5
Years of residence
Usually 5 years of lawful ordinary residence. Not every residence permit is suitable for naturalization.
Where do I start?
Ask the naturalization authority where you live for advice and its document checklist. It checks which requirements and exceptions apply to you.
What is usually required?
B1
German language skills
Usually German at B1 level. Exceptions apply in certain cases.
✓
Knowledge of Germany
Usually proved by the naturalization test on law and society. Other evidence may also be accepted.
Your identity and citizenship must be established. You need a suitable residence status, the statutory commitments to the constitution and a check of criminal convictions. Generally, you must support yourself and dependent family members without Bürgergeld or social assistance; statutory exceptions may apply.
How do I apply?
- 1
Find the naturalization authority for your town or district. Ask about advice, the form and the local application process.
- 2
Gather evidence using the local checklist. Before paying for translations, ask which format and certification are required.
- 3
Submit the application and required documents; provide missing evidence when requested. The authority decides. Applying does not itself make you German.
The general three-year route for exceptional integration was abolished on 30 October 2025. Separate special routes remain, such as for spouses of German citizens under section 9 StAG. Language and knowledge requirements may be proved differently or waived for illness, disability, age or other statutory cases. Ask the authority which exception fits.
Germany generally allows multiple citizenship. Whether you retain your existing citizenship also depends on the other country’s law. Check there before declaring a renunciation.
Usually €255 per person. A minor child without their own income naturalized with a parent pays €51. An independent application usually carries the full fee. Reductions or waivers may be possible in individual cases. Translations and tests may cost extra.
Often identity and civil-status documents, residence evidence, income records and language and civic-knowledge evidence. Your authority sets the precise checklist and accepted evidence. Ask before substituting your own declarations for missing documents.
How does the existing check help?
The optional naturalization check helps you sort out unresolved questions. It is not an application or a promise of citizenship. The authority’s assessment is decisive.
Open the naturalization checkGeneral orientation, not individual legal advice. The naturalization authority assesses your case.