Applying for German Citizenship: Download the Form
First, the good news: If you want to apply for German citizenship, you do not have to use a legally required form. You can also submit an informal application.
As a general rule, however, it makes sense to use the form provided by your naturalization authority. If your authority does not offer its own form, or if you want to start preparing your application now, you can download our free sample forms here.
In 2025, the Higher Administrative Court of North Rhine-Westphalia (OVG NRW) also confirmed that an application for German citizenship may, in principle, be submitted informally. Therefore, a specific naturalization form may not be required.
In practice, however, most naturalization authorities provide their own forms. Many authorities now also offer an online application.
If the relevant authority provides its own application form, it makes sense to use it. This way, you can ensure that the authority receives all the information it needs to process your application.
You can fill in your form directly on the computer and then print it out. We recommend that you do this instead of printing it out first and filling it in by hand.
Application for German Citizenship: How to Fill Out the Form Correctly
The information you must provide in your application for German citizenship may vary depending on the naturalization authority. However, the most important details are the same in most naturalization applications.
Your application form should include the following information:
- Personal details
- Information about your spouse or domestic partner (if applicable)
- Information about your children (if applicable)
- Information Regarding Your Citizenship
- Information About Your Status and Stay in Germany
- Information about your education and professional background
- Details of your language skills
- Information Regarding Any Criminal Offenses
- Information Regarding Your Financial Situation
- Other Information (e.g., previous applications)
- Notes and instructions for you
- Date, Name, and Signature
In the table below, we have summarized all the important information that should be included in a naturalization application form. You will also find tips on what to keep in mind when filling out the form.
Field in the form | What information is required? | What do you need to keep in mind? |
|---|---|---|
Personal details | Last name (maiden name, if applicable), first name, date of birth, place of birth, gender, address, marital status | The information provided must match the information on your identification documents |
Information About Spouse / Partner | First and last name, date of birth, place of birth, gender, address, nationality, date of marriage / divorce | Don't forget to include information about previous marriages or civil partnerships |
Residence Status | Residence permit s in Germany | specify both the current Residence permit and any previous ones Residence permit |
Family Information (Children) | First and last name, date of birth, place of birth, gender | Please indicate here whether the child should also be naturalized. |
Family Information (Parents) | First and last name, gender, nationality, place of residence | If no information can be provided, this section generally does not need to be filled out |
Information on Professional History | School attendance, high school diplomas, vocational training programs, completion of vocational training, and employment history over the past five years | Always list the highest degree you have earned |
Language and Integration | Language Skills, Language Certificates, Naturalization Test ("Life in Germany" Test) | If no language certificate or naturalization test is available, school or vocational training diplomas will also be accepted |
Criminal offenses | Information on completed and pending criminal proceedings | Both criminal proceedings in Germany and those abroad must be listed here |
Information on financial circumstances | all income, child support obligations, insurance policies, and other financial circumstances | If you receive basic income support (formerly known as “Bürgergeld”) or welfare, you are generally not eligible for the “ Naturalization ” program. |
Miscellaneous | Information regarding previous applications at Naturalization, date, and applicant's signature | Read the instructions and guidelines carefully |
The difference between the application for minors under the age of 16 and the application for adults is that information on marriage, spouse or pension payments is omitted from the application for minors under the age of 16.
Where can I get the application form for German citizenship?
You can usually obtain the form for your application for naturalization ( Naturalization ) from your local naturalization office. Many cities and counties make the naturalization form available as a PDF on their websites. You can download the application there, fill it out, and submit it to the office.
Many government agencies now also offer an online application. In this case, you can fill out and submit your application and all supporting documents directly through a digital portal.
Therefore, it's best to check the website of your local government agency. There, you'll find out which form to use and how to submit your application.
Submitting the form to the German Federal Office for the Protection of the Environment, Nature Conservation, and Nuclear Safety ( Naturalization ): Here are the documents you'll need
The method you use to submit the application form for German citizenship depends on your local authority. Most now offer an online form. Others accept applications by mail. Therefore, before submitting your application, find out which method your local authority requires.
In addition to the completed naturalization form, you will need the following supporting documents to ensure your application is complete:
- Proof of income
- Pension insurance history
- a signed declaration of loyalty and a commitment to the free democratic basic order
- Proof of B1-level language proficiency (language certificate or an alternative)
- Proof of identity (current passport or passport substitute, other forms of identification)
- Proof of Your Right to Reside
- Proof of your health and long-term care insurance
- Lease Agreement and Proof of Rent Payment
- extended registration certificate
- Curriculum vitae
- biometric passport photo
Our checklist provides a clear summary of all the important documents required for the “ Naturalization .” This allows you to check, before submitting your application, which documents you already have and which ones you still need.
Problems with the naturalization form: What should you do?
Most naturalization authorities have clear and straightforward guidelines for filling out and submitting the form. Nevertheless, questions or minor issues may arise in some cases.
It is important that you fill out the German citizenship application form as completely as possible and submit it along with all the required documents.
The agency does not accept informal applications: By law, applications for German citizenship are not required to use a specific form. In practice, however, it is easiest to use the agency’s application form to avoid delays in processing.
The information on the form is unclear: If you are unsure while filling it out, contact your local government office or seek advice. Errors or conflicting information may lead to follow-up questions later on and, as a result, a longer processing time.
The agency requires additional documents: In addition to the German citizenship application form, the agency requires various documents to verify that you meet the requirements for Naturalization. If the agency requests additional documents, you should submit them as soon as possible. This will also help prevent delays in processing your application.
If you have not received a confirmation of receipt: Check with your naturalization office to see if your application has been received. You should also keep a copy of the application and proof of submission. That way, if there is any doubt, you can prove when and how you submitted your naturalization application.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers About the German Citizenship Application Form
In fact, there is no standard form used throughout Germany that you are required to use when applying for German citizenship. The application can also be submitted informally.
Most naturalization authorities provide their own forms or an online application. Therefore, it is easiest to use the form provided by your local authority.
Most cities and counties provide the form for the “ Naturalization ” on the agency’s website as a downloadable PDF or as an online application. If you cannot find the form there, you should contact the agency directly or use our sample form.
Generally speaking, yes! The application at Naturalization does not require a specific form. However, if your naturalization authority uses a form, it is recommended that you use it.
You must submit the application form for German citizenship to the naturalization office responsible for your place of residence. This is usually the same office that is responsible for processing your residence permit.
