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A man is sitting at a kitchen table in his home office, writing notes in a notebook and working on his laptop. He is researching the Naturalization form online and carefully planning the necessary steps for his application.

Naturalization Form download and completion aid: Your complete instructions

Welcome to your comprehensive guide to the naturalization form! In this article you will learn how to fill out the form correctly, which documents are required and how you can submit the application conveniently online. We will guide you step by step on the path to German citizenship.
Written by:
Valentin Radonici
Journalist
Expertly reviewed by:
Christin Schneider
Expert for Immigration law

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Table of contents

The most important facts in brief

  • The naturalization form collects relevant personal and legal information for the application for German citizenship.
  • Requirements and forms may vary by state, so be sure to check your state's specific requirements.
  • Many federal states offer the option of completing and submitting the naturalization application online.
  • Careful and detailed completion of the form is important in order to submit the application correctly and completely.
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What is a naturalization form?

Naturalization in Germany is an important step that requires careful preparation and comprehensive information. We start by looking at the purpose of the form and the areas in which the naturalization authorities may differ from one federal state to another.

Definition and purpose

The naturalization form is the official document filled out by people who wish to apply for German citizenship. It is used to collect all relevant personal and legal information from the applicant in order to check the requirements for Naturalization . In the naturalization form, the employee can check exactly whether you as the applicant meet the requirements for Naturalization .

Differences between the federal states

The requirements and forms for Naturalization can vary depending on the federal state. For example, Baden-Württemberg has specific requirements that may differ from those in North Rhine-Westphalia. These differences can be in the required documents as well as in the processing times. It is therefore important to find out about the specific requirements of the respective federal state in order to submit the application correctly and completely.

By completing the application form, you provide the naturalization authority with an overview of all the requirements for granting citizenship! But did you know that there is no application standard in the naturalization procedure? If you can prove this information in another way, you do not need a formal application. However, it will always be quicker if you fill it out properly! 
Christin Schneider
Expert in Immigration law

How do I obtain the naturalization form?

Many federal states offer the option of completing the naturalization form online for modern and flexible processing. This makes the process easier and enables convenient submission from home.

Online forms

Many federal states offer the option of downloading the naturalization form online or filling it out directly online. This can be particularly convenient as you can complete the form anytime, anywhere. Here are some important points about online processing:

Fill out the naturalization application online:

  • In some regions, you can submit the application directly online, which speeds up the process.

Advantages of online processing:

  • Time saving: You can fill out the form from the comfort of your own home.
  • Availability: Forms are available around the clock.
  • Error prevention: Online forms often offer assistance and explanations.

Disadvantages of online processing:

  • Technical hurdles: Not everyone has access to a computer or stable internet.
  • Complexity: Some people find filling in online forms more difficult than the traditional paper format.
  • PDF from Migrando: Here we offer a sample PDF of the naturalization form that you can use as a template. This example will help you to enter all the necessary information correctly.

Request to the naturalization authority

If you prefer to receive the naturalization form in paper form, you can request it directly from the relevant naturalization authority. Here are the steps you should take:

Contact us:

  • Call the naturalization office in your place of residence or visit their website and download the form there.

Request for the form:

  • Ask for the naturalization form to be sent to you by post.

Arrange a consultation appointment:

  • In many cases, it is helpful to make an appointment to clarify open questions directly with a clerk.

Preparation of the documents:

  • Make sure you have all the necessary documents to hand before submitting the application.

Before you fill out the naturalization form, you should go through the individual sections carefully and have all the required information ready. The form requires detailed information about your personal circumstances, including your family, education, professional activities in recent years and financial circumstances.

Please note that a separate application is required for underage applicants aged 16 and over and there are separate applications for children that can be completed.

Step-by-step guide to filling out the naturalization form

Before you fill out the naturalization form, you should go through the individual sections carefully and have all the required information ready. The form requires detailed information about your personal circumstances, including your family, education, professional activities in recent years and financial circumstances. Please note that a separate application is required for underage applicants aged 16 and over.

Personal details in the naturalization form

  • Start with your full name and other personal details such as date and place of birth.
  • Make sure that all details are correct and up-to-date, as incorrect information can delay the application process.
  • Avoid common errors such as typos or incomplete information by checking your data thoroughly before submitting the form.

