Requirements for Naturalization in Germany in 2024
Naturalization in Germany is linked to certain requirements that you must fulfill. These include not only a minimum length of stay, but also knowledge of the German language and a willingness to integrate into German society. Let's take a look at the necessary conditions for you to start with.
Duration of stay and legal residence
In order to obtain German citizenship, you must have lived legally in Germany for at least 5 years in accordance with § 10 StAG. This period of residence was shortened from 8 years to 5 years with the start of the new Naturalization Act on 27 June 2024 from 8 years to 5 years, which significantly speeds up the Naturalization process.
- It is possible to shorten your stay in Germany to 3 years with Residence permit if you can provide evidence of the C1 certificate and special integration achievements.
Language skills and naturalization test
Another key criterion for meeting the requirements for applying is sufficient knowledge of German. As a rule, the B1 certificate is required. These are basic language skills that will enable you to communicate easily in everyday life.
In addition to the language skills, the naturalization test is required (also called the Life in Germany Test). This test includes questions on the legal system, history and society in Germany. With this test you demonstrate your knowledge of the legal and social order and living conditions in Germany. The test is organized by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF).
Here you will find the test centers for registration and you can prepare yourself perfectly with our exam simulator
Further conditions for Naturalization in Germany
In addition to the above-mentioned requirements for a Naturalization in the Federal Republic of Germany, there are further conditions for fulfilling the entitlement to Naturalization :
You must have your identity verified (valid passport or alternative identity documents).
You must be able to support yourself and your family without state assistance.
You must provide proof of a signed declaration of loyalty and the signed information sheet on commitment to the free democratic basic order.
If you meet these requirements, German citizenship is one step closer for you and your application is ready with the completed application form.
The application for Naturalization
The naturalization process in Germany requires not only that you meet the requirements, but also that the application is submitted correctly and on time. A well-prepared application can help to speed up the process and avoid possible delays.
When and how to submit the application?
It is advisable to submit your application to Naturalization early, preferably three months before you meet all the requirements. This gives the authorities enough time to check your documents and start the process while you are still completing the remaining requirements, such as the language certificate or taking the naturalization test.
- Timing: Preferably three months before all requirements are met
- Authority: You submit the application to the naturalization authority responsible for you
- Procedure: First, it is checked whether all requirements are met, then the application is processed
Documents required for the naturalization application in Germany
You must submit various documents so that your application can be processed in full. An incomplete submission can lead to delays, so it is important to be well prepared. Here are the most important documents you will usually need:
Valid passport (birth certificate etc.)
Proof of legal residence (Residence permit) in Germany and the extended registration certificate.
Language certificate (B1 or higher)
Proof of livelihood (employment contract, payslips, tax assessment notices)
Passport photo
Rental agreement (proof of rental payment)
Certificates or proof of integration achievements (proof of naturalization test, etc.)
Here we have created a graphic overview of the complete Naturalization process for you:
When is it necessary to visit Lawsuit for failure of act at Naturalization ?
Please note the statutory processing deadline for Foreigners' office. Your Foreigners' office has 12 weeks to process your application. After 12 weeks, you have the right to file a complaint against the authority Lawsuit for failure of act in order to speed up the processing. You submit the Lawsuit for failure of act to the competent administrative court.
Naturalization for family members
Your family members can also be considered as part of your Naturalization . This means that spouses and minor children can also be naturalized under certain conditions. This option offers a simple solution to include the whole family in the naturalization process.
- Spouse: Can also be naturalized if the marriage has existed for at least two years and the spouse has lived legally in Germany for 4 years and also meets the basic requirements
- Children: Minor children can also be naturalized, even if they have not completed the five-year residence period, if they have spent 3 years with Residence permit or half of their lifetime in Germany.
Similar conditions apply to your family members as to you in terms of language skills, livelihood and exemption from punishment. It is therefore important to prepare these documents as well.
New regulations since June 2024
Since 27 June 2024, the Act to Modernize the Citizenship Act(StARModG) has been in force in Germany, making it much easier and faster to obtain German citizenship. The changes to the law not only affect the duration of residence, but also the possibility of retaining previous citizenship and easier conditions for certain groups of people.
