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Naturalization costs: overview and savings tips

How much the Naturalization can cost and when you have to pay are questions that we receive time and again. After all, the process of Naturalization is not only a bureaucratic act, but for many it is also associated with financial challenges. In this article, you will find out the costs of German citizenship - from the standard fees to the exceptions.
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 costs are €255 for adults and €51 for underage children who are naturalized with their parents. For children who are naturalized alone, the costs are also €255.
  • Additional costs may be incurred for documents, translations and the naturalization test. These often vary greatly depending on the country of origin. 
  • If you prepare and inform yourself in good time, this can help to minimize costs. Check everything carefully before submitting your application to avoid unnecessary costs.

Basic naturalization costs in Germany

The route to Naturalization involves various costs that must be paid by the applicant. These costs can vary depending on the applicant's origin and financial circumstances.

The following fees apply for the application for German citizenship: 

  • 255 € per adult person,
  • 51 per child under the age of 18 who together with his or her parents is naturalized, and
  • 255 per child who is naturalized without their parents.
Good to know:

Minors aged 16 to 18 pay only €51 if they are naturalized with their parents. However, different requirements apply for children under 16. These include, for example, a signed declaration of loyalty.

There are various circumstances in which the naturalization authority has the option of reduce or completely waive fees. Such reductions are granted especially in cases of financial hardship to ensure that the naturalization process remains accessible to all.

Fee reductions and exemptions can be applied for on factual or personal grounds. The authorities will examine your request at their own discretion. A reduction or exemption of the naturalization fees is therefore a discretionary decision for reasons of hardship.

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Additional naturalization costs

In addition to the above-mentioned standard costs for Naturalization in Germany, further fees are incurred during the application process. These are mainly incurred for obtaining the necessary documents and preparing for the naturalization test. In this section, we explain these additional naturalization costs in detail.

Costs for necessary documents

The procurement of some documents for Naturalization costs extra. However, these costs vary depending on the country of origin often vary greatly. The following figures are only intended as an example.

Country of origin
Birth certificates
Marriage certificates
Translations and certifications
Syria
50 €
50 €
50 €
Ukraine
45 €
45 - 90 €
9 - 18 € (Legalistation 45 €)
Afghanistan
30 €
50 €
10 - 300 €
Turkey
9 - 20 €
9 - 20 €
20 - 60 €
Russia
50 €
60 - 100 €
25 €
Romania
20 €
20 €
26,21 €

Depending on your current situation, the fees are payable to the authorities in your home country or at representations in Germany. to be paid.

Lawsuit for failure of act:

Once you have submitted all the documents for your Naturalization to the naturalization authority, the authority has 12 weeks to process your application. If this does not happen, you can Lawsuit for failure of act file an appeal.

The court costs here are usually €798 per person. Together with the lawyer's fees, you may have to pay more than €1,000.

Costs for the naturalization test

The naturalization test must be taken in accordance with § 10 StAG must be passed. In this test you prove your knowledge of the legal and social order and living conditions in Germany. in Germany. There are also costs for the test:

  • Test fees: Taking the naturalization test usually costs around €25, although this amount can vary slightly depending on the provider.
  • Preparation costs: Many applicants opt for preparation courses to ensure that they pass the test. Such a preparation course can cost €195, for example. However, at Migrando you have the opportunity to prepare online free of charge with a test simulator to prepare for the naturalization test.
  • Language course: If you take a course for the language test, this will also cost money. Bear this in mind and inform yourself in good time to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
"The question of when the naturalization costs have to be paid reaches us again and again. You must pay the naturalization costs when you receive a request to do so from the relevant naturalization authority.

However, the timing differs from authority to authority. Some authorities require payment at the beginning, others only at the end, before the certificate is presented. It is important that you pay the costs in full, otherwise your application will not be processed."
Christin Schneider
Expert in Immigration law

Saving tips for the Naturalization

As you have now seen, the cost of Naturalization in Germany can rise sharply. In order to reduce them, we have various strategies and tips for you collected.

The Naturalization is associated with various costs. If you are well prepared, you will not experience any unpleasant surprises.
The Naturalization is associated with various costs. If you are well prepared, you will not experience any unpleasant surprises.

Minimize direct costs

A good preparation for the application can help to significantly reduce the naturalization costs incurred. Please note the following tips:

  • Preparation: Find out about all the usual naturalization costs and the conditions involved.
  • Evidence: If you have difficulties paying the fees, provide evidence of your financial situation. This will enable you to justify why a reduction in fees or payment in installments is necessary.
  • Other options: If a fee waiver is not possible, you can request a monthly installment payment.

Government support and aid programs

For people on low incomes, there are various state support programsthat can reduce the costs of Naturalization in Germany. In principle, however, you should be able to support yourself without receiving social benefits. However, if you have difficulties, it is best to ask your local naturalization authority about support options.

Keep the following options in mind:

  • Jobcenter: In some cases, the Jobcenter can cover the costs of the naturalization test or other fees, especially if you are already receiving benefits such as ALG II.
  • Social assistance: Under certain circumstances, recipients of social welfare can receive a partial or full exemption from feese.g. for language courses, for language courses.
  • Special funds and programs: Some municipalities offer special assistance programs to support Naturalization . This can be help with the cost of translating documents, for example. It is worth looking for such offers in your town.
Our recommended reading
Naturalization: Which language certificate do I need?

Language certificates or other proof of language proficiency are required for Naturalization in Germany. Which ones? Find out more...

Avoid mistakes when applying

If you make mistakes when applying for naturalization, this can lead to considerable delays and therefore additional costs. costs. Therefore, please note the following points:

  • Double check: It is better to check your application to Naturalization once too often. A checklist can help.
  • Legal help: With the help of lawyers, you can ensure that your application is error-free and complete. Migrando has already gained a lot of experience at Immigration law . We can eliminate the risk of errors and speed up the process.

Get help now and reduce your naturalization costs

The cost of German citizenship should not be underestimated. There are many points to consider and numerous documents to pay for. Get help at Migrando and save on naturalization costs. We are happy to support you at Naturalization!

Check your claims at Naturalization
Are you unsure about the naturalization process? Take our free test! Our legal experts will answer any questions you may have and will be happy to advise you on Naturalization! 

FAQ - Frequently asked questions about the costs of Naturalization

he costs for the Naturalization in Germany are per adult person is € 255. For underage children who are naturalized with their parents, the Naturalization costs €51, or €255 if they are naturalized alone. There are additional costs for obtaining documents, the naturalization test and other possible factors.

You must pay the naturalization costs, if you receive a request to do so from the competent authority. However, the timing differs from authority to authority. Some authorities require payment at the beginning, others only at the end. It is important that you pay the costs in full, otherwise your application will not be processed.

For a long time, the recommended method of payment for the costs of Naturalization in Germany was a transfer from a German bank account. However, many authorities now also allow payments by credit card, Paypal or cash. Depending on your competent authority, other payment methods may be permitted.

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