Who benefits from Naturalization without a naturalization test?
The exemption from the naturalization test is a relief for many who have already integrated themselves into German society through their education (studies or training) or life circumstances. Let's take a look at who can take advantage of this benefit.
Education as the key to Naturalization
Anyone with a German school-leaving certificate can often qualify directly for Naturalization without having to take an additional test. This regulation rewards the knowledge of the country and its people that has already been imparted as part of school education. The same applies to people who have completed vocational training in Germany. The decisive factor is that legal topics such as the structure of the legal system in the Federal Republic of Germany were covered in the training. An example of such training is the generalized training to become a nursing specialist.
Academic qualifications
Anyone who has successfully completed a course of study in law, social sciences, political or administrative sciences at a German university demonstrates sufficient knowledge of the German legal and social order and does not require additional proof in the form of a naturalization test. An example of this is a law degree. This exemption recognizes the depth and breadth of the education, which already includes a well-founded examination of relevant topics.
Step-by-step guide to exemption from the naturalization test
The introduction of the new Naturalization Act on 27 June 2024 will result in important changes and simplifications for certain groups of people. This guide will take you through the various exemption options from the naturalization test, including the regulations for age limits, health conditions and special life achievements.
Age limits and health exceptions
The following points regarding exemption from the test must be observed with regard to age and health:
Minors and age exemptions
- Persons under the age of 16: Automatic exemption from the test.
- Senior citizens over 60 years: possibility of exemption under certain conditions.
Illness and disability as exemption criteria
- Submission of medical certificates: Required confirmation from a doctor.
- Permanent impairments: Consideration of special circumstances.
Recognition of lifetime achievement - guest workers and GDR contract workers
Special regulations apply to former guest workers and contract workers from the GDR. With the new Naturalization Act, which comes into force on 27 June 2024, guest workers will no longer have to take a naturalization test in recognition of their achievements in Germany.
Regulations for the guest worker generation
- Long-term stays: Exemption from the test in recognition of lifetime achievement.
Language skills and oral communication in everyday life
- Everyday communication skills: Sufficient for exemption, without a formal language test.
Necessary documents and evidence
The correct compilation and management of the required documents is an essential part of the application process.
Overview of the required documents
- Birth certificate: Proof of age.
- Medical certificates: confirmation of illnesses or disabilities.
- Proof of lifetime achievement: documentation of employment relationships and length of stay.
- Proof of education: documents relating to school education, training or studies.
Tips for effective document management and submission
- Early collection of all documents: avoid delays in the process.
- Completeness checkEnsure that all required documents are available.
Naturalization without a naturalization test?
The naturalization test - an overview
The naturalization test is an essential part of the naturalization procedure in Germany and is required by § 10 StAG Abs.1 Nr.7. It serves to test your knowledge of the legal and social order and living conditions in Germany. Here you will find a detailed overview of the topics and the test procedure.
Structure and contents of the naturalization test
The test assesses your knowledge of specific areas of German culture, history and the legal system. Here is an overview of the most important aspects of the test:
The naturalization test will test your knowledge in three main areas:
Living in democracy:
- Basic principles of the German constitution, electoral procedures and political participation
History and responsibility:
- Significant events in German history
- Germany in an international context
Man and society:
- Social systems and public order
- Cultural and social participation
The questions for the test are taken from a catalog of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF), which includes 300 general questions and an additional 10 specific questions for each federal state. In addition, there are 3 state-specific questions relating to the state in which you are resident and registered. In total, the test consists of 33 questions in multiple-choice format, where you have to choose the correct answer from four possible answers.
Preparation
- Study materials: Use official study guides and online resources to prepare.
- Sample exams: Take online tests to simulate the exam situation at Migrando.
- Registration: Registration takes place with a completed BAMF participant form, an identity card/passport/alternative identity document and payment of the fee of 25 euros.
Test procedure
- Registration: The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) will register you for the test after the Federal Office of Administration has reviewed your application.
- Implementation: The test is carried out at authorized test centres, which are listed on our Migrando website for the naturalization test.
- Costs: Each test costs 25 euros.
- Time frame: You have 60 minutes to answer the 33 questions.
- Repetition: The test can be repeated as often as required, with each attempt costing 25 euros.
After the test
- Evaluation: The evaluation is carried out by the BAMF.
- Results: The test result will be sent to the Federal Office of Administration. You will usually receive a certificate of participation with your score together with your naturalization certificate. If you have already successfully completed a naturalization test or a similar test, it is important to submit a copy of the certificate of participation when submitting your application in order to avoid having to take the test again.
The new Naturalization Act and its effects
At the end of January, the German government passed the new Naturalization Act, which will come into force on 27 June 2024. This law brings significant changes to the naturalization criteria and makes it much easier to obtain German citizenship.
Key points of the law reform
The new legislation introduces several significant changes that facilitate the process of Naturalization and improve the conditions for applicants.
Easier conditions and shorter waiting times
- There are changes to the requirements for Naturalization in accordance with Section 10 StAG. The general requirement for legal residence in Germany with a residence permit has been reduced from 8 years to 5 years.
- A Naturalization after only 3 years is possible if a language certificate of level C1 or higher is available or proof of voluntary work is provided.
