Chafetz Chayim - Unlocking Your Future with German Citizenship
A German citizenship opens a world of opportunities: the freedom to live, work, and travel across Europe, access to a world-class education at little to no cost, and the security of a robust social welfare system. Let our team of international experts guide you through this transformative journey with precision and a global perspective. Your new passport isn’t just a document; with the promise of financial stability, unparalleled healthcare, and educational advantages for you and your loved ones, it’s your gateway to a more secure future.
Not sure if you are eligible for German citizenship? If you have a Jewish ancestor who lived in Germany before 1945, you may very well qualify! Provide your details above, and we will assess your eligibility thoroughly and quickly. Our experts offer a professional review of your documents and family history at no cost or commitment on your end. Don't miss the opportunity to gain European citizenship and open new horizons for your future!
Our expert team is here to save you the effort, frustration and possible mistakes that could delay your application process. With a deep understanding of German bureaucracy, and with our professional team residing in Germany, we ensure your documents meet the strict requirements of the local authorities. From locating the necessary documents to submitting all of the forms and documents to closely following up and monitoring through local offices, we ensure a smooth process throughout the way. Let us handle the details, so that you can enjoy a quick and accurate result!
The Perfect Blend of Global Expertise and Premium Personal Care
Our international team combines local German experts for law and archives, with a customer-focused, English-speaking team, to ensure a smooth, transparent, and efficient experience. We’re here to make your German citizenship process simple, professional, and goal oriented. German bureaucracy and sensitivity to Jewish family histories
Deep Expertise in the German
re-naturalization process
Our team includes local German experts specializing in citizenship laws, historical archives, and navigating the complexities of German bureaucracy.
Premium Service Delivered in Fluent English
Our international service team combines expertise in the German naturalization process with a commitment to delivering top-tier, client-focused service that meets international standards, ensuring clarity and ease with fluent English communication throughout the process.
Historical Sensitivity Backed by Personal Experience
Several of our team members have undergone this process themselves or with their families. This gives us a profound understanding of Jewish family histories and a keen insight into the nuances, allowing us to approach every application with personal attentiveness and insight.
Efficient and Transparent Process from Start to Finish
We handle every aspect of the process – from locating essential documents to submitting them to German authorities – using efficient internal systems and direct connections with the relevant local agencies, ensuring fast and accurate outcome.
Initial Eligibility Check –
Free of Charge and Without Obligation
As a first step, we will conduct an initial review of the information and documents you provide, to assess your compliance with the criteria for eligibility for citizenship. This service also includes an initial archival search, all at no cost or obligation on your part .
Research and Obtain Required Documents
Our team conducts in-depth research in German archives and, when required, expands the search to other countries based on your family history. We’ll also assist in obtaining necessary documents from government offices and authorities.
Preparing Your File for Submission
We handle the translation of your essential documents into German, complete the necessary application forms, and organize your file to meet the rigorous standards of German authorities. A German lawyer supervises each case individually, to ensure compliance and prevent delays.
Case Submission and Ongoing Follow-Up
Once your case is submitted to the authorities in Germany, we closely monitor its progress through our direct communication with officials. We provide you with regular updates until the final decision is reached.
Take the first step —
we’ll be by your side, turning your dream of German citizenship into a reality.
Economic and Healthcare Security
German citizenship provides access to an advanced social welfare system, including universal healthcare, robust social protections, and comprehensive rights to comprehensive social benefits and protections.
Access to Free or Subsidized Higher Education
As a German citizen, you can attend top-tier universities across Europe without tuition fees or at a nominal cost, ensuring a brighter financial and professional future to you or your children.
Freedom of Movement and Employment in Europe
The German passport grants you the right to live, work, and enjoy full privileges in all 27 European Union countries without restrictions or the need for visas.
Curious about your eligibility for German citizenship?
Find out today with a free, no-obligation assessment.
Complete the form to get started, and we’ll take care of the rest!
At Chafetz Chayim, our mission is to help descendants of Jewish families persecuted by the Nazis navigate the path to German citizenship, empowering them to access the opportunities and rights they deserve. We understand the unique challenges and sensitivities involved in this significant process and are here to support you at every step, in professionalism, empathy, and expertise.
We are driven by the conviction that descendants of Jewish families persecuted by the Nazis have the right to reclaim their status as European citizens. Our hybrid team combines the skills of internationally-minded service providers with German legal and archival experts. This blend ensures a culturally attuned and highly professional approach, tailored to your specific needs.
Many of our team members live and work in Germany, giving them firsthand experience with the intricacies of German bureaucracy. Having personally undergone the journey to reclaim citizenship, we are uniquely equipped to guide you through the process efficiently and with care.
Let us make your journey to German citizenship as smooth and straightforward as possible.
Chafetz Chayim (חפץ חיים) translates to “Desiring Life” in Hebrew. The name was chosen out of a deep connection to the values of life, hope, and forward thinking. It symbolizes resilience and the belief in a brighter future, even in the shadow of a complex past.
