Family history
Places and dates of birth of the applicant, parents and grandparents, plus the family’s residence history.
Ethnic German resettlement consultation
We review family history and documents, explain the BVFG criteria and plan your next steps.
Book a consultation
We assess your family history, explain the BVFG criteria and prepare a personalised plan for the next steps.
We advise Russian-speaking clients worldwide, review their information and documents, identify potential risks and explain the requirements clearly.
FIRMDER UG (haftungsbeschränkt) is an independent private consultancy. We are not a public authority and do not decide our clients’ applications. Final assessment and decisions rest exclusively with the competent German authorities.
What is the ethnic German resettlement programme?
The ethnic German resettlement procedure under the Federal Expellees Act (BVFG) concerns people of German ancestry and certain family members. Eligibility depends on ancestry, personal history, family relationships, language and other statutory criteria.
During the consultation, we explain the main requirements and compare them with your information. Each case is assessed individually; consultation does not replace an official decision.
The initial information we assess
German ancestry
Information about nationality and ancestry recorded in family and archive documents.
Age and family composition
Dates of birth, spouses, children and other circumstances that may affect the individual assessment.
Language background
Current German level and suitable preparation, considering each family member’s role in the procedure.
Individual indicators do not establish automatic eligibility. A sound assessment requires considering all circumstances together.
What makes this
admission route distinctive?
admission route distinctive?
Following eligible admission, citizenship is acquired under section 7 StAG, rather than the ordinary naturalisation residence period. The admission procedure and its ancestry, language and other requirements must nevertheless be met.
Following a positive assessment and fulfilment of the remaining conditions:
Ethnic German resettlers acquire German citizenship when the section 15 BVFG certificate is issued, under section 7 StAG. Entry, the status certificate and later issuance of a passport are separate steps; a passport is not automatically handed over on arrival.
Children born later may also qualify under the statutory conditions. Relevant factors include the date of birth, inclusion in the procedure and the parents’ citizenship status; citizenship is not automatically acquired by every child.
Inclusion of a spouse generally requires a marriage of at least three years, along with other conditions. Following eligible admission, citizenship is acquired when the certificate under section 15(2) BVFG is issued.
Admission procedure requiring ancestry evidence
Key matters to assess and document include:
– documented German ancestry, for example through parents or grandparents,
– generally, the ability to hold a simple conversation in German as required by law.
– generally, the ability to hold a simple conversation in German as required by law.
Spouses and descendants may be included in the admission notice under section 27(2) BVFG if eligible; their subsequent status is governed in part by section 7 BVFG.
Language requirements:
For main applicants, language requirements must be assessed under section 6 BVFG: generally, at least the ability to hold a simple conversation in German. B1 can be particularly relevant as an alternative way to demonstrate identification with German ethnicity; a B1 certificate and a language test are not the same requirement in every case. Evidence and statutory exceptions are assessed individually.
Inclusion of spouses and adult descendants generally requires basic German, usually A1, under section 27(2) BVFG; statutory exceptions must be assessed.
Statutory exceptions to language evidence can apply, particularly for certain illnesses or disabilities. Age alone does not automatically provide an exemption. Conditions and evidence are assessed individually.
Citizenship by descent: a separate assessment
Whether descendants abroad already hold German citizenship depends on nationality law, particularly whether a parent was German when they were born. A parent’s later admission as an ethnic German resettler does not automatically make previously born children German. Subsequent inclusion under section 27 BVFG may instead need to be considered for relatives remaining in the resettlement area. Where citizenship already exists, establishing it may be possible:
– potentially without first moving to Germany, where German citizenship already exists,
– without a BVFG language test when establishing citizenship that already exists,
– subject to a separate nationality-law assessment; a parent’s later recognition as an ethnic German resettler does not automatically pass citizenship retrospectively to children.
– without a BVFG language test when establishing citizenship that already exists,
– subject to a separate nationality-law assessment; a parent’s later recognition as an ethnic German resettler does not automatically pass citizenship retrospectively to children.
Ethnic German resettlement is a statutory admission route for people of German ethnicity and certain relatives. If the conditions are met, admission is linked to acquisition of citizenship under section 7 StAG. German ancestry alone is not enough.
How we work
Initial review of your information
1. Tell us about your situation
Provide the family-history information and copies of documents you already have. We do not request originals for the initial consultation.2. Receive a preliminary assessment
We compare your information with the main BVFG criteria and identify supported facts, gaps and questions requiring clarification.3. Receive a written summary
The summary identifies provisionally supported criteria, missing information and risks to consider before taking further steps.4. Agree on a clear scope of consultation
Before paid work begins, we agree the services, price and expected consultation materials. Payment is for the professionals’ work and is not dependent on an official decision.
Review and organise your documents
After the initial assessment, you can commission an extended consultation. We organise your documents, check their internal consistency and prepare a clear list of questions for your further independent use.
1. Build a family chronology
We organise dates, places of residence, family relationships and ancestry information to identify inconsistencies and missing details.2. Check the consistency of the evidence
We compare name spellings, dates, relationships and other information in the copies you provide.3. Coordinate translations and language preparation of documents
We explain which documents may need translation, certification or an apostille and coordinate independent specialists where needed.4. Create a personalised checklist
You receive a structured overview of existing documents, gaps, questions requiring clarification and possible next steps.Outcome:
You receive a clear consultation outcome and organised working documents to make your own decisions about the next steps.
Consultation plan for the next steps
Based on the findings, we explain possible next steps and help you prepare to work independently with the relevant organisations and specialists.
