Basics: Naturalization after 5 years
Naturalization after 5 years is closely linked to integration in Germany, just like the other Naturalization options. To understand why German citizenship is such an important step for many foreigners, it is important that you know all about the basics of Naturalization .
What does the term "Naturalization" mean?
The Naturalization is the last step you take as a foreigner in the long integration process in Germany. It is an important goal for many foreigners. There are various ways to become a German citizen, which are set out in § 3 StAG. These include obtaining German citizenship ...
- ... through birth.
- ... as a child.
- ... with the planned naturalization process.
According to Naturalization you are therefore a German citizen and as such have all the rights that every other German citizen has.
Why Naturalization is so important
The Naturalization is particularly important for foreigners in Germany. This is because the German passport that you receive with the Naturalization puts you on an equal footing with all German citizens and gives you the same civil rights.
This includes, for example, the right to demonstrate, the right to form a party or an association and the right to decide freely where and for whom you work. The same applies to the free choice of studies and the right to vote.
German citizenship is also important because it is easier to apply for a loan with a German passport, for example to start a business or buy an apartment.
Naturalization after 5 years with a new law?
When can I apply for Naturalization ?
The changes to the Naturalization Act 2024 form the basis for naturalization after 5 years instead of 8 years. There are many simplifications compared to the old Naturalization Act, such as in the areas of duration of residence and dual citizenship. The following changes are the most important:
- Naturalization after 5 years instead of 8: It is important that the 5 years of residence is a legal residence. This means that you must have a temporary or permanent Residence permit - a Tolerance permit is not valid for this.
- Naturalization after 3 years with special integration services: If you meet all the requirements for Naturalization and also have a language certificate (C1) and academic, vocational, professional or voluntary work experience, you can apply for Naturalization after just 3 years instead of 5 years.
- Naturalization with dual citizenship: You no longer have to give up your old citizenship in order to be naturalized.
The aim of the change in the law is to make Germany a more attractive location for foreign skilled workers. In this way, the German government wants to reduce the shortage of skilled workers in various professions and make Germany a more attractive country for immigration.
Naturalization after 5 years - Requirements
For an application to Naturalization to make any sense at all and be successful, you must fulfill the following conditions in accordance with § 10 StAG. If you meet all the requirements of Naturalization before applying, nothing stands in the way.
- 5 years of legal residence: As already mentioned, Tolerance permit is not permitted. You must have a temporary or permanent Residence permit for 5 years. The following Residence permit are blocked and no longer apply: Sections 16a, 16b, 16d, 16e, 16f, 17, 18f, 19, 19b, 19e, 20, 22, 23a, 24, 25 (3) to (5) and Section 104c.
- Clarification of identityIt must be clear where and when you were born and which country you come from . This can be clarified with a valid passport or identity card.
- Language certificates: At least language level B1 is required for Naturalization after 5 years. This language level is proven with a German training, study or school qualification, provided that the subject German was completed with a grade of at least 4. If you do not have such a qualification, you must present a language certificate.
- Proof of integration: You must have passed the naturalization/integration test. You are only exempt from this if you have a German school or university degree. You must also sign the declaration of loyalty in which you declare your allegiance to the German state.
- Proof of means of subsistence: You must prove that you can support yourself and your family. This is done via a rental agreement, documents from your employer and confirmation of your salary.
- No previous convictions: High prison sentences and previous convictions (over 90 daily rates) mean that you cannot be naturalized. State all criminal offenses truthfully, even those within the de minimis limit.
- Correctly completed application for Naturalization after 5 years: You will need an application form issued by the naturalization authority. If you have completed everything correctly and can provide all the supporting documents, nothing stands in the way of your Naturalization .
You can download and print out this checklist so that you can always check whether you meet all the requirements and have collected all the necessary documents.
In 7 steps to Naturalization
Everyone who applies for German citizenship and wants to become German goes through the Naturalization process. You can see exactly how this works in the following steps:
Where is the application submitted?
If you wish to submit an application to Naturalization , the nearest naturalization authority responsible for you is the right place. You must first collect the application form there. Or you can download the form from the Internet. Once you have checked all the requirements and collected all the documents, submit the application to the same naturalization authority.
Duration and costs of Naturalization after 5 years
If you meet all requirements and have submitted all documents completely and correctly, you can generally expect a processing time of approx. 24 months or longer.
The Naturalization costs €255 per person. For children under the age of 16 who have no income of their own and are naturalized with their parents, the Naturalization normally costs €51. Fees may be reduced in exceptional cases.
Waiting too long?
After you have submitted the application to the naturalization authority, the authority has 12 weeks to respond. If there is no response after 12 weeks, you have the right to submit an Lawsuit for failure of act. If there is no reason why your application was not processed on time, the administrative court will give the authority a specific deadline. The application must be processed within this period.
Time for Naturalization after 5 years!
After the naturalization authority has successfully processed your application, you will receive an appointment from them. On this date, you will receive your Naturalization with a certificate and from then on you will be a German citizen. With the new law, you no longer need a naturalization certificate as you can keep your original citizenship.
How can children be naturalized?
Children are naturalized in Germany in different ways:
- If you (or one of your child's parents) are naturalized, your minor children (under 18 years of age) and your spouse can also be naturalized in accordance with § 10 Para. 2 StAG.
- If your child was born in Germany and at least one parent has lived in Germany for 5 years and has a permanent right of residence, your child will automatically receive German citizenship. This is possible even if you have not yet been naturalized(§ 4 para. 3 StAG).
If your children are over 16 years old, the same rules apply to them as to you. They must therefore meet all the requirements for Naturalization and submit an application with all the necessary documents. The only difference is that they can be naturalized with one of their parents until they turn 18. A period of residence of 3 years is then sufficient.
A look ahead
The new Naturalization Act offers the opportunity to become a German citizen more quickly. It facilitates access to rights and freedoms that enrich everyday life and open up new prospects. However, it is important to prepare thoroughly and fulfill the conditions to ensure a successful Naturalization . We are happy to support you at Naturalization!
FAQ - frequently asked questions about Naturalization after 5 years
Can I apply for German citizenship after 5 years?
Yes, with the new law, which has been in force since June 27, 2024, you can apply for German citizenship after 5 years. There are requirements for Naturalization after 5 years, but you must fulfill them.
Can I lose my German citizenship?
Normally, German citizenship cannot be lost. However, this can happen in certain cases:
- Waiver,
- Joining foreign armed forces,
- according to § 35 StAG, if it was obtained by fraudulent misrepresentation, threats or bribery or by deliberately providing incorrect or incomplete information or
- Combat participation in terrorist organizations abroad.
How long does it take to obtain German citizenship?
If the application has been submitted correctly and everything is complete, it usually takes the authorities around 24 months or more to process it. The authorities have to process a large number of applications, which is why it often takes longer. However, with our support, you will usually receive the Naturalization faster.
Can I apply for German citizenship after 3 years?
Yes, if you meet all the requirements for Naturalization and can demonstrate special integration achievements, you can apply for German Naturalization after just 3 years. These special achievements include a language certificate (C1) and academic, vocational or professional achievements as well as voluntary work.
Can I be naturalized without a B1 language certificate?
In exceptional cases, it is possible to be naturalized without a language certificate with level B1. If you want to naturalize because of ...
- ... a disease,
- old age (normally from 65 years) or
- cannot learn German due to a disability,
you do not need to present a certificate. If you were a guest worker, oral proof of your language skills is sufficient. If you have completed a school, course of study or training in Germany, this is sufficient.
