COHEN CENTER

After 1937, Jews needed the following documents from German authorities to leave the country:

• Passport
• Certificate from the local police noting the formal dissolution of residence in Germany.
• Certificate from the Reich Ministry of Finance approving emigration. This certificate required:

  • the payment of an emigration tax of 25 percent on total assets valued at more than 50,000 RM. This tax came due upon the dissolution of German residence.
  • the submission of an itemized list of all gifts made to third parties since January 1, 1931. If their value exceeded 10,000 RM, then they were included in the calculation of the emigration tax.
  • certification from the local tax office that there are no outstanding taxes due.
  • certification from a currency exchange office that all currency regulations have been followed. An emigrant was permitted to take 2,000 RM or less in currency out of the country. All remaining assets were transferred into blocked blank accounts with restricted access.
  • Customs declaration, dated no earlier than three days prior to departure, permitting the export of itemized personal and household goods. This declaration required:
  • the submission of a list, in triplicate, of all personal and household goods accompanying the emigrant and their value. The lists must note items acquired to facilitate emigration.
  • documents attesting to the value of personal and household goods and written explanations for the necessity of taking them out of the country.
  • the certification from a currency exchange office permitting the export of itemized personal and household goods, dated no earlier than 14 days prior to departure.

With the above documents, emigrants may leave Germany, if and only if they have valid travel arrangements and have entrance visas for another country. Note: After the union of Germany and Austria in March 1938, emigrants from Austria, holding an Austrian passport, had to apply for a German exit visa before they were permitted to leave the country.