Information on residence and integration

  • Prove your legal residence in Germany with appropriate documents such as Residence permit, unlimited Residence permit or permanent residence-EG.
  • Add proof of your integration, such as language certificates, naturalization test, or certificates of participation in integration courses.
  • Consider specific requirements of your state that may require additional documents to make the application process smooth.

Details of previous nationality

  • Provide detailed information on previous citizenship, including country of origin and date of acquisition.
  • With the new Naturalization Act from 27 June 2024, you no longer have to give up your previous citizenship. The requirement under Section 10 (1) sentence 4 no longer applies and you no longer need an exception under Section 12 StAG. Dual citizenship is recognized by the new law. However, until June 27, 2024, you must indicate on the form that you are giving up the citizenship of your country of origin. 

Status and military service

  • Indicate your current and former nationality(ies) and your status in relation to military service and military service.
  • If applicable, document your exemption or fulfillment of compulsory military service and attach appropriate evidence.

Places of residence since birth

  • List all the places you have lived since you were born, including the exact dates and locations.

Current residence status

  • Indicate whether you have a Settlement permit, residence permit or other residence authorization.
  • Add all relevant documents and proof of your current residence status.

Details of education and professional background

  • Document your school education, vocational training, studies and professional career 
  • Please state the periods, type of training or activity, qualifications and, if applicable, the address of the employer.

Parents and children

  • Give details of your parents and their nationality and adoptive parents, if applicable.
  • List all children and indicate whether they should also be naturalized.

Language skills and civic knowledge

  • Add proof of your language skills and civic knowledge.

Information on criminal offenses at home and abroad

  • Provide information on completed and pending criminal proceedings and any corrective measures.

Information on financial circumstances

  • Provide detailed information on your income, maintenance obligations, insurance and other financial circumstances.
  • Include all relevant proof of your financial circumstances.

Miscellaneous

  • Indicate whether you have previously applied for Naturalization and add further information to this application, if applicable.
  • Please note the administrative fee for Naturalization and confirm the accuracy of your details and the notification obligations.
In order to fill out the naturalization application correctly, you will find below a table of the most important sections and required information:
Section
Required information
Personal details
Name, date of birth/address/marital status and previous marriages
Residence and integration
Proof of legal residence Proof of integration
Previous nationality
Details of current and previous nationality Declaration of retention
Status and military service
Current nationality(ies) Military service status and history
Places of residence since birth
Detailed information on all places of residence since birth
Current residence status
Type and validity of the residence permit
Education and professional career
Education and vocational training Employment relationships 
Parents and children
Details of parents and adoptive parents and list of children and naturalization status
Language skills and civic knowledge
Proof of language skills and naturalization test
Criminal offenses at home and abroad
Information on completed and pending criminal proceedings
Economic circumstances
Income, maintenance obligations, insurance and other financial circumstances
Miscellaneous
Previous naturalization applications Administrative fee and declaration of correctness

What documents do I need for Naturalization?

A successful Naturalization in accordance with the requirements of the Citizenship Act requires the submission of various documents. To make the process as smooth as possible, we have compiled a comprehensive checklist of the required documents. This overview will help you to prepare well.

Checklist of required documents 

Residence permit or passport

  • A valid identity document is essential.

Birth certificate

  • Proof of date and place of birth.

Proof of legal residence

  • Legal proof of residence for 5 years (from June 27, 2024)

Registration certificate

  • Current proof of residence.

Proof of German language skills

  • Proof of sufficient language skills (B1 level)

Naturalization test certificate

  • Confirmation of successful participation in the naturalization test. This proves your knowledge of the legal and social order and living conditions in Germany. 

Proof of work

  • Employment contract, payslips or proof of self-employment.

Tax assessments

  • Current tax assessment notices as proof of tax liability.

Proof of insurance

  • Receipt for health and pension insurance.

Marriage certificate (if applicable)

  • Proof of marriage.

Proof of income

  • Receipt for payslips, pension statements or other proof of income.

Signed declaration of loyalty:

  • You will need the signed declaration of loyalty. You must also sign an additional information sheet and declare your commitment to the free democratic basic order in the Federal Republic of Germany.

