What is the Naturalization Act?
The term “Naturalization s Act” is commonly used to refer to all legal provisions governing naturalization in Germany. There is no official law titled the “ s Act.” The primary German law governing naturalization is the Nationality Act (StAG).
The Naturalization Act governs how German citizenship can be acquired and lost. The procedure for acquiring German citizenship ( Naturalization ) is set forth in several sections of the Act. Sections 8 through 10 of the Naturalization Act (StAG) are particularly important:
- § 8 StAG: Discretionary Naturalization
- § 9 StAG: Naturalization of spouses and registered domestic partners of German nationals
- § 10 StAG: Regular Naturalization Based on Eligibility
The German Naturalization Act has been amended several times in recent years. One of the most significant changes took place in June 2024 with the Act on the Modernization of Nationality Law. Most recently, in December 2025, important legislative changes came into effect that directly affect the Naturalization .
What does the German Naturalization Act say?
The German Naturalization Act specifies the requirements you must meet to obtain German citizenship. In particular, Section 10 of the StAG contains the most important rules governing so-called “naturalization by entitlement.”
The Naturalization Act governs, among other things:
- Length of Stay: The minimum amount of time you must have lived in Germany to be eligible for a Naturalization .
- Residence status: You need a Residence permitthat is approved for the Naturalization . Some temporary Residence permit are blocked for the Naturalization .
- Means of Support : To qualify for the German Social Assistance Act ( Naturalization ), you must be able to provide for yourself and your dependents. However, the law provides for certain exceptions in this regard.
- German language skills: To qualify for the " Naturalization " program, you must also integrate linguistically in Germany and speak German at a minimum B1 level.
- Naturalization Test: You must have knowledge of the legal and social systems as well as life in Germany.
- Criminal Offenses: Certain criminal convictions may prevent you from obtaining a " Naturalization " and may result in your being barred from the " Naturalization " for a specified period of time.
- Commitment to the German legal system: To join the German Federation of the German-American Association ( Naturalization ), you must sign a declaration of loyalty to the free democratic basic order enshrined in the Basic Law.
- Naturalization For family members: The Naturalization Act also contains special provisions and exemptions for spouses and registered domestic partners of German citizens.
In addition, the Naturalization Act specifies the circumstances under which a naturalization certificate (Naturalization ) may be revoked, suspended, or denied. These include, for example, certain criminal convictions or intentional fraud during the naturalization process.
Find out what requirements you must meet for the standard " Naturalization " in this blog post:
When is a " Naturalization " permitted under the law?
When you can obtain German citizenship depends (among other things) on how long you have been living legally in Germany. The German Naturalization Act provides for various options in this regard.
Naturalization After five years: Under Section 10 of the StAG, you are eligible for the “ Naturalization ” if you have been legally residing in Germany for at least five years and meet all other requirements.
Naturalization As the spouse of a German citizen: Special rules apply to spouses and registered domestic partners of German citizens. As the spouse or domestic partner of a German citizen, you may apply for permanent residence ( Naturalization ) after just three years of lawful residence, provided the marriage or domestic partnership has existed for at least two years. In addition, you must also meet all other requirements for permanent residence ( Naturalization ).
Naturalization of Family Members: Spouses, domestic partners, and minor children may be naturalized together with the applicant under certain conditions. What makes this special is that they do not need to have been living legally in Germany for five years themselves.
The length of stay required in each individual case therefore also depends on the legal basis for the “ Naturalization .”
How has the Naturalization Act changed?
The Naturalization Act has been amended several times in recent years. Among the most significant changes were the reform of citizenship law in 2024 and the abolition of the so-called “turboNaturalization ” in 2025.
2024 Reform of the Naturalization Act
New rules for the " Naturalization" have been in effect since June 27, 2024. The length of stay required for the " Naturalization " has been reduced from eight to five years. At the same time, dual citizenship has been permitted. This means that individuals who wish to naturalize in Germany may retain the citizenship of their country of origin.
In addition, a provision was introduced at that time allowing individuals to become naturalized after just three years of legal residence if they demonstrated exceptional efforts toward integration. This was generally referred to as “turbo-Naturalization.”
In addition, the 2024 Naturalization Act provides for special exemptions for individuals who entered the Federal Republic of Germany or the former German Democratic Republic as guest workers.
In addition, in 2024, the requirements for acquiring German citizenship by birth were relaxed. As a result, children can automatically obtain German citizenship if they were born in Germany, at least one parent has a permanent right of residence, and has been living legally in Germany for at least five years.
Amendments to the Naturalization Act of 2025
The “Naturalization ” (Turbo-Naturalization), which was in effect for three years, was discontinued about a year later. As of October 30, 2025, the following rule applies: To qualify for the regular “ Naturalization ,” applicants must generally have lived legally in Germany for at least five years.
Another important change was enacted in December 2025. The law provides that a person may be barred from the German Federal Employment Agency ( Naturalization ) for ten years if they have knowingly misled authorities, provided false information, or submitted forged documents during the proceedings.
