Germany – Citizenship

Who is eligible to apply for citizenship in Germany?

Several distinct pathways lead to German citizenship, and identifying which one applies to your personal circumstances is the crucial first step. The predominant route is naturalisation through residence, but eligibility may also arise through family lineage, birth within Germany’s borders, or a close family relationship with a German national.

Naturalisation after residency

As a general rule, foreign nationals have a legal entitlement to naturalisation after five years of lawful and habitual residence in Germany, provided they satisfy a set of additional conditions. This entitlement is referred to as Anspruchseinbürgerung. The five-year threshold places Germany alongside comparable nations such as France and the Netherlands, and represents a significant acceleration from Germany’s own previous requirement of eight years.

To qualify under this standard pathway, you must satisfy all of the following conditions: you must have been residing lawfully and habitually in Germany for at least five years; you must be able to verify your identity and current nationality; you must hold either a permanent right of residence or a long-term residence permit; you must be able to support yourself and any dependent family members financially without recourse to state assistance; you must demonstrate German language competence at a minimum of B1 level under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR); and you must possess adequate knowledge of Germany’s legal framework, social structure, and way of life.

In practical terms: you must not be receiving or entitled to receive benefits from the Jobcenter or the Social Welfare Office; your German must meet the B1 threshold or higher; and you must either have passed the naturalisation test on German civic and legal knowledge, or hold a German school-leaving qualification.

It is important to note that not all time spent on German soil counts toward the five-year requirement. Periods in Germany as an international student, a job seeker, an au pair, or a tourist are excluded. Only time spent under a qualifying residence permit that may lead to permanent residence is counted.

Citizenship by descent

German citizenship passes automatically to children of German nationals regardless of where the birth occurs. This hereditary transmission of citizenship can, however, become complicated across multiple generations. If you believe you may have a claim through a grandparent or great-grandparent, the Federal Foreign Office can provide guidance specific to your individual circumstances.

Citizenship by birth on German soil

Since the 2024 reform, children born in Germany to foreign parents who have resided in the country legally for at least five years are now entitled to receive German citizenship automatically at birth. Such children are no longer required to make an election between nationalities at adulthood — a requirement formerly known as the Optionspflicht has been abolished. This mechanism combines the principle of birth on German territory with a parental residency threshold, similar in concept to jus soli provisions in other countries.

Citizenship by marriage or civil partnership

Those who are married to, or in a registered civil partnership with, a German citizen benefit from a reduced residency requirement. Rather than the standard five years, spouses may become eligible for naturalisation after just three years of residence in Germany. The partnership must be genuine and ongoing, and all other standard requirements — including financial independence and language ability — remain fully applicable.

Discretionary naturalisation and exceptional contributions

Even where an applicant does not meet all conditions for naturalisation as of right, the relevant authority retains a degree of discretion in deciding whether to grant citizenship. This discretionary naturalisation — known as Ermessenseinbürgerung — still requires at least five years of lawful habitual residence. Exceptions may be made where naturalisation would enable someone to be recruited or retained for activities serving German interests, particularly in fields such as academia, research, commerce, the arts, culture, media, sport, or the public sector.

Ethnic German resettlers

Under section 7 of the Nationality Act, ethnic German resettlers acquire German citizenship automatically upon receipt of the certificate issued under section 15 of the Federal Expellees Act (BVFG) following their arrival in Germany.

Disqualifying conditions

Certain circumstances constitute grounds for exclusion from naturalisation (Ausschlussgründe). These include having engaged in or supported activities aimed at undermining Germany’s free and democratic basic order, or having violated the constitution; having previously held anti-constitutional convictions; failing to respect the principle of equal rights between men and women as enshrined in the Basic Law; and being simultaneously married to more than one person (polygamy).

Applicants must also formally acknowledge Germany’s responsibility for the crimes perpetrated under the National Socialist regime and declare their commitment to the protection of Jewish life, to peaceful coexistence among peoples, and to the rejection of aggressive warfare. This is a written declaration submitted as a formal component of the application.

What are the steps involved in applying for citizenship in Germany?

Citizenship applications in Germany are administered at the local level. There is no single national processing centre — instead, the nationality and naturalisation authorities of each federal state bear responsibility for handling applications. This means the specific procedures, online tools available, and waiting periods can differ considerably between cities and regions.

