How do you get a German passport?
The different ways in which you can obtain a German passport can be found right at the beginning of the Citizenship Act under § 3 StAG. There are requirements that you must fulfill for each type of German passport.
In most cases, German citizenship is acquired by birth. birth (the birthplace principle or the principle of descent) or by Naturalization (marriage, residence in Germany). Let's start by looking at these cases in detail!
German passport by birth
The requirements for a German passport by birth are set out in § 4 StAG. The following rule applies to children born in Germany to foreign parents:
If one parent can prove 5 years of legal residence in Germany and has permanent residence status in Germany, the child will receive a German passport automatically the German passport through the place of birth principle.
Unlike the place of birth principle, the principle of descent. If one of the child's parents is a German citizen, then the principle of descent according to § 4 Para. 1 StAG applies and the child receives German citizenship through the parent's descent.
German passport through marriage
The German passport by marriage is described in § 9 StAG described. In principle, the following requirement applies to you as a foreigner in the case of a marriage or registered partnership with a German citizen in accordance with Section 9 (1) StAG:
- 3 years legal residence in Germany
- The marriage or registered partnership has existed for at least 2 years.
- In the case of a marriage that has existed for 3 years or longer, there is the possibility of shortening of legal residence. The argument is then public interest due to the interests of the common good that apply as a result.
- Even if you are married to a German citizen, you must still fulfill the requirements for Naturalization in accordance with § 10 StAG like any other applicant.
With this checklist for the requirements for a German passport through marriage, you are perfectly prepared for your application and can check yourself.
German passport through Naturalization
If you have the German passport through Naturalization you must fulfill the requirements for Naturalization in accordance with § 10 StAG. A distinction has been made since introduction of the new Naturalization Act on June 27, 2024, a distinction has been made between Naturalization after 5 years and Naturalization after 3 years. The aim of the changes is to promote integration in Germany and to make the make it easier for foreigners to obtain a German passport if they meet the requirements.
Apply for a "apply for a German passport" and "Naturalization" or the "apply for German citizenship" mean the same thing. Different terms are used to describe the same thing. The requirements, the procedure and the result are therefore always the same.
The requirements for the German passport
The requirements for the German passport with Naturalization have changed significantly in 2024. In principle, the following applies StARModG (Act on the Modernization of Citizenship Law), Naturalization is possible after 5 years. In special cases, you can also apply for Naturalization after 3 years apply. We will now explain how the procedure works for you in both cases.
German passport after 5 years of residence
To after 5 years of residence in Germany German passport, you must fulfill the fulfill the following requirements:
- 5 years legal residence in Germany
- Securing a livelihood for yourself and your family
- Clarification of identity (passport/passport replacement/alternative documents)
- B1 language certificate (an A1 certificate is sufficient for guest workers and contract workers)
- Successful completion of the naturalization test (exceptions apply for guest workers/contract workers)
- signed declaration of loyalty and commitment to the free democratic basic order of the Federal Republic of Germany
- Completely and correctly filled out application for the Naturalization
With our checklist for the German passport, you are perfectly prepared for the application for the German passport after 5 years and can check your application optimally.
German passport after 3 years of residence
To after 3 years of residence in Germany the German passport, you must fulfill the following requirements fulfill:
- Proof of a C1 language certificate
- Proof of three years of legal residence in Germany
- Proof of special integration achievements (e.g. through voluntary work, academic achievements, professional qualifications or professional achievements)
- Signed declaration of loyalty and information sheet on the free democratic basic order
- Proof of livelihood for yourself and your family
- Clarification of identity (passport/passport replacement/alternative documents)
- Completely and correctly filled out application for naturalization
- Successful completion of the naturalization test or proof of exemption from the naturalization test
- Our checklist for the German passport after 3 years gives you an ideal overview
If you already have another passport
Until the introduction of the current law was according to § 10 para. 1 number 4 StAG the prerequisite for a German passport was that you give up the nationality of your country of origin. Since June 27, 2024, this no longer applies: With the new law, dual citizenship is permitted in Germany! The Naturalization with dual citizenship is therefore no longer an obstacle from the German side.
How to apply for a German passport
To ensure that you meet the requirements for a German passport, the correct application is important. This simplifies the entire process, from organizing the documents to making an appointment and receiving a positive response from the authorities. In this graphic, we have summarized the entire naturalization process for you in detail:
When will you not get a German passport?
Under certain conditions you cannot obtain a German passport. You will then have to check your documents again or submit a new application for Naturalization at a later date. The following reasons may apply to you:
- Duration of stay: You do not yet have the necessary duration of legal residence.
- Their identity has not been clarified.
- Your application form has not been filled out correctly and completely.
- You exceed the de minimis limit for criminal offenses according to § 12a StAG or your criminal offenses have not yet been erased from the Federal Central Criminal Register.
- There is an assumption that you are pursuing activities that violate the free democratic basic order in accordance with § 11 StAG.
- Your language skills are sufficient depending on the of the application.
- You do not receive a positive forecast for securing your livelihood for yourself and your family.
- You cannot have not completed a naturalization test (if the naturalization test is a requirement for you).
Get help with your application for a German passport now
We at Migrando have years of experience in advising and supporting foreigners in the naturalization process. We are experienced in dealing with German authorities and know the current legal situation very well. If you have any questions, get help with your application at Naturalization and save yourself a long wait!
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about the requirements for the German passport
What do I have to do to get a German passport?
In order to obtain a German passport, you must apply to the Naturalization after 5 years or the Naturalization after 3 years fulfill certain requirements, which are set out in § 10 StAG.
Can you have a German passport without B1?
Yes, if you have completed an apprenticeship in Germany, a studies in Germany or attended a German school for four years attended a German school, or have a 9th or 10th grade diploma, you also fulfill B1 requirements. If you came to Germany as a guest worker or contract worker, an A1 certificate is also sufficient for you.
Can I apply for German citizenship after 5 years?
Yes, with the new naturalization law naturalization is German citizenship after 5 years. It is important that you fulfill all requirements according to § 10 StAG and submit your application correctly.
What are the requirements for a German passport through marriage?
To obtain a German passport through marriage, you must meet the following requirements:
- Legal residence in Germany for 3 years
- The marriage must have existed for at least 2 years.
- In the case of a marriage that has existed for three years or longera shorter stay can also be recognized.
- You must fulfill the meet the requirements according to § 10 StAG for Naturalization .
What are the requirements for a German passport by birth?
In the case of a German passport by birth, the prerequisite is that one parent must have lived legally in Germany for at least 5 years with Residence permit and has a permanent Residence permit passport.
