What do you need for Naturalization?
In order to obtain German citizenship, several general requirements according to § 10 StAG must be fulfilled. These requirements ensure that you are well integrated into German society and that your future here is secure. Below you can find out what you need for Naturalization .
Legal duration of residence
The most important requirement for Naturalization is first of all a legal residence period of at least 5 years. A Tolerance permit is not a valid Residence permit for this.
In addition, the following Residence permit are blocked for Naturalization and no longer apply here: Sections 16a, 16b, 16d, 16e, 16f, 17, 18f, 19, 19b, 19e, 20, 22, 23a, 24, 25 (3) to (5) and Section 104c AufenthG.
Language skills
For German citizenship, you need at least sufficient knowledge of German, i.e. at B1 level. This includes both oral and written language skills, which must be proven by a certificate.
A German training, study or school-leaving qualification is possible as proof of your language skills. However, the prerequisite here is that you have completed the subject German with a grade of at least 4.
If you ...
- ... are over 60 years old, have been living legally in Germany for 12 years and can communicate orally (A1) or
- due to illness or
- due to a disability ...
... can no longer learn the German language, it is possible that you do not have to fulfill this requirement.
Clarification of identity
To obtain the German Naturalization , you need a valid identity document such as a passport, identity card or birth certificate. It must be clear where and when you were born and which country you come from.
Securing your livelihood
You must be able to support yourself without social assistance. This shows your economic independence and ability to provide for yourself and your family.
To prove this, you will need a rental contract, documents from your employer, sufficient health insurance cover and confirmation of your salary.
Declaration of loyalty
By signing the declaration of loyalty, you are committing yourself to fundamental principles such as the right to vote, the independence of the courts and the binding nature of legislation to the constitutional order.
Naturalization test
You must have passed the naturalization test in order to meet the requirements for Naturalization . It tests your knowledge of the legal and social order as well as living conditions in Germany. You can practise for the naturalization test free of charge in our test simulator.
Impunity
You can no longer be naturalized if you have a long prison sentence or a previous conviction of more than 90 daily rates. When submitting your application, state all previous convictions, including those below the de minimis limit.
Download our checklist and print it out. This will allow you to check exactly whether you already meet all the requirements.
Prerequisites for a faster Naturalization
Under certain conditions, it is possible to obtain the Naturalization after just 3 years. This regulation aims to promote exceptional integration achievements. You must also meet the following requirements in order to be naturalized after 3 years:
- Legal duration of stay: 3 years.
- Language skills: C1 level.
- Volunteering: voluntary work in social, cultural or charitable organizations, or:
- Professional, vocational or educational achievements: must be confirmed by the employer or a school authority.
The following table provides a clear overview of the differences in the requirements.
Prerequisite | General Naturalization | Special integration services |
|---|---|---|
Length of stay | 5 years | 3 years |
Language skills | B1 | C1 |
Securing your livelihood | Yes | Yes |
Naturalization test | Yes | Yes |
Declaration of loyalty | Yes | Yes |
Impunity | Yes | Yes |
Proof of special achievements | No | Yes (voluntary work, school, job) |
With the amendment to the Naturalization Act of June 2024, you can keep your previous citizenship if you obtain German citizenship. Dual citizenship is therefore possible!
Naturalization made easy: Your next steps
If you meet the above requirements and submit your documents in full, the chances of your Naturalization are good. Use our checklists and the test to make the process even easier. If you still need help, we at Migrando will be happy to support you!
FAQ - frequently asked questions about the naturalization requirements
In order to be naturalized in Germany, you must ...
- ... 5 years of legal residence in Germany,
- German at B1 level,
- Clarify your identity by means of documents such as a passport or identity card,
- secure their livelihood,
- sign a declaration of loyalty,
- pass the naturalization test and
- have no previous convictions.
Yes, if you can speak German at C1 level and can demonstrate special integration achievements such as voluntary work, exceptional academic, professional or vocational qualifications, a German Naturalization is possibleafter just 3 years.
In exceptional cases, Naturalization is also possible without a B1 language certificate. This applies, for example, if you are no longer able to learn German due to illness, disability or age (usually from 60). Former guest workers also have easier language requirements. A school, training or university degree also counts as proof of language proficiency.
