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Applying for Naturalization: Requirements and Process

You can usually apply for German citizenship if you have lived lawfully and habitually in Germany for at least 5 years, speak enough German (usually level B1), can support yourself financially, pass the naturalization test (Einbürgerungstest), and commit to the free democratic basic order. Since June 27, 2024, you may generally keep your previous citizenship (dual citizenship / Mehrstaatigkeit). The earlier option to naturalize after just 3 years was abolished again on October 30, 2025. The responsible office is the Naturalization Office (Einbürgerungsbehörde) where you live, and the fee is 255 € per adult. Whether all requirements are met is decided by the office on a case-by-case basis.

As of: 26.07.2026 · Editorial team HalloAmt · General information, not legal advice (see note at the end).

The naturalization application requires many documents – from a language certificate to proof of income – and the rules have changed several times recently. The HalloAmt assistant explains in over 50 languages which documents you need and where to submit your application. Start now →

How long must I live in Germany before I can apply for naturalization?

In general, you must have lived lawfully and with habitual residence in Germany for at least 5 years (§ 10 Nationality Act, Staatsangehörigkeitsgesetz, StAG). Since October 30, 2025, these five years are the standard minimum period – the option introduced in 2024 to be naturalized after just 3 years no longer exists. This period can also no longer be shortened through special integration achievements.

Different periods apply to some groups. As the spouse of a German citizen, naturalization is usually possible after just 3 years of residence, if the marriage has existed for at least 2 years (§ 9 StAG). Special rules also partly apply to recognized refugees and to children. Whether you meet the waiting period is checked by the responsible Naturalization Office (Einbürgerungsbehörde) on a case-by-case basis – if your residence has had short interruptions, it is worth getting advice.

Important: Not every residence permit counts the same way. For naturalization as a legal entitlement, you usually need a permanent right of residence or a suitable residence permit. Some humanitarian permits – for example a residence permit due to a deportation ban (§ 25 para. 3 AufenthG) – are often not recognized for this purpose, while recognized refugees are generally included. Have your specific permit checked before applying.

Can I keep my previous citizenship?

Yes, in general. Since the reform took effect on June 27, 2024, dual citizenship (Mehrstaatigkeit) is generally allowed. In most cases, you no longer have to give up your previous citizenship to be naturalized – previously this was only allowed in a few exceptional cases.

This applies to all countries of origin, so for example US citizens can also become German citizens without giving up their US passport. However, whether your country of origin continues to consider you one of its citizens is decided solely by that country's own laws – some countries automatically release their citizens or make dual citizenship difficult. Check this additionally with the diplomatic mission of your country of origin.

Where do I submit the naturalization application, and what does it cost?

You submit the application at the Naturalization Office (Einbürgerungsbehörde) where you live. Depending on the city or district, this may be a separate office, the citizens' office (Bürgeramt), or the immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) – for example in Hamburg, Bremen, Leipzig, Stuttgart, Hannover, Dortmund, Bochum, Mannheim, Karlsruhe, Bonn, Darmstadt, Wiesbaden, Mainz, or Potsdam. Many municipalities now offer an online portal for the initial application or an expression of interest (in Berlin and Hamburg, for example, the application process is digital). You can find out which office is responsible for you and whether an online option is available on your city's portal.

The fee is 255 € per adult and 51 € for a child who is naturalized together with a parent and has no income of their own (§ 38 StAG). In addition, there are costs for documents such as the language certificate, naturalization test, translations, and certificates. Naturalizing a child alone also costs 255 €.

What language level do I need, and do I have to take a test?

In general, you need German at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference – proven, for example, by a language certificate, a school diploma, or the certificate from an integration course. A pure A2 level is usually not enough in the standard case.

In addition, you usually need to pass the naturalization test (Einbürgerungstest): 33 questions about law, society, and history, of which you must answer at least 17 correctly. You can take the test at adult education centers (Volkshochschulen) and other approved locations; the questions are publicly known and can be viewed on the BAMF website.

Easier rules apply for the guest worker generation (Gastarbeitergeneration): those who came to Germany as guest workers (as well as spouses who joined them around the same time) often only need to prove spoken German skills and do not need to take the naturalization test. Whether this applies to you is checked by the Naturalization Office (Einbürgerungsbehörde).

Can I be naturalized if I receive Housing Benefit (Wohngeld) or Citizen's Allowance (Bürgergeld)?

In general, you must be able to support yourself and your family members financially, without depending on Citizen's Allowance (Bürgergeld, SGB II) or Social Assistance (Sozialhilfe, SGB XII). Receiving these benefits usually prevents naturalization under the reform.

There are narrow exceptions – for example:

  • for the guest worker generation (Gastarbeitergeneration)
  • for people who have worked full-time for a longer period
  • for certain family members

Whether an exception applies is decided by the office on a case-by-case basis. Do not rely on general statements here – get advice before applying.

Housing Benefit (Wohngeld) is not Citizen's Allowance (Bürgergeld): it is a subsidy for people with their own income and is assessed differently. What matters is whether your household as a whole can manage without SGB II / SGB XII benefits. Child Benefit (Kindergeld) and Parental Allowance (Elterngeld) also do not count as harmful benefit receipt. If you are unsure, ask your Naturalization Office (Einbürgerungsbehörde) or a migration counseling service how your situation will be assessed.

