Apply for naturalization
Application for German citizenship under § 10 of the German Nationality Act (StAG) based on at least 5 years of lawful residence.
Wo wohnen Sie?
Damit wir Apply for naturalization mit dem zuständigen Ausländerbehörde 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
- 1
Documents you need
Residence permit · Certificate of Completion of the Naturalization Test · Proof of German language proficiency (B1)
- 2
Responsible authority
The authority of your main residence
- 3
How to do it
In person or by post at the office
- 4
Costs
100–110 € Aufenthaltstitel, sonst kostenlos
How to proceed
- 1
Submit an application to the naturalization office
The local immigration office or naturalization office.
- 2
Take the naturalization test
33 questions on democracy, the rule of law, and general knowledge about everyday life in Germany; at least 17 correct answers.
- 3
Receive a certificate of naturalization
Ceremonial presentation at the agency.
Responsible authority
The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →
The essentials before applying
Who is eligible?
Foreign nationals who have resided in Germany legally for at least 5 years (3 years in cases of exceptional integration efforts), have a secure source of income, and possess sufficient German language skills.
Income limit
Processing time
Nationwide: approx. approx. 4 months
Success rate
approx. 78.0 % (estimate)
Most common mistakes
- •Not prepared to renounce previous citizenship
- •Failed the naturalization test
Common reasons for rejection
- •Unable to support oneself
- •Crime in the pre-application room
- •Lack of German language skills (B1)
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
Do I have to give up my current citizenship?▼
Generally speaking, yes. Exceptions apply, for example, to EU citizens, stateless persons, and certain countries that do not allow for release.
Freshness & source
- Maintenance
- Continuously reviewed & updated
- Source
- Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge
- Data quality
- 100 %