Applying for German citizenship: how does it work?
To apply foreutsche Staatsbürgerschaft (German citizenship)you must submit an application for Naturalization to the naturalization authority responsible for you. To do so, you must meet certain requirements and submit the correct documents in full.
Requirements for the application for German citizenship
If you meet the relevant requirements, you can obtain your Naturalization after 5 years legal residence in Germany:
- Clarification of identity: This can be done with a valid passport or identity card.
- Language certificates: You need at least language level B1.
- Naturalization test & Declaration of Loyalty: In our free exam simulator you can practice for the naturalization test.
- Securing your livelihood: In order to be naturalized, you must prove that you can support yourself and your family.
- No previous convictions: You can no longer be naturalized if you have a long prison sentence or a previous conviction of more than 90 days. Disclose all criminal offenses truthfully.
- Correctly completed application for naturalization: You can collect this application from your local naturalization office or download it online.
In our checklist for download we have all the necessary documents and requirements for youso that you can can check whether your naturalization application is complete.
Where can you apply for German citizenship?
In the following PDF you will find a list of the naturalization authorities in the most important German cities where you can apply for German citizenship.
How to submit the naturalization documents
Although the application for Naturalization is often complete, some naturalization documents are submitted incorrectly. Please note the following points:
- All documents must be submitted in German. If some of your documents are in another language, you must have them translated into German by a sworn translator. by a sworn translator.
- Be sure to observe the deadlines and submit all documents on time.
- Before submitting the naturalization documents, check that you have all the documents together and that they are correctly completed and sorted correctly. In this way you can prevent unnecessary delays.
The amendment to the Naturalization Act has been in force since 27 June 2024. The most important changes are the reduction of the required period of residence from 8 to 5 years and the possibility of dual citizenship.
Fees for the application for Naturalization
The application for Naturalization in Germany usually costs 255 € per adult person. For children under 18 who are naturalized with their parents, this amount is reduced to €51 per child.
Applying for German citizenship: the procedure
The naturalization process can seem complex at first glance. With the following picture we would like to help you to better understand the process and thus successfully master it.
- Inform yourself: Make sure you meet all general and specific requirements for Naturalization . Take our test and find out directly!
- Collect the documents & prepare them: Also, find out about all the necessary documents and collect them in the correct form. Complete the application and sign documents such as the declaration of loyalty.
- Take the naturalization test: If you pass, you will receive a certificate to put with your other documents. Use our exam simulator for the naturalization testto prepare for the test.
- Submit the application for Naturalization : Check all your documents again for completeness and accuracy and submit the application to your authority or directly online. Pay attention to deadlines and adhere to them!
- Pay the fees: When you have to do this differs from authority to authority. With some you have to pay right at the beginning, with others you only receive the payment request towards the end. In any case, pay on time and the correct amount.
- Wait for the answer: On average, it takes 10-12 weeks before you receive a reply from the naturalization authority. If you have not heard anything after 12 weeks, you can file a Lawsuit for failure of act with the administrative court.
- Become a German citizen: Once your application has been reviewed, you will receive notification of the decision and can make an appointment to receive your naturalization certificate.
You can submit the application for Naturalization both on site at your local naturalization office or conveniently online from the comfort of your own home. If you submit the application online, this should be done on the website of your competent authority.
Processing times and deadlines
Applying for German citizenship is a process with several steps. As a result, it can sometimes take a long time before you are naturalized. With the introduction of the new Naturalization Act of June 27, 2024, the naturalization period be shortened, but the waiting times have increased due to the suddenly much higher number of applications.
You can shorten these times by adhering to the deadlines, submitting all documents correctly and completely and making regular inquiries. A lawyer can help you with this and ensure that you receive the Naturalization as quickly as possible.
Rights and obligations under the Naturalization
With Naturalization you not only receive a German passport, but also a range of new rights and obligations. The following table explains the advantages and responsibilities that come with German citizenship.
Rights | Duties |
|---|---|
Right to vote | Tax liability |
Freedom of movement in the EU | Compliance with the law |
Freedom to travel | Use of the right to vote |
Career opportunities | Integration & participation |
Apply for German citizenship now
The German citizenship to apply is an important step that many have been waiting a long time for. There are many requirements, documents, deadlines and feesthat must be observed or submitted. Prepare yourself well and get help so that you don't have to wait any longer.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about applying for German citizenship
You obtain German citizenship by fulfilling the legal requirements, submitting the necessary documents, passing the naturalization test and submitting the application to the competent authority.
For the naturalization application you need, among other things ...
- ... the completed application form,
- the signed declaration of loyalty and
- proof of your legal residence in Germany.
In our checklist you will find all the necessary documents.
For the application for Naturalization Adults pay a fee of € 255 and children under 18 pay a fee of €51 if they are naturalized together with an adult. However, there are also other costs that are incurred when applying for Naturalization .
Depending on how busy the authorities are, the application for Naturalization can take between a few months and several years. You can shorten the waiting time somewhat by submitting all documents correctly and completely complete, meeting the deadlines and paying fees correctly. A lawyer can further shorten the waiting time for Naturalization .
You can either pick up the forms for the application at Naturalization from your local naturalization office or download them online.