Note on social benefits and residence status: Whether receiving benefits harms your naturalization or a residence permit strongly depends on your individual case and status. Unemployment Benefit I (Arbeitslosengeld I) from your own contributions is usually not a problem, but Citizen's Allowance (Bürgergeld) often is. Before applying for benefits, clarify possible consequences for naturalization and residence status in a counseling session.

Do I need a certain period of pension insurance contributions?

No, a fixed minimum period of pension insurance contributions is not a general requirement for naturalization under § 10 StAG. What matters is that your livelihood is secured. However, many offices ask for a pension insurance record or salary statements as proof of your employment. If you are self-employed or do not pay into pension insurance, prove your income with other documents.

Which documents do I need to submit?

The exact list is set by your Naturalization Office (Einbürgerungsbehörde). In most cases, you need:

  • valid passport or substitute ID and your residence permit
  • current biometric passport photo
  • registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung) and proof of your period of residence
  • language certificate (usually B1)
  • proof of the passed naturalization test (Einbürgerungstest)
  • proof of income (e.g. pay slips, employment contract, pension insurance record; for self-employed people, tax assessments)
  • birth certificate and, if applicable, marriage certificate (often with a certified translation)
  • signed declaration of commitment to the free democratic basic order (since 2024 with an explicit statement against antisemitism and racism, among other things)

A certificate of good conduct is usually obtained directly by the office. Missing certificates from the country of origin are a common cause of delays – arrange for these early.

How long does processing take?

This varies a lot from office to office and mainly depends on how busy they are. Processing often takes many months, sometimes more than a year. There is no legal maximum time limit. You can speed things up by submitting a complete application and answering any follow-up questions from the office quickly. Don't wait to apply until all documents are "perfect" – submit your application and provide missing documents later, as soon as the office requests them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long must I live in Germany before I can apply for naturalization?

Usually at least 5 years of lawful and habitual residence. The earlier option after 3 years was abolished on October 30, 2025. If you are married to a German citizen, it is usually 3 years of residence with at least 2 years of marriage.

Can I keep my previous citizenship?

Since June 27, 2024, dual citizenship (Mehrstaatigkeit) is generally allowed. In most cases, you no longer have to give up your previous passport to be naturalized. Whether your country of origin still considers you its citizen depends on that country's own laws.

Where do I submit the naturalization application, and what does it cost?

At the Naturalization Office (Einbürgerungsbehörde) where you live – depending on the city, this may be the citizens' office (Bürgeramt), the immigration office (Ausländerbehörde), or a separate office, sometimes online. The fee is 255 € per adult and 51 € for a child who is naturalized together with a parent and has no income of their own.

What language level do I need, and do I have to take a test?

Usually German at level B1 and a passed naturalization test (Einbürgerungstest) (33 questions, at least 17 correct). For the guest worker generation (Gastarbeitergeneration), spoken German is usually enough, and the test is not required.

Can I be naturalized if I receive Citizen's Allowance (Bürgergeld)?

In general, you must be able to support yourself financially. Citizen's Allowance (Bürgergeld, SGB II) or Social Assistance (Sozialhilfe, SGB XII) usually prevent naturalization. There are narrow exceptions – get advice before applying.

How long does processing take?

This varies a lot and depends on how busy your Naturalization Office (Einbürgerungsbehörde) is. It often takes many months, sometimes more than a year. There is no legal maximum time limit.

Next Steps

There is no nationwide standard form for the naturalization application itself – the process goes through the Naturalization Office (Einbürgerungsbehörde) where you live. You can already prepare these steps with HalloAmt:

  • Register your address – you'll need your registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung) as proof of your period of residence.
  • Apply for Child Benefit – Child Benefit (Kindergeld) does not count as harmful benefit receipt for naturalization.
  • Apply for Citizen's Allowance – please note: Citizen's Allowance (Bürgergeld, SGB II) can work against your naturalization and, depending on your residence permit, also against your right to stay. Clarify possible consequences beforehand with a migration counseling service.

The HalloAmt assistant explains in over 50 languages which documents you need and where to submit your application. Start now →

For questions about your specific situation, contact:

  • Migration Counseling for Adult Immigrants (Migrationsberatung für erwachsene Zuwanderer, MBE)
  • the Youth Migration Service (Jugendmigrationsdienst, JMD) – for young people
  • a welfare organization (Wohlfahrtsverband)
  • a specialist lawyer for migration law (Fachanwält:in für Migrationsrecht)

This is general, carefully researched information (as of 26.07.2026) and does not replace legal or official advice. Decisions on residence and nationality law always depend on the individual case and are largely at the discretion of the responsible office; laws and administrative practice can change at short notice. Amounts, deadlines, and responsibilities may vary; the Naturalization Office (Einbürgerungsbehörde) responsible for your place of residence decides on your individual case. For binding information, contact this office, a migration counseling service (MBE/JMD), or a lawyer. If a deadline is about to expire or if your application is rejected, seek legal help immediately (a specialist lawyer for migration law) or contact a migration counseling service. We cannot guarantee completeness or accuracy.

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