Naturalization: These requirements will apply in 2026
The requirements for Naturalization set forth in § 10 of the German Nationality Act (StAG). If you meet all the legal requirements, you are eligible for German Naturalization.
To Naturalization Germany, you must meet the following requirements:
- They have been living legally and habitually in Germany for at least five years
- You have a permanent right of residence, a temporary Residence permit that Naturalization for Naturalization , or you are eligible for freedom of movement within the EU
- Her identity and nationality have been confirmed
- You can secure your livelihood independently and for the long term
- You have German language skills at least at the B1 level
- You have proven knowledge of the German legal and social system
- They are committed to the free and democratic basic order
- They have not committed any serious crimes
If you're unsure whether you Naturalization all the requirements for German Naturalization , simply take our free test.
Important: Exceptions or exemptions may apply to some of the requirements. For example, individuals who are married to a German citizen or are in a registered civil partnership may, under certain circumstances, be eligible for naturalization after just three years of lawful residence.
Exceptions may also be made in cases of documented illnesses or disabilities. However, the decisive factor is always the individual case and the documentation you submit to the naturalization authority.
Prerequisite | General Naturalization |
|---|---|
Length of stay | 5 years |
Language skills | B1 |
Securing your livelihood | Yes |
Naturalization test | Yes |
Declaration of loyalty | Yes |
Impunity | Yes |
Proof of special achievements | No |
You can download a complete checklist of all the documents you need here:
Checklist for Your Application for Naturalization 5 Years
The Requirements for Naturalization Detail
To Naturalization Germany, you must meet various requirements. We’ll explain what this means in detail in the following section.
Minimum period of residence: Five years of lawful residence
To qualify for Naturalization , you Naturalization have been living legally and habitually in Germany for at least five years. You are considered to have your habitual residence in Germany if the center of your life is there. You can prove this with an extended registration certificate from the Residents’ Registration Office.
Short trips abroad do not normally interrupt your usual residence. However, longer stays abroad lasting more than six months (without permission from the Foreigners' office) may result in your residence being considered interrupted.
For spouses and registered domestic partners of German citizens, the requirements regarding length of residence are less stringent. Naturalization possible after just three years of lawful residence in Germany if the marriage or domestic partnership with the German citizen has existed for at least two years.
Eligible Residence permit Naturalization
Your stay is considered legal if you have a Residence permit that Naturalization you to Naturalization . This includes both temporary and permanent Residence permit. The following Residence permit to Naturalization:
- Settlement permit (Section 9 of the Residence Act)
- Permit for Permanent Residence – EU (Section 9a of the Residence Act)
- Residence permit Skilled Workers (Sections 18a, 18b, 18d, and 18g of the Residence Act)
- Residence permit Self-Employed Individuals (Section 21 of the Residence Act)
- Residence permit Family Reunification (Sections 28 and 30 of the Residence Act)
- Residence permit persons granted asylum (§ 25(1) of the Residence Act)
- Residence permit recognized refugees (Section 25(2), first sentence, of the Residence Act)
- Residence permit persons entitled to subsidiary protection (Section 25(2), sentence 2, of the Residence Act)
- Residence permit Successful Integration (Sections 25a and 25b of the Residence Act)
Residence permit following Residence permit Naturalization for Naturalization : Sections 16a, 16b, 16d, 16e, 16f, 17, 18f, 19, 19b, 19e, 20, 22, 23a, 24, 25 (3) through (5), 33, and Section 104c of the Residence Act (AufenthG).
Periods of Residence permit with a valid Residence permit Naturalization toward the five years required for Naturalization . Periods spent in the asylum process may also Naturalization toward Naturalization if the process was successful and you were subsequently granted asylum, subsidiary protection, or refugee status.
A Tolerance permit , on the other hand, is not Residence permit valid Residence permit. Therefore, periods during which you were merely tolerated generally do not count toward the required length of residence for German Naturalization.
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!
Identity and Nationality Confirmed
Another requirement for German Naturalization that your identity and nationality have been clearly established. The authorities must be able to determine beyond a doubt what your name is, when and where you were born, and what nationality you hold. In the case of stateless persons, their statelessness must be sufficiently established.