Shortened duration of stay to 5 years
One of the most important changes concerns the shortening of the required period of residence. Previously, you had to live legally in Germany for at least 8 years in order to apply for Naturalization . With the new regulations, the minimum period of residence with a residence permit for the naturalization procedure is now only 5 years.
- Previously: 8 years of residence
- Now: 5 years stay
- Special regulation: In exceptional cases, the duration of stay can be shortened to 3 years (see below).
Enclosed the Naturalization after 5 years explained in the video:
Naturalization with special integration achievements after 3 years
Another way to obtain Naturalization faster is for foreigners who can demonstrate special integration achievements. The new law stipulates that you can be naturalized after just 3 years if you:
Present a C1 language certificate and:
- Have achieved top performance at work or school or have demonstrated voluntary work or social involvement.
This regulation is primarily aimed at people who have built up a strong bond with Germany and are actively involved in society. The early Naturalization is a recognition of these achievements.
Here we have explained the Naturalization after 3 years as a video:
No renunciation of previous citizenship
Another decisive advantage of the new regulations concerns the possibility of retaining your previous citizenship. Before 2024, it was often necessary to give up your original citizenship in order to obtain German citizenship. This has now changed:
- Dual citizenship: From June 2024, you will be allowed to retain your previous citizenship if you take German citizenship.
- Advantage: You benefit from the rights and obligations of both countries and do not have to make any difficult decisions regarding your identity and nationality.
- Check with your country of origin: Ask whether your home country recognizes dual citizenship and check and research carefully. Dual citizenship will only work if this is the case.
Simplified Naturalization for guest workers and their descendants
The naturalization process is made particularly easier for guest workers and their spouses if they have come to Germany within 10 years. This regulation applies to people who came to the FRG as part of the guest worker programs until 1974 or as contract workers in the GDR.
Many of these people had difficulties obtaining German citizenship due to a lack of language skills, because they were not obliged to attend language courses or integration courses at the time, or because of formal hurdles.
- No obligation to take the naturalization test: Guest workers and contract workers do not have to take the naturalization test.
- Simplified language certificate: It is sufficient to prove basic language skills (A1) in order to be naturalized.
Naturalization in other countries in comparison
The naturalization requirements vary greatly from country to country. While Germany has introduced some simplifications with the 2024 reform, other countries have different regulations regarding the duration of residence, language skills and the possibility of retaining the original citizenship.
Let's take a comparative look at how Naturalization works in countries such as the USA, Canada, Australia and some European countries.
Naturalization in the USA and Canada
The Naturalization in the USA and Canada is tied to similar criteria as in Germany, but there are also differences in the length of stay and the requirements for the applicant.
USA: According to the US government , you must first have a green card for Naturalization . The minimum period of residence is 5 years, but spouses of US citizens can apply after just 3 years. They must not have been outside the USA for more than 6 months during this time. In addition, a good reputation and proof of English language skills as well as basic knowledge of the US government and history are required.
Canada: According to the Canadian government's website, the path to citizenship in Canada is a little faster. You must be at least 18 years old and have spent 3 of the last 5 years in Canada. Similar to Germany, you must prove your language skills - in Canada either in English or French. You will also have to pass a citizenship test, which tests your knowledge of the country and your rights and obligations as a Canadian citizen.
Naturalization in other European countries
There are also significant differences in naturalization requirements within Europe. Countries such as France, Switzerland, Great Britain, Austria and Spain offer various options for acquiring citizenship.
Here are a few examples with the most important key points from some European countries:
Switzerland(Swiss government website):
- At least 10 years residence
- Possession of a permanent residence permit (C permit)
- There are simplified naturalization procedures for spouses and third generations
Austria(Website Austrian Government):
- At least 10 years of legal residence
- Proof of German language skills (language level B1)
- Proof of a secure livelihood
- No previous convictions and no pending criminal proceedings
Great Britain(British government website):
- At least 5 years residence and 1 year with permanent residence permit (ILR)
- Maximum 270 days absence during the last 3 years
- Good knowledge of English and a naturalization test
- Commitment to remain permanently in the United Kingdom
France(Airiau Avocat):
- 5 years residence (or 2 years in the case of a French university degree)
- Good knowledge of French (language level B1)
- Integration into French society and respect for republican values
Spain(Website Ministry of Justice Spain):
- 10 years residence (or 1 year if married to a Spanish citizen as spouse)
- Renunciation of original citizenship
- No criminal record, proof of financial independence
Naturalization in Australia
According to the Australian government, Australia has specific requirements to ensure that you are both integrated and have built a strong bond with the country.
