What do you need to apply for German citizenship?
To apply for German citizenship, you must meet a number of requirements and present various documents. In the following video, we explain how to fill out the naturalization application correctly.
You will then learn the most important requirements for Naturalization in accordance with § 10 StAG so that you are well prepared to apply for the German Naturalization .
- Five years of legal residence in Germany: This includes temporary and permanent Residence permit.
- 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: You can practice for the naturalization test in our free test simulator.
- 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 daily rates. State all criminal offenses truthfully.
- Correctly completed naturalization application: You can collect this application from your local naturalization authority or download it online.
We have listed all the necessary documents and requirements for you in our downloadable checklist so that you can check whether your naturalization application is complete anytime and anywhere.
How to submit the naturalization documents
Although the application on Naturalization is often complete, some naturalization documents are submitted incorrectly. We have therefore collected the most common mistakes for you so that you don't make them.
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.
Be sure to observe the deadlines and submit all documents on time. Before submitting the naturalization documents, you should also check once again whether you have all the documents together and whether they have been completed and sorted correctly. This will help you to avoid 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 Naturalization is associated with various costs and fees. If you know about these in good time, you can prepare for them and avoid unpleasant surprises.
The application usually costs €255 per adult. For children under 18 who are naturalized with their parents, this amount is reduced to €51 per child.
Procedure for applying for Naturalization
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.
You will then find a detailed list and explanation of all the steps involved in applying for Naturalization .
- Find out: Make sure you meet all the general and specific requirements for Naturalization . Take our test and find out straight away!
- 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 add to your other documents. Use our naturalization test simulator to prepare for the test.
- Submit the application to Naturalization : Check all your documents once again to make sure they are complete and correct 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 until you receive an answer from the naturalization authority. If you have not heard anything after 12 weeks, you can submit an appeal to the administrative court at Lawsuit for failure of act .
- Become German: After your application has been reviewed, you will receive notification of the decision and can arrange an appointment to receive your naturalization certificate.
As already mentioned, you can submit the application for Naturalization both on site at your local naturalization authority and conveniently online from home. However, you must also do this online on the website of your competent authority.
Processing times and deadlines
Applying for German citizenship requires several steps. As a result, it can sometimes take a long time before you are naturalized. With the introduction of the new Naturalization Act on 27 June 2024, the naturalization period was supposed to be shortened, but 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
Applying for German citizenship is an important step that many people have been waiting a long time for. There are many requirements, documents, deadlines and fees that 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.
Various documents are required for the naturalization application. Take a look at our checklist to see what these are.
The processing time for the application for Naturalization can vary greatly. If you submit the application only for yourself, it will take at least 1 year. You will often only receive an appointment for an interview after 2 years.
You can shorten the waiting time somewhat by submitting all documents correctly and completely, fulfilling all requirements, meeting deadlines and paying fees correctly. A lawyer can further shorten the waiting time until Naturalization .
You can either pick up the forms for the application at Naturalization from your local naturalization office or download them online.