1. Confirm your eligibility. Before assembling any documents, verify that you satisfy the residency, language, financial, and all other applicable requirements. Your first point of contact is the local nationality authority (Staatsangehörigkeitsbehörde), which will advise you on the required forms, supporting documents, and applicable fees. Many authorities publish pre-application checklists on their websites.
2. Sit the naturalisation test. Every eligible applicant between the ages of 16 and 67 must register for the naturalisation test administered by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) at an accredited test centre. On passing, BAMF issues a personalised certificate confirming your result, which must be included with your application documents. The test fee is €25 (as of 2025).
3. Compile your documentation. The standard set of required documents typically includes a valid passport or identity document, evidence of lawful residence, proof of financial self-sufficiency (such as payslips, tax assessments, or bank statements), a language certificate at B1 or above, your naturalisation test certificate, biometric photographs, a birth certificate, a marriage or civil partnership certificate where relevant, and documentation of your current and previous addresses in Germany. Additional costs may arise for obtaining and translating foreign documents, and these can vary considerably depending on your country of origin.
4. Submit your application. A number of federal states have introduced digital application portals, enabling you to complete your application and upload documents online, with fees payable electronically. Where no online system exists, applications must be submitted in person at your local authority office.
5. Pay the application fee. The standard fee is €255 per adult applicant. Children being naturalised alongside their parents are charged €51 each (as of 2025). In exceptional circumstances — such as large families or applicants on low incomes — a reduction may be available.
6. Wait for processing and security screening. How long your application takes to be processed varies considerably across Germany and is influenced by factors including the authority’s current workload, the complexity of your case, the involvement of other agencies, and whether your submitted documents are complete. Background checks, including standard police record inquiries and queries with the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, contribute to overall processing time. Application volumes surged following the 2024 Nationality Act reform, placing many authorities under considerable pressure.
7. Attend a naturalisation ceremony. If your application is approved, you will be invited to a naturalisation ceremony at your local authority, where you will be presented with your naturalisation certificate. This event formally marks the conferral of your German citizenship.
8. Apply for a German passport. Once in possession of your naturalisation certificate, you may apply for a German passport at the citizens’ office (Bürgeramt) in your area of residence.

Always consult the BAMF website and your local authority’s official pages for the most current document requirements and fee schedules, as these are subject to periodic revision.

What tests, interviews, or ceremonies are required as part of the citizenship process in Germany?

Language proficiency

Applicants must demonstrate competence in German at a minimum of B1 level under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The B1 standard represents a mid-level conversational ability — broadly equivalent to the language threshold required for indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom, or the language component of the Australian citizenship assessment. Accepted forms of evidence include recognised language course certificates, a German secondary school-leaving certificate, or a university degree completed entirely in German.

The naturalisation test (Einbürgerungstest)

Passing the naturalisation test allows applicants to demonstrate the knowledge of Germany’s legal and social system and living conditions that is required for citizenship. Unless you hold a German school-leaving certificate or are exempt on grounds of age, physical illness, or disability, sitting this test is mandatory for all citizenship applicants.

The test is designed to assess your understanding of German society, the country’s laws, its history, and the values underpinning its democratic order. It is held at adult education centres (Volkshochschule) and other authorised institutions throughout Germany. The format consists of 33 multiple-choice questions drawn from a publicly available pool of 310 questions; a minimum of 17 correct answers is required to pass. In structure, the test is comparable to civics-based assessments used in countries such as the United States and Canada, though Germany’s questions are specifically oriented toward its legal framework, postwar democratic development, and constitutional values.

The test fee is €25 (as of 2025). The most effective way to prepare is to work through the interactive question bank available via the online test centre operated by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees.

Loyalty declaration

Every applicant must sign a written declaration of loyalty to Germany’s free and democratic basic order (the Loyalitätserklärung). Through this declaration, applicants affirm Germany’s special historical responsibility arising from the National Socialist regime and its consequences — notably the protection of Jewish life — along with a commitment to peaceful relations between peoples and the rejection of any war of aggression. This is a substantive legal obligation, not a mere formality.

Background and security checks

As a standard component of every application, the nationality authority carries out background screening that includes police record checks and inquiries directed to the Office for the Protection of the Constitution (Verfassungsschutz). These security procedures contribute to overall processing times. Unlike in some countries — such as the United States, where applicants undergo a mandatory individual interview with an immigration officer — Germany does not require a separate formal interview as a matter of course, although local authorities may request a meeting if clarification of particular circumstances is needed.