Documents for special cases

Naturalization of refugees and persons entitled to asylum

Asylum decision

  • Proof of recognition as a person entitled to asylum.

Refugee identity card

  • Identification document for refugees.

Proof of special residence permit

  • Specific documents for residence status, such as travel documents for refugees.

Naturalization of spouses and children

Spouse

  • Marriage certificate
  • Proof of joint income.

Children

  • Birth certificates of the children
  • School certificates and other proof of education.

Changes with the new Naturalization Act

The new Naturalization Act comes into force on 27 June 2024. It will also bring changes to the requirements for applying for Naturalization Here are the most important changes:

Naturalization after 5 years

  • The legal residence period will be reduced from 8 years to 5 years. As of June 27, you can therefore be naturalized after just 5 years.

Simplified language certificate

  • For guest workers who have lived in Germany for decades, easier language requirements apply. In this way, the federal government wants to accommodate people from the guest worker generation who are applying for German citizenship.

Dual citizenship permitted

  • Dual citizenship is permitted under the new law and you no longer have to give up the citizenship of your country of origin in order to apply for German citizenship.
 Naturalization after 3 years with special integration achievements
  • With the new law, you can be naturalized after 3 years under certain conditions with special integration achievements such as school/professional achievements or volunteer work and a C1 language certificate.
Do you have any questions?
Are you experiencing difficulties with the naturalization process and still have questions? Contact us and our legal experts will be happy to help you with any question!

Justification of the naturalization application

A convincing statement of reasons is an essential part of your naturalization application. It helps the authorities to better understand your motivation and the reasons for your desire for German citizenship.

Why is the justification important?

Importance of justification in the naturalization process

  • The justification gives the authorities an insight into your personal and professional reasons for Naturalization.
  • It shows that you have dealt intensively with the naturalization process and are serious about obtaining German citizenship.

Examples of successful justifications

  • Example 1: "I am applying for German citizenship because I have been living and working in Germany for ten years." "My children attend school here and my entire family is integrated into German society."
  • Example 2: "Through my professional work as an engineer in a German company, I have made a strong contribution to the German economy and would like to continue to play an active role in society in the future."

Tips for formulation

What should you look out for?

  • Clarity and precision: Formulate your reasons clearly and precisely. Avoid vague or unclear statements.
  • Personal motivation: Explain why you are seeking German citizenship and your personal or professional reasons for doing so.
  • Integration and contribution: Emphasize how well you are integrated into German society and what contributions you have already made or would like to make.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

  • Statements that are too general: Avoid general phrases such as "I like Germany". Give specific examples and personal experiences.
  • Lack of structure: A well-structured argument is easier to read and easier to understand. Use paragraphs and bullet points to present your arguments clearly.
  • Negative formulations: Avoid negative or derogatory statements about your country of origin or other cultures. Stay positive and constructive
Our recommended reading
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Naturalization in Germany - documents explained in compact form

The path to German citizenship is via Naturalization, a process that is accessible to non-EU citizens with the correct residence status. The following paragraph explains the importance of the duration of residence and the residence permit when applying for Naturalization....

FAQ - The most important questions and answers about the naturalization form

The naturalization form is the official document that people who wish to apply for German citizenship can fill out. It collects all relevant personal and legal information of the applicant.

Yes, in many federal states the naturalization application can be completed and submitted online. This makes the process easier and allows it to be processed conveniently from home.

The required documents include

  • Residence permit or identity documents
  • Birth certificate
  • Proof of legal residence
  • Registration certificate
  • Proof of German language skills (B1 level)
  • Naturalization test certificate
  • Proof of work
  • Tax assessments
  • Proof of insurance
  • Marriage certificate (if applicable)
  • Proof of income

The justification should explain your motivation for the Naturalization , e.g:

  • Integration into German society
  • Professional and personal goals in Germany
  • Contributions to German society (e.g. professional achievements, voluntary work)

To apply for naturalization:

  1. Obtain the naturalization form online or from the relevant naturalization authority.
  2. Fill out the form carefully.
  3. Collect all the necessary documents.
  4. Submit the completed application and the documents to the naturalization authority and have the submission confirmed as proof for the application.
  5. If necessary, arrange a consultation appointment to clarify any unanswered questions.

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