What requirements must be met for simplified Naturalization ?
Naturalization is subject to certain requirements, which were amended as part of the 2024 reform of the Citizenship Act. In principle, applicants must have lived legally in Germany for at least 5 years, have a secure income and not have committed any serious crimes.
New deadlines for simplified Naturalization
Since the reform, the minimum period of residence for Naturalization has been reduced from 8 to 5 years. The period for Naturalization can be reduced to 3 years for persons with special integration achievements.
These special integration achievements include outstanding professional or social contributions as well as a high language level (C1 or higher). Children born in Germany to foreign parents are now automatically granted German citizenship if one parent has lived in Germany for at least 5 years and has a Settlement permit .
Easier language and integration tests
Sufficient proof of German language skills remains a prerequisite, but there are exemptions in certain cases. Anyone who has completed a German school-leaving certificate, a German degree or an apprenticeship can be exempted from the language test.
Older people or people with health restrictions can also receive an exemption under certain conditions. Proof of active social or professional participation, for example through permanent employment or voluntary work, is sufficient for integration.
Prerequisite | Regular applicants | Guest workers | Spouse |
|---|---|---|---|
Length of stay | 5 years | 5 years | 3 years |
Secure livelihood | ✓ | - | ✓ |
Impunity | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Language certificate | B1 | A1 | B1 |
Naturalization test | ✓ | - | ✓ |
Declaration of loyalty | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Simplified Naturalization for special groups of people
Not all applications for naturalization are subject to the same requirements. Simplified regulations apply to certain groups of people in order to facilitate their integration into German society. Guest workers who have lived in Germany for many years and their spouses as well as spouses of German citizens are particularly affected.
Guest workers and their spouses
People who came to Germany as guest workers in the 1950s to 1970s or who were contract workers have the opportunity to be naturalized more easily thanks to the reform of the Citizenship Act. They no longer need to take the naturalization test, as their decades of life achievement are recognized as proof of integration.
Children born in Germany
Children born in Germany also benefit, as they can be naturalized under simplified conditions without having to prove all the usual requirements. One parent must have lived legally in Germany for at least 5 years and be in possession of a Settlement permit .
Facilitated Naturalization for spouses and family members
Spouses of German citizens can be naturalized after just 3 years of legal residence, provided the marriage has been with a German spouse for at least 2 years. They do not have to have lived in Germany for at least 8 years, as was required for other applicants for a long time. In addition, both spouses can apply for Naturalization at the same time, which also makes things easier.
Minor children can also be naturalized if the parents or one parent have already submitted an application. This prevents families from being separated by different residence rights.
Procedure for simplified Naturalization: step by step
The application for simplified Naturalization is made via the competent naturalization authority at the place of residence. Certain procedures and requirements must be taken into account. Which documents are required and which deadlines apply depend on individual factors. The following sections explain the necessary steps and important details of the naturalization process.
Which documents are required?
The required documents include
- a valid passport and Residence permit,
- proof of legal residence (e.g. by means of the extended registration certificate)
- Proof of livelihood,
- passing the naturalization test and
- a language certificate (B1)
must be presented unless an exception applies. In addition, depending on the life situation, proof of integration or proof of special integration services may be required.
How long does the procedure take?
The processing time for a simplified Naturalization varies depending on the workload of the authorities, but is on average between 6 months and 5 years. Waiting times can be longer, especially in large cities. Those who submit all documents in full and do not have to undergo any additional verification procedures have the best chance of achieving Naturalization in the shortest possible time.
What fees apply?
The regular cost of Naturalization is € 255 per person. For underage children who are naturalized together with their parents, the fee is reduced to €51.
In special cases, for example in cases of financial hardship, a reduction or even a complete exemption from the fee can be applied for. The respective regulations depend on the federal state and the respective naturalization authority.
Conclusion: facilitated Naturalization in Germany - a step into the future
The facilitated Naturalization in Germany enables faster access to citizenship and offers numerous advantages - from legal legal security to enhanced career prospects. If you meet the requirements, you should consider taking this step. Migrando supports you with experienced lawyers to help you go through the application process efficiently and successfully.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about simplified Naturalization for Germany
A complete application with all the necessary documents contributes significantly to rapid processing. In addition, the duration of residence can be shortened to 3 years if outstanding integration achievements are demonstrated, e.g. through a high language level (C1) and social commitment. Processing by the authorities depends heavily on the respective municipality.
Processing times vary considerably depending on the federal state and city. In large cities such as Berlin or Munich, waiting times are often longer, while some smaller municipalities work more efficiently. Hamburg has achieved an acceleration through digital procedures. Naturalization currently takes the longest in Leipzig, with a waiting time of over 4 years. It is advisable to ask the responsible authority about processing times before applying.
Since the 2024 reform, naturalization applicants can retain their original citizenship. This applies to all applicants, regardless of their origin. Even Germans who take on another citizenship no longer have to give up their German citizenship. However, there may be exceptions if the country of origin does not allow multiple nationalities.
The duration until Naturalization varies greatly. If the decision on your application takes longer than 3 months, a Lawsuit for failure of act can be filed against the authorities at the administrative court to enforce a decision. Migrando 's experienced lawyers will be happy to support you in this process.
A move during the ongoing naturalization procedure is possible, but can lead to delays. The new competent authority must take over the application, which means additional bureaucratic work. This new authority has another 3 months to decide on the application. If no decision has been made after 3 months, a Lawsuit for failure of act can be filed. It is recommended to contact the previous naturalization office before moving in order to clarify the process.