Naturalization Act: What Will the Specific Provisions Be in 2026?
Current Rule 2026 | |
|---|---|
Naturalization (Section 10 of the StAG) | In principle, this is possible after 5 years of lawful and habitual residence, provided that all other requirements are met. |
Turbo-Naturalization | The " Naturalization " (Special Integration Allowance), which was awarded after three years of exceptional integration efforts, was abolished as of October 30, 2025. |
Naturalization of spouses and domestic partners of German nationals | Generally, after three years of lawful residence, provided the marriage or civil partnership has existed for at least two years. |
Naturalization of Family Members | Spouses, domestic partners, and minor children may be naturalized together under certain conditions, even if they have not yet met the standard residency requirement. |
Residence Status | Applicants must have an Residence permit that has been approved for the Naturalization . Not every Residence permit will suffice. |
Livelihood | In principle, one must be able to support oneself without basic income support (Bürgergeld) or welfare. Child benefits, housing assistance, the child supplement, BAföG, and similar benefits do not affect eligibility for the “ Naturalization.” |
German language skills | As a general rule, German language proficiency at the B1 level is required. There are exceptions and accommodations for certain groups of people. |
Naturalization test | Knowledge of life in Germany must be demonstrated either through the naturalization test (“Leben in Deutschland” test) or by holding a German school diploma or vocational training certificate. |
Criminal offenses | Naturalization generally excludes criminal convictions involving a fine of more than 90 daily rates or a three-month suspended sentence. |
Multiple nationality | Dual citizenship has been permitted in Germany since June 2024. This means that individuals seeking naturalization are no longer required to renounce their original nationality when applying for German citizenship ( Naturalization ) in Germany. |
Naturalization Ban | In cases of intentional deception or knowingly false statements during the naturalization process, the right to apply for naturalization ( Naturalization ) may be suspended for ten years. |
Place of Birth Principle | Children born in Germany to foreign parents can automatically become German citizens if at least one parent has been living legally in Germany for at least 5 years and holds a permanent residence permit ( Residence permit ) (e.g., a residence permit for a long-term resident ( Settlement permit)). |
Applicability in Germany | The Naturalization Act is federal law. This means it applies equally throughout Germany. |
Does the Naturalization Act apply throughout Germany?
Nationality law is federal law. This means that the Naturalization Act applies equally throughout Germany.
Amendments to the Nationality Act are adopted by the Bundestag and the Bundesrat. The federal states then comply with these decisions.
Although the Naturalization Act is the same in all federal states, the naturalization process is carried out by the respective local authorities. For this reason, individual procedures may vary depending on the federal state, city, or county. This applies, for example, to the application process, the application forms, and the processing time.
How does a " Naturalization " (special naturalization) work under German naturalization law?
The naturalization process consists of several steps. First, you should check whether you meet all the requirements for Naturalization . You can use our free test, for example, to do this.
Finally, gather all the necessary documents and supporting evidence. You can find a list of the documents required for the “ Naturalization ” in our checklist. Once your documents are complete, you can fill out the application at Naturalization and submit it to the appropriate authority.
The agency is now reviewing your application. If any documents or information are still missing, the agency may request additional supporting documentation from you.
Once all requirements have been met, the authorities will make a decision on your application. Naturalization becomes effective upon issuance of the naturalization certificate ( Naturalization ). From that point on, you hold German citizenship.
The duration of the naturalization process varies from state to state and from agency to agency. If all requirements are met and all documents have been submitted, the Naturalization can be completed within a year at some agencies. In most cases, however, the Naturalization takes significantly longer—up to several years.
FAQ: The Most Important Questions and Answers About the Naturalization Act
What is the Naturalization Act?
The German naturalization law is officially called the Citizenship Act (StAG). It sets forth all the important rules regarding German citizenship and Naturalization .
What does the German Naturalization Act say?
The Naturalization Act governs, among other things, who is eligible to obtain German citizenship and what requirements must be met. The law also outlines various types of Naturalization , as well as possible grounds for exclusion.
Under the Naturalization Act, is it possible to hold more than one citizenship?
Yes. Under German law, multiple citizenship is generally permitted. As of 2024, you are no longer required to renounce your previous citizenship when applying for German citizenship ( Naturalization ) in Germany. However, whether you can actually retain your previous citizenship also depends on the laws of your country of origin.
Does the Naturalization Act apply throughout Germany?
Yes! The Naturalization Act is a federal law and therefore applies equally in all sixteen federal states.
Which sections of the Naturalization Act govern the Naturalization?
The most important rules governing naturalization by law ( Naturalization ) are set forth in § 10 of the German Nationality Act (StAG). In addition, § 8 of the StAG governs discretionary naturalization (Ermessens-Einbürgerung), and § 9 of the StAG governs the naturalization of spouses and registered partners of German nationals ( Naturalization ).
Can the Naturalization Act be amended?
Yes! In recent years, the Naturalization Act has even been amended several times. To make an amendment, a bill must first be introduced in the Bundestag. The Bundestag and the Bundesrat must then approve the bill.
