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Update: Attention: The new Naturalization Act comes into force on 27 June 2024!!!

From June 27, 2024, important things will change at Naturalization. The Federal Government's new Naturalization Act will then come into force. Important requirements according to Section 10 StAG will then change for you as an applicant.

The changes in the new law have three particularly important points:

Dual citizenship is permitted: From June 27, 2024, you will no longer have to renounce the citizenship of your home country in order to be naturalized. The exceptions according to § 12 StAG will also no longer be necessary. Dual citizenship is enshrined in law!
The Naturalization after 5 years: The new law reduces the requirement for legal residence in Germany from 8 years to 5 years. From June 27, 2024, you can apply for Naturalization in Germany after 5 years of legal residence!
The Naturalization after 3 years: With special integration achievements: With special integration achievements such as a C1 language certificate and academic achievements, professional achievements and voluntary work, you can be naturalized after 3 years. Previously, this was only possible after 6 years.

This video deals with the question: What is a Naturalization?

If you have successfully completed the naturalization process and hold a German passport in your hand, then you are a German citizen and from now on have all the rights and obligations that every other German has.

You can use Naturalization to access the freedom of assembly and the freedom to form an organization or party with others. You also have the opportunity to freely decide where you work in Germany and with which employer you work through the freedom of occupation under Article 12 of the Basic Law.

With a German passport, you also have the opportunity to vote in all elections in Germany. This includes elections to the Bundestag and the European Parliament as well as state and local elections. You therefore have a say in the political situation in Germany and Europe with your vote.

With a Naturalization it is also easier for you to obtain a loan from a bank to build a house or start a business. The chances of a credit company giving you a positive response for this are very high with a German passport!