1. Step-by-step plan
You receive a personalised sequence of next steps reflecting your family situation, available documents and identified risks.2. Explain correspondence received
If you have received a letter from an organisation or specialist, we help explain its content and identify questions to clarify.3. Language preparation
Where needed, we identify a suitable German course format based on each family member’s current level and goals.4. Plan relocation and settling in
We provide separate advice on practical relocation matters: health insurance, housing, banking, school, childcare and the first organisational steps in Germany.Outcome:
You receive a structured plan with a clear allocation of the next tasks. Official decisions and government documents are not deliverables of FIRMDER’s consultation service.
Admission as an ethnic German resettler can involve support with relocation, orientation and integration. Access to healthcare, education and social benefits depends on the applicable rules and individual eligibility.
Support with
settling in Germany
settling in Germany
Healthcare, education and social support depend on status and eligibility and can help with settling in.
What should you know?
Spouses
ethnic German
resettlers
The BVFG governs admission as an ethnic German resettler. People of German ancestry from countries such as Russia, Kazakhstan and other designated areas may move to Germany if the statutory requirements are met. Acquisition of citizenship is governed by section 7 StAG and the certificate under section 15 BVFG.
Retired applicants
Ethnic German
resettlers
Admission as an ethnic German resettler can involve support with relocation, orientation and integration. Access to healthcare, education and social benefits depends on the applicable rules and individual eligibility.
Settling in Germany
Housing for
ethnic German
resettlers
ethnic German
resettlers
Certificate
Housing eligibility certificate for
subsidised
housing
Housing eligibility certificate for
subsidised
housing
Health insurance for ethnic German resettlers
Bank
account for
ethnic German
resettlers
account for
ethnic German
resettlers
Finding a job
Social benefits
Motor insurance
Qualification recognition
Consultation packages for ethnic German resettlers
Initial assessment
€ 900
- Review your initial information questionnaire
- Assess the main BVFG criteria
- List of missing information
- Written summary
- Consultation on the findings
Relocation and settling in
Individually quoted
- Relocation consultation plan
- Health insurance guidance
- Advice on housing and address registration
- Banking and everyday matters
- School, childcare and integration services
- Individual consultations after relocation
One lesson from €16
- Flexible study options: individual lessons or packages of 40 or 100 lessons.
- The appropriate number of lessons depends on starting level, learning goals and progress and is determined individually.
Extended family assessment
from €1,100
INITIAL ASSESSMENT INCLUDED
- Everything in the Initial Assessment package
- Family chronology
- Review the copies provided
- Overview of inconsistencies and risks
- Guidance on translating and organising documents
- Personalised next-step plan
TELEGRAM
Information channel about life and settling in Germany
€10 / month
Your subscription includes:
- Access to the knowledge base and exclusive information materials
- Practical information on life, relocation and settling in Germany
- Topic-focused expert sessions
€5/day/person
Select health insurance for moving to Germany based on your situation and intended entry date.
FAQ
The consultation is for people of German ancestry and their families who want an initial understanding of the BVFG criteria. German ancestry or a single document alone does not guarantee that all requirements are met.
Useful information includes dates and places of birth, family relationships, ancestors’ recorded nationality, places of residence and available family or archive records. Copies and a description of your circumstances are enough for the first consultation.
Language requirements depend on the person’s role in the family procedure and individual circumstances. We explain the requirements and help identify suitable preparation. Final assessment rests with the responsible authorities.
Yes. Family composition, relationships and each person’s circumstances are relevant to the assessment. We create a family overview and identify matters requiring separate clarification.
A written summary of the initial information, identified risks and gaps, and an information plan for the next steps. Consultation is not an official decision and does not guarantee a particular outcome.
About us.
Helping people move to Germany since 2007.
Helping people move to Germany since 2007.
Our team of experts helps you find the most suitable route to Germany from the available immigration pathways. We support you at every stage to make the process straightforward and clear.
Our social media channels share useful information about moving to Germany, settling in and everyday life. Stay connected and follow us!
We communicate openly and share useful information on our social media channels!
The largest Telegram community about immigration to Germany.
More than 11,000 members discuss different aspects of relocation in the group.
Why clients choose us:
We turn scattered information and documents into a clear picture: identifying open questions, explaining the criteria and developing a personal plan for the next steps.
Our aim is to make the programme requirements clear, identify risks early and help clients make informed decisions at every stage.
1
Free document assessment
At the initial meeting, our specialists determine the scope of the review and explain what information is needed for a substantive consultation.
2
Services under a written contract
All obligations are set out in writing. We are responsible for the quality and timeliness of our work.
3
A personal approach
A tailored strategy and action plan based on your circumstances and documents.
4
Our own language school
We prepare you for language exams through programmes with native speakers and language teaching specialists.
5
Interest-free instalments
Pay in interest-free instalments over up to six months.
6
Client reviews
We share real client stories, case progress and feedback on social media.
7
Professional expertise
A personal adviser and a legal specialist are available to assist you. We organise the materials you provide and prepare an individual checklist.
8
A full range of services
We combine a review of your circumstances with translation coordination, language preparation and relocation advice.
Client feedback on Telegram
Our Telegram group
REQUEST A CALLBACK
Our team will contact you
Send an enquiry through our website and our team will contact you as soon as possible. We will explain the current immigration pathways to Germany in detail and help you choose the best option.
We are here to help
Contact details
+49 (0) 3052015129
in Russian
+49 (0) 61312765662
in German
info@relocationde.com
Office hours
7:00 - 17:00 Uhr
Berlin time
We do not issue government documents and cannot guarantee a decision by an authority. Decisions on an Aufnahmebescheid (admission notice), citizenship and other official documents are made exclusively by the competent German authorities.
FIRMDER GmbH is an independent private consultancy in Germany. We are not a government authority, do not issue official documents and do not make decisions on clients’ cases. Such decisions are made exclusively by the competent German authorities.
© 2026 FIRMDER GmbH. All rights reserved.