German Citizenship

Requirements for naturalisation

Naturalisation as of right is governed by Section 10 StAG. Anyone who meets the requirements set out there has a legal entitlement to naturalisation, not merely a discretionary decision by the authority. That is an important difference: an entitlement can be enforced in court.

Five years of residence

Five years of lawful habitual residence in Germany are required. What matters is that they are unbroken. Anyone who was without a valid title for even a few weeks between two permits risks the period starting again. That is precisely why it pays to keep this path in view as early as the first residence permit.

Language skills at level B1

Proof of German at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference is required. A German school-leaving qualification generally replaces this proof.

A secured livelihood

You must be able to support yourself and dependent family members without benefits under the Second or Twelfth Book of the Social Code. The Act provides exceptions, for instance for certain groups of employees. Whether such an exception applies is the most frequent point of dispute in the procedure.

What changed in 2024 and 2025

The reform of June 2024 substantially restructured German nationality law. Two changes have the strongest effect in practice.

Eight years became five

The minimum period of residence fell from eight to five years. Anyone still working from the old figure may wait three years longer than necessary.

Dual nationality is now the rule

As a rule, the previous nationality no longer has to be given up. The formerly central application for retention has therefore become irrelevant in most cases.

The shortened three-year route has been abolished again

The option introduced in 2024 of being naturalised after only three years in cases of special integration achievements was removed again at the end of October 2025. The current Section 10 StAG no longer contains it. Anyone relying on older guides online is planning around a deadline that no longer exists.

Where applications fail in practice

In our experience it is rarely the language. It comes down to three other points: gaps in the periods of residence, receipt of social benefits during the relevant period, and incomplete evidence of the livelihood.

The connection between immigration law and social security law is particularly close here. Anyone who looks at the two separately regularly overlooks that a brief period of drawing benefits can block naturalisation years later.

Procedure and fees

The application is filed with the naturalisation authority at your place of residence. Under Section 38 StAG the fee is 255 euros, and 51 euros for a minor child naturalised at the same time. The authority may reduce the fee on grounds of equity.

Frequently asked questions about German citizenship

Do I have to give up my previous nationality?

As a rule, no. Since the reform of June 2024 multiple nationality is generally permitted.

Can I be naturalised after three years?

No. That option existed only between June 2024 and October 2025 and has been abolished.

Does earlier receipt of citizen’s benefit harm my application?

It can stand in the way of naturalisation. Whether a statutory exception applies depends on the individual case and should be examined before the application is filed.

What applies to my children?

Minor children can be naturalised at the same time. The fee is then 51 euros per child.

What can I do if the authority refuses?

Because Section 10 StAG creates an entitlement, a refusal can be reviewed in court. We examine the decision and conduct the proceedings.