confirmed information.