Naturalisation ceremony

Naturalisation ceremonies in Germany are organised at the local authority level and vary in their degree of formality across different federal states. Some are relatively straightforward administrative handovers of the certificate, while larger cities are increasingly moving toward more formal ceremonial events. The naturalisation certificate (Einbürgerungsurkunde) is the official document that confirms the conferral of German citizenship and must be obtained before an application for a German passport or identity card can be made.

What are the benefits of citizenship in Germany?

Obtaining German citizenship confers a broad range of practical rights and entitlements that extend well beyond those available even to long-term residents or holders of permanent residence permits. For many people, the advantages — particularly in terms of travel freedom and EU rights — make the effort of the application process entirely worthwhile.

Freedom of movement across the European Union

Among the most significant advantages of German citizenship is the right to move freely throughout the European Union. As a German citizen, you may live, work, and study in any of the 27 EU member states without requiring a separate visa or residence permit — a right that is unavailable to non-EU residents regardless of how many years they have spent in Germany. This opens up enormous opportunities for career development, access to higher education, and the experience of living across different European cultures.

German passport and international travel

The German passport grants holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 159 countries, making it one of the most powerful travel documents in the world. German citizens are also entitled to consular protection when travelling abroad, meaning German diplomatic missions can provide assistance and support in foreign countries. For those whose current passport offers more restricted visa-free access, this represents a meaningful and immediate practical benefit.

The right to vote and stand for election

German citizenship unlocks full political participation, including the right to vote in federal, state, and local elections, and the right to stand as a candidate for elected office. Long-term residents — even those holding permanent residence permits — are not entitled to participate in federal or state elections, making political rights one of the most fundamental distinctions between permanent residency and citizenship.

Access to public sector employment

A significant portion of roles within the German civil service (Beamte), including positions in government administration, the judiciary, certain security agencies, and the diplomatic corps, are restricted to German citizens. For those currently working in or seeking entry to the public sector, citizenship can open career pathways that are formally closed to non-nationals.

Passing citizenship to children

For families with a long-term commitment to life in Germany, citizenship can represent an enduring legacy. Children born to German citizens generally acquire citizenship automatically, securing the same rights and opportunities for the next generation. This is among the most significant long-term advantages for families who plan to remain in Germany permanently.

Security of residence

As a citizen, your right to reside in Germany is permanent and unconditional. It cannot be undermined by a change in employment status, altered personal circumstances, or an extended period spent living abroad. This fundamental security is something that even a permanent residence permit cannot fully replicate.

Does Germany allow dual citizenship, or will you have to renounce your existing nationality?

The Act to Modernise Nationality Law (StARModG) came into force on 27 June 2024, making it possible for applicants to acquire German citizenship without relinquishing their existing nationality — including in cases where this had previously not been permitted. This was a transformative change: prior to June 2024, the vast majority of non-EU nationals were required to give up their original citizenship before being naturalised in Germany.

From 27 June 2024 onwards, individuals from all countries who are naturalised in Germany are permitted to retain their existing citizenship or citizenships. Applicants should, however, establish in advance whether the laws of their country of origin also permit the holding of multiple nationalities. This is a critical point: Germany’s authorisation of dual nationality does not automatically mean that your home country extends the same permission. Before submitting your application, you should verify the position with your home country’s immigration or foreign affairs authority.

All newly naturalised citizens may hold on to their previous nationality or nationalities. Nevertheless, it is important to review the nationality law of any other country of which you are a citizen to confirm whether they permit dual or multiple nationality.

Equally, German citizens who wish to acquire a foreign citizenship are no longer required to obtain prior authorisation to retain their German nationality. The previously required Beibehaltungsgenehmigung (permission to retain citizenship) is no longer necessary.

Additionally, individuals who previously had to surrender their original citizenship in order to be naturalised in Germany may now seek to have it restored, thereby potentially acquiring dual or multiple citizenship. This is subject to the consenting country permitting the reacquisition of its nationality.

There are certain countries whose legal systems do not permit the voluntary renunciation of nationality, and others where renunciation is practically impossible to carry out. Under the legal position as of June 2024, nationals of the following countries are unable to formally relinquish their citizenship: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Eritrea, Guatemala, Honduras, Iran, Cuba, Lebanon, Maldives, Morocco, Mexico, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Panama, Syria, Thailand, Tunisia, and Uruguay. In practical terms, nationals of these countries will retain their original citizenship upon naturalisation in Germany as a matter of course.

How long does it typically take to become a citizen of Germany?

The realistic timeline from first arriving in Germany as a newcomer to holding a German passport spans several years and can be divided into two broad stages: accumulating the required residency period, and then completing the application process itself.

