Naturalization

Naturalization

Naturalization

Since the Citizenship Act was amended on 27.06.2024, you can be naturalized if you

    • have had your habitual residence in Germany for 5 years ,
    • have a specific residence title
      (naturalization is not possible with the following residence titles: Sections 16a, 16b, 16d, 16e, 16f, 17, 18f, 19, 19b, 19e, 20, 22, 23a, 24, 25 (3) to (5) and Section 104c),
    • have B 1 language skills
    • have passed a naturalization test or “Life in Germany” test
    • No significant previous convictions or preliminary proceedings
    • the previous nationality does not have to be given up (“dual nationality“),
    • If you receive social benefits, naturalization is generally excluded (exception: full-time employees or hardship cases)
    • German citizenship is no longer lost when a foreign citizenship is accepted (retention permit no longer required).

Since 30.10.2025, it is no longer possible to shorten the naturalization period to 3 years in the case of outstanding integration, even if you have already submitted the application before then.

Spouses and children under the age of 16 can also be naturalized, even if they themselves have not yet been in Germany for five years.

The spouse of a German citizen can be naturalized if they have been legally resident in Germany for three years and the marriage has existed for at least two years.

Children born in Germany after 27.6.2024 automatically receive German citizenship if at least one parent is a German citizen at the time of birth.

We will be happy to help you with the application so that it is as complete and correct as possible. This can speed up the processing of the application. Unfortunately, we have no means of persuading the authorities to prioritize processing.

Information on the possibilities and cost risks of an action for failure to act we have here for you here.

Our specialist lawyers for migration law Sven Hasse and Marten Kaspar will advise you on the naturalization procedure.