Apply for naturalization
Acquisition of German citizenship through naturalization in accordance with the requirements of the Nationality Act.
Wo wohnen Sie?
Damit wir Apply for naturalization mit dem zuständigen Einbürgerungsbehörde in Ihrer Stadt anzeigen können.
Oder Großstadt wählen:
Sie werden zur geführten Suche weitergeleitet – mit Kontaktdaten, Termin und nächsten Schritten für Apply for naturalization.
Quick answer
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Documents you need
Passport · Certificate of Completion of the Naturalization Test · Language Certificate B1 · Proof of income
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Responsible authority
The authority of your main residence
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How to do it
Apply directly online
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Costs
100–110 € Aufenthaltstitel, sonst kostenlos
How to proceed
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Check the requirements
Length of stay, language proficiency, living expenses, criminal record.
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Take the naturalization test
33 questions on politics, society, and law; 17 correct answers required.
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Submit an application to the naturalization office
With a passport, residence permit, language certificate, and proof of income.
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Receive a certificate of naturalization
Once approval has been granted, the certificate will be presented in a ceremony.
Responsible authority
The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →
The essentials before applying
Who is eligible?
Individuals who have generally resided legally in the country for at least 5 years (or 3 years in cases of exceptional integration), have a secure source of income, sufficient knowledge of German, and have passed the naturalization test.
Income limit
Processing time
Nationwide: approx. approx. 9 months
Success rate
approx. 92.0 % (estimate)
Most common mistakes
- •Has not yet taken the naturalization test
- •Gaps in the resume/proof of residence
- •Identity verification is incomplete when passport documents are missing
Common reasons for rejection
- •Livelihood not guaranteed without a basic income
- •Language proficiency (usually B1) not demonstrated
- •Criminality
Alternatives
- Check related services in the application assistant
- Use social counselling before applying
If rejected
File a written objection within 30 days – with reasons why the decision is wrong and any missing evidence.
Questions & Answers
Is multiple citizenship permitted?▼
Since the 2024 reform, it has generally been possible to retain one's previous nationality.
Freshness & source
- Maintenance
- Continuously reviewed & updated
- Source
- Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge
- Data quality
- 100 %