Phase 1: Accumulating qualifying residency

Since 27 June 2024, the minimum residency requirement before an application can be submitted has been reduced from eight years to five years. Only time spent under a qualifying residence permit counts toward this threshold — the clock does not start from the date of first entry as a student or tourist, but from the point at which you hold a permit type that may lead to permanent residence. For those married to a German citizen, the minimum period is reduced to three years.

Phase 2: Processing the application

Once submitted, processing times differ considerably across Germany and are influenced by the workload of the relevant authority, the complexity of individual cases, the extent to which other agencies are involved, and whether submitted documentation is complete and accurate. Depending on the city and a range of other factors, the procedure can take anywhere from six to twelve months. Some applicants in cities with particularly high demand have reported waiting significantly longer. The introduction of the new Nationality Act on 27 June 2024 triggered a sharp rise in applications, leading to extended waiting times at many authorities.

Taking a realistic overall view: if you are beginning your residency in Germany today, you should anticipate a minimum of five to six years before receiving citizenship — five years of qualifying residence, followed by the application processing period. For spouses of German citizens, this could be as short as three to four years. Always consult the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) website and your local authority for the most current estimates of processing times, as these fluctuate with application volumes.

What are the main reasons an application for citizenship in Germany might be refused?

Being aware of the grounds on which applications are typically refused allows you to identify any potential issues in advance and take steps to address them. The majority of refusals fall into a small number of clearly defined categories.

• Insufficient qualifying residency. If you cannot demonstrate five complete years of lawful residence under a qualifying permit, your application will not succeed. Time spent in Germany as an international student, job seeker, au pair, or tourist does not count toward the five-year threshold.
• Criminal convictions. A serious criminal conviction will prevent naturalisation. It is not possible to become a German citizen following a conviction for an antisemitic, racist, or xenophobic offence, or any other crime that demonstrates contempt for human dignity, regardless of the sentence imposed. Minor fines and suspended sentences below certain thresholds may be disregarded, but this should be confirmed with a qualified legal adviser.
• Failure to meet the language requirement. Inability to demonstrate German at B1 level or higher is a straightforward and common basis for refusal.
• Failure of the naturalisation test. Unless exempt, applicants who do not pass the BAMF civics test cannot proceed to naturalisation.
• Financial dependency on public funds. If you are receiving or entitled to receive benefits from the Jobcenter or the Social Welfare Office, you will not satisfy the financial self-sufficiency requirement. Limited exceptions exist for cases in which hardship arose from circumstances entirely outside your control.
• Anti-constitutional views or activities. Grounds for exclusion include having engaged in or supported activities directed against Germany’s free and democratic basic order, having violated the constitution, or having previously held anti-constitutional convictions.
• Incomplete or inaccurate documentation. Authorities are under an obligation to act only on complete applications. Missing documents, poor-quality translations, or inconsistencies between submitted materials are frequent causes of both delays and outright refusals.

Is there an appeals process?

If your application is refused, you have the right to challenge that decision. You may initially request a review (Widerspruch) by the same authority that issued the refusal. If this is unsuccessful, the decision can be contested through the administrative courts (Verwaltungsgericht). Where an authority has failed to reach a decision within a reasonable time — typically more than three months from the date of submission — you may also file an action for failure to act (Untätigkeitsklage). Given the complexity of nationality law, obtaining specialist legal advice before commencing any appeal is strongly recommended.

Where can you find reliable, up-to-date information about citizenship in Germany?

Citizenship law is subject to regular change, and it is essential to rely only on official government sources when seeking current information on requirements, fees, and processing times. Blogs, discussion forums, and commercial websites — including this article — should be treated as a starting point for orientation only. Always verify the specifics directly with the relevant authority before taking any action.

• Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt): The Federal Foreign Office nationality law page provides authoritative guidance on all routes to German citizenship, including detailed information on the 2024 reform. Those ordinarily resident in Germany should direct questions about nationality to the authority responsible for their place of residence.
• Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI): Within the federal government, overarching responsibility for nationality law rests with the Federal Ministry of the Interior. The BMI website publishes FAQs and relevant legal texts in both German and English. Visit bmi.bund.de.
• Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF): BAMF operates the official naturalisation test system and makes the full question pool available for self-study. The BAMF naturalisation page covers the test format, exemptions, and test centre locations across Germany.
• Official eligibility checker (einbürgerung.de): The official eligibility checker allows you to carry out a rapid preliminary assessment of whether you are likely to meet the key requirements for naturalisation. Note that this quick-check tool is currently available in German only.
• Local Nationality Authority (Staatsangehörigkeitsbehörde): Your local authority is your direct point of contact for application forms, document checklists, appointment bookings, and fee payment. Detailed information on requirements is also available in the brochure My Path to a German Passport. If you require further guidance, you should approach your local nationality authority or a local advice centre.
• Federal Office of Administration (BVA): For those ordinarily resident outside Germany who have a potential claim to German citizenship — whether through descent or another route — the Federal Office of Administration (BVA) is the appropriate point of contact.

