Eligible persons for the European elections

Teaser

You can stand for election to the European elections yourself. This is linked to your eligibility, among other things.

  • Service description

    You can stand as a candidate in the European elections under certain conditions. You must first be eligible for election.

    As a German citizen, you are eligible to vote if you have reached the age of eighteen on election day. However, you are not eligible if you lose your right to vote or your eligibility to vote due to a court decision or if you are not authorised to hold public office.

    If you are a citizen of the European Union, you are eligible to vote if you have a home or your habitual residence in Germany. You must also be at least 18 years old on election day. You are not eligible to vote if you have been excluded from the right to vote in Germany or your country of origin or if your eligibility to vote has been revoked by a court decision. You are also ineligible if you are not authorised to hold public office in Germany due to a court decision.

    To certify eligibility, the competent city or municipal administration will issue a certificate of eligibility upon request.

  • Procedure

    Your eligibility requirements are usually recorded in the population register. The certificate of eligibility is issued upon request by the responsible municipal or city administration for applicants in Germany. The Federal Ministry of the Interior and Homeland issues the certificate of eligibility for candidates who do not have a residence in Germany and do not usually reside there. It must be applied for at the diplomatic or consular mission of the Federal Republic of Germany responsible for the applicant's or substitute applicant's place of residence, otherwise directly by submitting the necessary supporting documents.

  • Prerequisites

    You are eligible to vote if, on election day

    • have German nationality or the nationality of one of the other Member States of the European Union and, as a citizen of the Union, have a residence or otherwise habitually reside in Germany and
    • have reached the age of 18.

    In addition, you must not be excluded from the right to vote.

  • Which documents are required?

    You will need your identity card or your foreign identity document.

  • What fees are incurred?

    There are no fees.

  • Processing time

    depending on the individual case

  • Legal basis

  • What else should I know?

    Further information on the topic of elections can be found at

  • Short text

    • European elections Determination of eligibility
    • Prerequisites:
      • German or EU citizenship on election day
      • at least 18 years old
      • as a citizen of a member state of the European Union with residence in Germany or habitual residence in Germany
    • Not eligible for German citizenship if:
      • excluded from the right to vote or
      • is not eligible or qualified to hold public office according to a court decision,
    • EU citizens are not eligible to vote if:
      • excluded from the right to vote in Germany or
      • excluded from the right to vote in their country of origin or
      • is ineligible or unable to hold public office in Germany as a result of a court decision, or
      • lost the right to stand for election in the country of origin due to a civil or criminal judgement
    • Contact point: The municipal or city administration responsible for your place of residence (main residence).

  • Issuing body

    Forwarding service: Deep link to the original portal

  • Typing

    2/3

  • Library entry status

    5

Responsible departments