The most important proof of your identity and citizenship is a valid national passport. If you do not have a valid national passport, you must make every effort to obtain one within your means.
If it can be demonstrated that obtaining the required document is impossible or unreasonable, other official documents may also be Clarification of identity for the Clarification of identity . These include, for example, a recognized passport substitute, an identity card, or an ID card from your country of origin.
If such documents are (demonstrably) not available, other official documents may be considered. These include birth certificates, driver's licenses, school transcripts, baptismal certificates, or other documents containing your personal information.
Only when official documents (demonstrably) cannot be obtained may other forms of evidence, such as unofficial documents or witness statements, be considered.
Secure livelihood
Another requirement for Naturalization Germany is having a secure means of support. This means that you must be able to provide for yourself and your dependents without receiving basic income support (SGB II) or social assistance (SGB XII). If you receive these benefits, Naturalization is Naturalization not possible.
Certain other government benefits, Naturalization , do not preclude Naturalization . For example, housing assistance, child benefits, the child supplement, parental benefits, health and long-term care benefits, and Unemployment Benefit I Naturalization not preclude Naturalization .
In addition to your current income, the agency also assesses whether your livelihood is secure in the long term. Factors such as your employment history, the duration of your current employment, the amount of your income, and your household’s financial situation are taken into account.
Not sure if your income Naturalization for Naturalization ? Then you can calculate it now using our free income calculator.
Knowledge of the German language
To qualify for German Naturalization , you Naturalization demonstrate language proficiency at the B1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. You should be able to communicate independently in everyday situations and understand and write simple texts.
You must have both spoken and written language skills. Proof of this can include, for example, a B1 language certificate from a recognized provider (Goethe or telc). A certificate from the integration course is also accepted if you achieved level B1 on the German test for immigrants.
A German high school diploma can also serve as proof of language proficiency, as can successfully completed vocational training or a degree program taught in German.
Basic Knowledge of Germany
Knowledge of the legal and social system as well as living conditions in Germany is also one of the requirements for Naturalization. You demonstrate this knowledge by taking the naturalization test (“Life in Germany” test). A German school diploma or vocational training certificate may be accepted in lieu of the naturalization test.
The naturalization test consists of 33 questions. Of these, 30 questions cover general topics related to politics, history, and society in Germany, and three questions focus on the federal state where you live. You have 60 minutes to complete the test, and you must answer Naturalization 17 questions correctly to Naturalization .
Commitment to the free and democratic basic order
To Naturalization , you Naturalization commit to the free democratic basic order. By doing so, you confirm that you recognize the fundamental values and rules of the German state.
These include, among other things, human dignity, democracy, the rule of law, the separation of powers, and fundamental rights. This pledge is often referred to as a declaration of loyalty and is submitted in writing as part of the naturalization process.
In addition, you must acknowledge Germany’s special historical responsibility for the Nazi regime of injustice and its consequences. This includes the responsibility to protect Jewish lives.
No serious crimes
A criminal conviction may Naturalization . However, not every conviction automatically results in Naturalization from Naturalization . Minor offenses are generally not taken into account.
As a general rule, fines of up to 90 daily rates do Naturalization . Even a prison sentence of up to three months may be disregarded if it was suspended and subsequently waived after the probationary period expired.
If there are multiple convictions, the sentences are combined. If the total sentence exceeds the statutory de minimis threshold only slightly, the naturalization authority may, on a case-by-case basis, determine whether Naturalization is Naturalization possible. If, on the other hand, the de minimis threshold is significantly exceeded, Naturalization is Naturalization ruled out until further notice.
It is also important to note that a conviction may remain on your record in the Federal Central Register for some time even after you have fully served your sentence. It will not be deleted until a legally prescribed expungement period has elapsed. The length of this period depends, among other things, on the type and severity of the sentence.
With our conviction clearance calculator, you can determine when your conviction is expected to be expunged and when you might be eligible for Naturalization again.
What exceptions are there to the requirements for Naturalization?