Frequently asked questions about citizenship in Germany

Do children born in Germany automatically receive German citizenship?

Since the 2024 reform, children born in Germany to foreign parents who have resided in the country lawfully for at least five years are now entitled to receive German citizenship automatically at birth. Such children are no longer required to choose between nationalities upon reaching adulthood — the former obligation known as the Optionspflicht, which forced many young people to elect a single citizenship, has been abolished entirely.

Can German citizenship be lost or revoked?

In principle, German citizenship can only be withdrawn against an individual’s will if doing so would not render them stateless. Citizenship may be lost through voluntary renunciation, or if a person who holds another nationality voluntarily joins the armed forces or a militant organisation of that other state without prior consent from the German authorities. Citizenship obtained by fraudulent means may also be revoked, though such cases are uncommon.

What happens to my citizenship application if I move abroad during the process?

If you relocate permanently outside Germany while your application is still being considered, your eligibility may be affected. The legal entitlement to naturalisation applies to individuals who have lived in Germany for at least five years and continue to do so. Those who previously met this requirement but are no longer resident in Germany do not retain this entitlement. You should inform your local nationality authority immediately if your living situation changes at any point during the application process.

Does time spent as a student in Germany count towards citizenship?

Time spent in Germany as an international student, a job seeker, an au pair, or a tourist does not count toward the five-year residency threshold for naturalisation. Only periods during which you held a qualifying residence permit with a pathway toward permanent residence are included in the calculation.

Can I apply for German citizenship if I am still waiting for a permanent residence permit?

To be eligible for naturalisation by legal entitlement, you must already hold either a permanent residence permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) or a residence permit that entitles you to obtain one. If your current permit type does not lead to permanent residence, you will not yet qualify. Consult your local authority to confirm which permit categories are accepted for this purpose.

Will my home country still recognise me as a citizen if I naturalise in Germany?

Germany now permits all newly naturalised citizens to retain their previous nationality or nationalities. However, you must independently check the nationality laws of your home country, as some states automatically withdraw citizenship when a national acquires another nationality abroad. Contact your home country’s embassy or immigration authority to establish their position before submitting your application to Germany.

Is there a special route for the “guest worker” (Gastarbeiter) generation?

Yes. The 2024 Nationality Act reform introduced a considerably simplified naturalisation pathway specifically for members of the guest worker (Gastarbeiter) generation. For this group, demonstrating spoken German language ability is sufficient — they are not required to sit the formal naturalisation test. This provision acknowledges the lasting contributions made by those who came to Germany as migrant workers during the postwar decades and built their lives here.

What is the naturalisation test and how do I prepare for it?

The naturalisation test (Einbürgerungstest) assesses an applicant’s knowledge of Germany’s legal and social system, its history, and the values that underpin its democratic order. It is compulsory for all applicants who are not exempt. The test consists of 33 multiple-choice questions drawn from a published pool of 310, and requires a minimum score of 17 correct answers to pass. The fee is €25 (as of 2025). The most effective preparation method is to work through the interactive question bank available at the online test centre operated by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) at bamf.de.

Can fees be reduced if I cannot afford them?

Yes, there are circumstances under which the naturalisation authority has discretion to reduce or waive the application fee entirely. Such adjustments are made primarily in cases of demonstrated financial hardship, with the aim of ensuring the naturalisation process remains accessible regardless of income. Applications for a fee reduction must be submitted to the authority, which will assess individual circumstances on a case-by-case basis.

Can I apply for German citizenship if I have a minor criminal conviction?

Minor offences need not automatically bar you from applying for German citizenship. In particular, if you received a monetary fine of up to 90 daily income units, you may still apply without needing to wait for the record to be expunged. However, convictions for antisemitic, racist, or other offences that demonstrate contempt for human dignity will prevent naturalisation regardless of the nature or severity of the sentence imposed. If you have any criminal record and are uncertain of its implications, seek specialist legal advice before applying.