- You must have lived in Australia for at least 4 years, including 12 months as a permanent resident. During this time, you must not have been outside the country for more than 12 months, and no longer than 90 days in the last 12 months.
- A police clearance certificate is required and you must pass the Australian citizenship test, which tests your knowledge of the country, its history and the English language.
- It is also expected that you intend to stay in Australia permanently and actively integrate into society.
Comparison of the speed of Naturalization
Depending on the country, the naturalization process can be faster or slower. Here is a brief comparison:
Fast Naturalization:
- With a residence period of 3 years (three of the last 5 years), Canada offers a relatively fast Naturalization.
- Spouses of US citizens can also be naturalized after 3 years.
Medium-fast Naturalization:
- In Germany and France, the average length of stay is 5 years. However, special integration efforts can shorten this period.
- In New Zealand, permanent residence permits can be applied for after just one year and Naturalization after 5 years of residence.
Longer Naturalization:
- In countries such as Austria, Spain and Switzerland, applicants often have to live in the country for 10 years before they can obtain citizenship.
In the Migration Integration Policy Index(Mipex) you can see exactly where Naturalization is statistically the fastest on average.
We have also created a video on the speed of Naturalization :
Conclusion on Naturalization in Germany
As you can see, the topic of Naturalization Germany is very complex. In this section, we have once again summarized the most important points and taken a look at the future of Naturalization .
The most important key points about Naturalization in Germany
- Minimum stay: 5 years, shortened to 3 years for special integration achievements
- Language requirements: Proof of German language skills at B1 level
- Dual citizenship: now permitted, no renunciation of original citizenship required
- Naturalization test: Basic knowledge of the German legal system and society required
- Faster Naturalization: With C1 language certificate and voluntary commitment or outstanding academic/professional achievements
- Germany leads the way in immigration speed: With the introduction of the new naturalization law, Germany is one of the countries in the world where Naturalization works the fastest.
Do you have any questions?
The future of Naturalization in Germany
The 2024 reform is just the beginning. In the future, the process is expected to be further digitalized and accelerated in order to make it easier for more people to obtain German citizenship. Increased integration and the reduction of bureaucratic hurdles in particular are likely to play a key role.
FAQ - The most frequently asked questions about Naturalization in Germany
To apply for German citizenship in 2024, you need:
- Legal residence in Germany for at least 5 years
- Proof of German language skills (B1 level)
- Securing a livelihood without social benefits
- Successful completion of the naturalization test
Persons who have been living legally in Germany for at least 5 years and meet the naturalization requirements (including language skills, secure livelihood, naturalization test) may apply for citizenship.
The most important changes since 27.6.2024 and the introduction of the new Naturalization Act include
- Shortening the length of stay from 8 to 5 years
- Recognition of dual citizenship
- Faster Naturalization after 3 years with C1 language level and special integration achievements (e.g. voluntary work)
In Germany, the regular period of residence until Naturalization is 5 years, and only 3 years for C1 certificates and special integration achievements. In comparison, Naturalization takes longer in many other countries:
- Canada: After 3 years of residence
- USA: Generally 5 years, 3 years if married to a US citizen
- Australia: After 4 years of residence
- Switzerland: After 10 years of residence
- Spain: After 10 years, 1 year if married to a Spaniard
With the 5-year rule, Germany is in the middle range, but can be faster than many other countries due to the shortened Naturalization with good integration.
Yes, if they belong to the close nuclear family. Spouses can be naturalized if the marriage has existed for two years and the spouse has lived in Germany for 4 years with Residence permit .
Minor children can be naturalized if they have spent 3 years in Germany with Residence permit or have lived in Germany for half of their lives.