To Naturalization Germany, you must generally meet all legal requirements. However, the Nationality Act provides for exceptions and exemptions regarding certain requirements.
Exceptions to the Requirement for a Secure Source of Income
In general, you must be able to support yourself and your dependents without relying on the citizen's income or social assistance.
However, an exception applies if you are currently working full-time and have been employed full-time for at least 20 months within the past 24 months. This exception may also apply to your spouse or registered partner. For this to apply, however, that person must live in the same household as you and a minor child.
Another exception applies to members of the so-called “guest worker” generation and former contract workers from the GDR. However, you must not be responsible for your own receipt of basic income or social assistance.
If you are unable to fully support yourself due to an illness, a disability, caring for children, caring for a family member, or another special circumstance, the authorities may also grant an exception.
However, it is important that you provide clear evidence of why you are unable to meet the requirement. To this end, the authorities require detailed medical certificates.
Exceptions Regarding German Language Proficiency
Normally, you must demonstrate Naturalization at the B1 level to qualify for Naturalization .
This requirement does not apply if you are unable to acquire the language skills due to a physical, mental, or psychological illness, a disability, or age-related factors. However, you must also provide supporting medical certificates to prove this.
An exemption may also apply if you have made a serious effort to learn German over an extended period of time. If you can demonstrate your serious efforts, the authorities may grant an exception.
Exceptions to the Naturalization Test
In general, you must demonstrate knowledge of the German legal and social system as well as living conditions in Germany. This is usually done by passing a naturalization test.
This requirement does not apply if you are unable to pass the test due to a physical, mental, or psychological illness, a disability, or age-related reasons. In this case as well, you must provide appropriate documentation or medical certificates to substantiate the reason.
What happens if the requirements for Naturalization are Naturalization met?
If you Naturalization meet a requirement for Naturalization , the authorities may deny your application. In most cases, however, they will first request any missing documents or additional evidence.
You can still meet some of the requirements even while the process is underway. For example, you can submit a B1 certificate, proof that you have passed the naturalization test, or new proof of income. However, this may delay the process.
If the agency denies your application, you will receive a written notice. In it, the agency will explain the reasons for the denial. The notice will also include information on whether you can file an appeal or bring a lawsuit directly. Be sure to observe the deadlines.
Whether you can still meet the missing requirements or should challenge the rejection in court depends on your specific circumstances. Therefore, have your situation reviewed by a lawyer as soon as possible.
FAQ: Requirements for Naturalization
What requirements do I have to fulfill for Naturalization ?
To be eligible for Naturalization , you Naturalization have been living legally in Germany for at least five years. In addition, among other requirements, your identity must be verified and you must have a secure means of support. You must have German language skills at the B1 level, knowledge of Germany, and must not have committed any serious crimes.
What kind of Residence permit I Residence permit for Naturalization?
You must have a permanent right of residence (e.g., a Settlement permit) or an appropriate temporary Residence permit, such as a Residence permit skilled workers or for family reunification. A residence permit for recognized asylum seekers, recognized refugees, or persons entitled to subsidiary protection is also generally Naturalization for Naturalization .
Can I become a naturalized citizen after just three years?
Until October 2025, it was indeed possible to become a naturalized citizen after just three years of lawful residence. However, this required demonstrating exceptional integration efforts and language proficiency at the C1 level. This so-calledNaturalization sinceNaturalization abolished.
However, Naturalization three years is still possible if you are married to a German citizen or are in a registered civil partnership. To qualify, you must have been living legally in Germany for at least three years, and the marriage or civil partnership must have existed for at least two years.
Can I become a naturalized citizen even though I receive the basic income?
Receiving a basic income allowance (SGB II) or social assistance benefits (SGB XII) Naturalization precludes Naturalization .
Can I become a naturalized citizen even if I have a criminal record?
Minor prior convictions resulting in up to 90 daily fines or a three-month suspended sentence generally do not affect Naturalization. However, if there are multiple convictions, the sentences are combined. If the offenses exceed the specified minimum threshold, Naturalization is Naturalization longer possible.