When you choose us, you are choosing local experts who understand the perspective and needs of our international clients, while also being deeply familiar with the German way of working. This ensures professional, efficient, and focused service without misleading shortcuts.
Eliyahu Raful
Eliyahu Raful, the founding director of the company, resides in Berlin and has been helping Israelis obtain German citizenship for years. Eliyahu also dedicates significant efforts to engaging with political and media organizations in Germany to promote the naturalization process for Israelis and Jews, emphasizing their ancestral rights in the country. In addition, Eliyahu actively promotes Jewish culture in Berlin, serving as a cantor in local synagogues and leading various intercultural projects.
Dr. Kati Lang
Dr. Kathy Lang is a renowned lawyer and expert in German law, as well as a committed human rights advocate. She serves as the official representative of Germany’s largest organization combating anti-Semitism, the League for the Eradication of Anti-Semitism. Dr. Lang’s expertise in Jewish rights and her fight against anti-Semitism have earned her invitations to speak at the German Parliament, political conferences, and universities. She also manages direct relations with German authorities, ensuring impactful advocacy and meaningful engagement.
Eric Stutzenberger
Eric Stutzenberger, the Director of our Archives Department, is an expert in archival research, specializing in Jewish history. A historian by training, Eric studied at the University of Heidelberg and contributed to its archival initiatives. His deep familiarity with the workings of German archives enables him to locate critical documents, even in cases where others encounter challenges.
Maayan Meir
Maayan Meir is a seasoned operations professional with 15 years of experience living in Berlin. As the Vice President of Operations at Chafetz Chayim, Maayan oversees the organization’s daily operations, ensuring seamless and efficient functioning. She also leads special projects aligned with the company’s strategic goals, driving its objectives forward and enhancing client outcomes.
Office Staff
Our office is staffed by international professionals living in Germany. Our team understands the unique needs and perspectives of individuals requiring services in Germany while residing elsewhere. Fluent in both English and German, they are well-versed in navigating local authorities and processes. The meticulous workflows we’ve developed while managing hundreds of cases enable us to deliver fast, efficient, and highly reliable service, tailored to meet the expectations of a global clientele.
Want to learn more? Our experts are here to help.
Tamir Grauss
Eliyahu and the Chafetz Chayim team offer a personal, professional, and committed service that is extremely special. From the start, I knew I could trust them: they responded quickly, wrote warm words of encouragement, and thought of brilliant solutions, even when the issue seemed difficult. All thanks to them, now I possess my German passport. If you need professionals who will help you with empathy - this is where you should go! 
Shimon Friedberg
I would like to thank Eliyahu and the staff at "Chafetz Chayim" so much for the outstanding service I experienced in my German citizenship procedure. Aside from their professional and attentive attitude, I was most impressed by the incredible effort that was put into my case. Without having essential information, like marriage dates, they were able to find birth and marriage certificates from the UK with such speed and accuracy. The staff showed remarkable professionalism, with attention to every detail and subtlety of the process. They instructed me clearly at each stage, responded to all my queries promptly and patiently, and made sure that everything moved along smoothly without hitches. The outcome was speedy – a remarkably efficient process that concluded with my German passport in my hands. If you want a team that provides innovative solutions, second-to-none expertise, and personal attention, I highly recommend Chafetz Chayim.
If your grandparents, great-grandparents, or even an earlier ancestor, lived in Germany before 1945, you may be entitled to German citizenship. The initial eligibility check with us is free and comes with no obligation.
No. German citizenship is inherited through parental lineage, not place of birth. Even if you were born outside of Germany, as long as one of your ancestors lived in Germany, you may be eligible.
Not at all! Germany allows dual citizenship in the case of re-naturalisation, so you can retain your current citizenship while enjoying the benefits of German citizenship.
Our hybrid team combines a thorough understanding of your unique needs with deep knowledge of German authorities' requirements and standards. We provide fast, professional, and precise service - all with a personal touch and the rigor needed to get the job done.
Yes. Once you obtain citizenship, your children can also apply and join the circle of those eligible. Children born after naturalization are automatically granted citizenship.
We assist in gathering necessary documents such as birth, marriage, and passport certificates. If you don’t have all the required documents, don’t worry - we’ll help you locate them. Even if you lack family history documents from Germany, we’ll handle the search for you!
No need to worry! We handle all communication with the German authorities on your behalf.
No. The process is entirely remote. Citizenship certificates can be received at the German consulate closest to your place of residence.
In most cases, eligibility is preserved across generations. However, changes in naturalization laws can occur, so it’s recommended to begin the process sooner rather than later.
It’s simple! Contact us, and we’ll take it from there. We’ll perform a free eligibility check and start building your case efficiently and accurately.
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Take the first step —
we’ll be by your side, turning your dream of German citizenship into a reality.
Leave us your details here and we'll take care of everything else.
