Basic costs of the Naturalization
Difficulties with the naturalization process?
Naturalization Costs - Additional fees
In addition to the standard fees for Naturalization , further costs are incurred in the process of applying for German citizenship. These are mainly incurred by obtaining the necessary documents and preparing for the naturalization test. In this section, we explain these additional costs in detail and provide practical tips on possible discounts.
Costs for necessary documents
Obtaining or processing the documents required for the naturalization application can vary in cost depending on the country of origin and the type of document:
- Birth certificates: For example, the fee for obtaining documents such as birth certificates at the Ukrainian Consulate General is between 28 and 45 euros.
- Marriage certificates: At the Afghan Consulate General in Munich, the processing of a marriage certificate costs 50 euros.
- Translations and notarizations: The costs for the translation of Ukrainian documents are between 20 and 60 euros per document at the German-Ukrainian Intercultural Competence. An apostille costs an additional 15 euros, while the legalization of Syrian documents (e.g. marriage certificate, driver's license, birth certificate) at the German embassy in Beirut costs 29.69 euros per document.
Depending on the situation, the fees must be paid to the authorities in the home country or at representations in Germany. The costs can vary considerably.
- Lawsuit for failure of actThe Foreigners' office has a certain period of 12 weeks to process your naturalization application. If this does not happen, you can file a Lawsuit for failure of act application. In our experience, the Naturalization will charge you 780 euros in court costs and around 1000 euros in legal fees.
Costs for the naturalization test
The naturalization test is an essential part of the naturalization process according to Naturalization in accordance with § 10 StAG. It demonstrates knowledge of the legal and social order and living conditions in Germany. Costs are also incurred here:
- Test fees: Taking the naturalization test usually costs around €25.00, 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. One such preparation course at the Lanes examination center , for example, costs 195 euros. Migrando offers a cost-saving alternative by giving you the opportunity to prepare for the naturalization test online with questions and an exam simulator.
Naturalization Costs - possibilities for reduction
- Exemptions and reductions: Under certain conditions, you may be exempt from the test fee, for example if you can prove that you have a low income or are taking part in integration courses offered by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees.
- State support: There are state support programs that can cover some or all of the costs of preparing for the naturalization test.
Researching all the costs involved and the support services available at an early stage can help to avoid financial surprises during the naturalization process.
Your savings tips for the Naturalization
Your costs can rise quickly if you want to naturalize in Germany. This is particularly the case if additional documents are required or if there are delays in the procedure.
To minimize these costs, there are various strategies and support services that you can use. In this section, we offer practical tips on how to reduce these costs and make use of available support services.
Negotiation with the authorities
Effective negotiation with the naturalization authorities can help reduce the fees incurred or allow for flexible payment options such as installment payments. Here are some tips for successful negotiations:
- Preparation: Find out about the usual fees and conditions. This will give you a solid basis for your argumentation.
- Evidence: Provide evidence of your financial situation to justify why a fee reduction or installment payment is necessary.
- Communication: Keep conversations polite and constructive. Authorities are more willing to help if they see that serious efforts are being made.
- Alternative suggestions: If a full fee waiver is not possible, suggest smaller monthly installments that fit your budget.
Government support and aid programs
For low-income earners and families, there are various state support options that can ease the financial burden of Naturalization . Find out about the following options:
- 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 assistance can apply for a full or partial exemption from fees.
- Special funds and programs: Some municipalities offer special assistance programs to support Naturalization . It is worth looking for such offers locally.
Avoid mistakes when applying
Errors in the naturalization application can lead to considerable delays and additional costs. Professional support can help here:
- Legal help: By using services such as Migrando you can ensure that your application is error-free and complete. Migrando offers expertise in Immigration law, which reduces the likelihood of errors and can speed up the process.
- Cost-benefit analysis: Although the initial costs for legal support may seem higher, they can save costs in the long term by avoiding mistakes.
Summary and steps of the naturalization process
The process of Naturalization in Germany requires careful preparation and an understanding of various costs associated with the required documents, the naturalization test and administrative fees.
Summary of the cost points and savings tips
Here is a concise summary of the most important points and a guide to the first steps in acquiring German citizenship:
Important cost items:
- Standard fees: € 255.00 for adults; € 51.00 for minors naturalized with their parents; € 255.00 for minors naturalized alone.
- Document costs: Costs for the procurement and translation of necessary documents such as birth and marriage certificates.
- Naturalization test: Costs for preparation and participation in the test.
Saving tips:
- Negotiations with authorities: Discuss the possibility of reducing fees or paying in installments.
- Government support: Use of assistance programs for low-income earners and families to cover the costs.
- Legal support: Use of services such as Migrando to avoid errors in the application process, which can lead to additional costs.
First steps in the naturalization process
- Gathering information: Gather all the information you can about the requirements and the naturalization process. Visit official websites such as the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees or consult legal advice centers.
- Collect documents: Make sure you have all the necessary documents such as your valid passport, birth certificates, marriage certificates, proof of residence and your financial situation. Have non-German documents translated and notarized.
- Prepare for the naturalization test: Register for the naturalization test and use preparation resources to best prepare for it. Use the online learning opportunities and the exam simulator from Migrando.
- Submit your application: As soon as you have all the documents together, submit your application to the relevant naturalization authority. Make sure that all forms are filled out correctly and that all required attachments are included.
- Follow-up and communication: Keep in regular contact with the authorities to check the status of your application and respond quickly to requests.
By following these steps and with the right preparation, you can make the naturalization process efficient and increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.
Check your claims at Naturalization
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about the costs of Naturalization
The costs for Naturalization are made up of fixed and variable fees. The fixed fees include
- Naturalization fee for adults: € 255.00.
- Naturalization fee for minor children: €51.00 if they are naturalized together with their parents; €255.00 if they are naturalized alone. The variable costs include:
- Procurement of documents: fees for issuing and translating birth and marriage certificates, legalization fees, etc.
- Naturalization test: Preparation and participation may incur costs that vary depending on the provider (typically around €25.00 for the test itself).
- Legal advice and support: Costs vary depending on the scope and provider.
Naturalization fees are usually paid at the time of application. Once you have collected all the necessary documents and submitted your application to the relevant authority, you should be prepared to pay the relevant fees. It is important that you pay the fees in full, otherwise your application will not be processed.
Accepted payment methods for naturalization fees may vary depending on the naturalization agency. Commonly accepted methods include:
- Bank transfer: Often preferred for transparent and traceable payment.
- Cash payment: Possible when applying in person at some authorities.
- Credit or EC cards: Possible at some offices, especially in urban areas. You will receive specific payment instructions from the authority to which you submit your application. It is advisable to follow these instructions carefully to avoid delays.
Reductions or a complete waiver of naturalization fees can be granted under certain conditions:
- Low income: Applicants who receive social benefits or whose income is below a certain limit.
- Large families: Families with several children wishing to naturalize can often apply for discounts.
- Special cases of hardship: For example, in cases of financial hardship due to unforeseen circumstances. Applicants must provide appropriate evidence, such as proof of income or proof of receipt of social benefits, in order to apply for a reduction.