Introduction of the double passport rule
- Dual citizenship is generally permitted under the new law, which means that the previous option requirement for many foreigners no longer applies.
- Current exceptions according to § 12 StAG, which exempt from giving up citizenship according to § 10 para. 4 StAG in order to become German, are no longer necessary.
Long-term effects for migrants
The reform of the Naturalization Act will have a significant long-term impact on migrants and the integration process in Germany.
Improvements for future applicants
- Easier naturalization requirements enable more foreigners integrated in Germany to apply for German citizenship.
- The abolition of the naturalization test for guest workers and the relaxation of language requirements lower the barriers for many people who have lived in Germany for a long time
Influence on the integration process
- The possibility of retaining dual nationality strengthens the identity and sense of belonging of naturalized citizens.
- The legal changes promote a deeper connection to German society and support more active participation in social and political life.
Relevant criminal law requirements
- Impunity at Naturalization: An essential prerequisite for the entitlement to Naturalization is impunity. There must be no serious criminal offences.
- Fines: A fine must not exceed the limit of 90 daily rates in order to meet the criteria for Naturalization .
- Prohibited acts: Anti-Semitic, racist or other inhuman acts are incompatible with German citizenship in accordance with the principles of the Basic Law and violate the free democratic basic order.
How Migrando can help you
Legal expertise at Naturalization without a naturalization test
The specialized advice provided by Migrando focuses on Naturalization and in particular the new Naturalization Act, which comes into force on 27 June 2024. We offer clear guidance on how to take advantage of these changes.
Specialized advice on the new legal changes
- Advice on the simplified conditions, shortened waiting periods and changes to Section 10 StAG
- Information on the possibility of Naturalization with dual citizenship through the new law.
Support with the Naturalization
Migrando accompanies clients through every step of the application process, from the initial collection of documents to the successful Naturalization.
- Help with applications and document management
- Taking over the entire application process, with submission of a fully substantiated application, from opening the file to final processing.
- Solving problems with the naturalization authority
Practice for the naturalization test at Migrando
At Migrando , applicants of Naturalization can prepare for the naturalization test with an exam simulator and various practice methods.
- Exam simulator with questions to successfully pass the test
- Online exercises with random questions from a pool of 300 possible questions as well as specific questions for each federal state
- Complete simulation of a naturalization test with a time limit to adjust to the real exam atmosphere
Additional resources and tools
Free initial assessment and advice
- Use our free online test to quickly find out whether you qualify for Naturalization .
- If the result is positive: A free consultation to discuss your options and start the process.
Comprehensive exam preparation
- Preparation with different modes: answering questions from the naturalization test one after the other, random questions or specific questions about the respective federal state.
- All questions are available with solutions so that the correct answers can be memorized
Migrando offers not only legal advice and procedural support, but also targeted preparation aids for the naturalization test. The aim is to guide people safely and efficiently through the process at Naturalization so that they can obtain German citizenship without unnecessary delays.
Summary of key points and conclusion
This article has highlighted the key information and procedures for facilitating the naturalization process in Germany, particularly the conditions under which an exemption from the naturalization test is possible. Here is a key summary:
Summary of Naturalization without test
- Educational background as an exemption criterion: Persons with a German school-leaving certificate, vocational training or a university degree in relevant subject areas (e.g. law, administration) can be exempted from the test requirement.
- Legal changes through the new Naturalization Act: The law, which comes into force on 26 June 2024, reduces the period of residence for applying for Naturalization from 8 years to 5 years and introduces simplifications such as the general admission of dual citizenship.
- Special regulations for certain groups: Age-related exemptions and exemptions for people with health impairments as well as special conditions for guest workers and GDR contract workers that allow their lifetime achievements to be recognized without a test.
- Support from Migrando: Comprehensive legal advice and procedural assistance with the application, document management and preparation for the naturalization test using specialized online tools.
Conclusion on the possibilities of Naturalization without a test
The possibilities for Naturalization without the naturalization test have improved considerably as a result of the planned new Naturalization Act.
This opens the door to citizenship for many people living in Germany who are already integrated through their education, professional career or due to their age and state of health. These changes will further promote the integration process and facilitate participation in social life in Germany.
Do you still have questions?
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about Naturalization without a naturalization test
Persons with a German school-leaving qualification, relevant vocational training or a university degree in fields such as law or administrative sciences are exempt. Age exemptions for senior citizens over the age of 60 or health exemptions are also possible.
Yes, the naturalization test is generally required, unless you meet certain criteria for an exemption as described above.
Yes, the naturalization test can be taken without a previous course, but it is recommended that you prepare accordingly.
You need a valid ID and confirmation of registration after submitting the participant form and 25 euros for the test fee. Preparation with study materials is recommended.
As a rule, the naturalization test must be taken before submitting the application for naturalization. It is not normally possible to submit it later.
If you do not pass the naturalization test, you can retake it as often as you like. Each test attempt costs a new fee.
The naturalization test takes 60 minutes and comprises 33 multiple-choice questions.
A naturalization test costs 25 euros per attempt.
The naturalization test is corrected by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF).
You can make up to 16 mistakes and at least 17 of the 33 questions must be answered correctly in order to pass.
The questions in the naturalization test relate to the German legal and social order, history, culture and political system.
