Getting citizenship in Germany is possible now after a legal stay of 5 years. In Special integration cases, the duration is reduced to 3 years. Along with this, non-EU nationals must also meet other requirements such as language and integration tests, secured livelihood, and no criminal offense, etc.
Applying for German citizenship according to the newly announced naturalization rules on 27 June was made easy. This makes now the process easier than before, as shorter residence duration makes it possible for more and more people to apply for the nationality process. According to surveys and estimates, the new law can help around 5.3 million people secure naturalization in Germany in the coming years.
Who can apply for the German citizenship?
Any non-EU national living in Germany for a minimum of 5 years. The stay must be uninterrupted with a qualified residence permit title in the country. The candidate must also have a clean record and should not have any criminal record. In special cases, where the foreigner has made extraordinary efforts of integration, they can apply for the naturalization process in 3 years.
Where to apply for naturalization?
To apply for nationality in Germany, you must apply for the naturalization process. You submit the application to the naturalization authority responsible for your place of residence. For children and young people under 16, the parents must submit the application. If you do not know the responsible office, ask the Ausländerbehörde about it.
You can find out which authority is responsible for your naturalization from the city or district administration of your place of residence, the immigration authority the migration advice center for adult immigrants, or the youth migration services.
People living abroad permanently can only be naturalized in exceptional cases. The Federal Office of Administration in Cologne is responsible for them. The first point of contact here can be the locally responsible German diplomatic mission abroad (embassy, consulate general, or other consular office).
Requirements of German Citizenship
The following conditions must be met in order to apply for German citizenship:
- Unlimited, permanent, or qualified residence permit;
- Cleared identity and nationality;
- Oral and written German language skills at level B1 of the CEFR for Languages;
- Proof of knowledge of the legal and social order and living conditions in Germany (naturalization test also known as Leben in Deutschland test);
- Independently securing a livelihood for oneself and dependent relatives. This can be proven through a full-time job or part-time in some cases as well;
- No polygamy or behavior that violates the equality of men and women set out in the Basic Law;
- Proving no conviction for a criminal offense;
- Showing commitment to the free democratic basic order of the Basic Law and to Germany’s special historical responsibility for the National Socialist rule of injustice and its consequences, in particular for the protection of Jewish life, as well as to the peaceful coexistence of peoples and the prohibition of waging a war of aggression.
Who is exempt from the Naturalization Test?
The following candidates are exempt from presenting the Naturalization test also known as Leben in Deutschland test:
| Exemption Criteria | Details |
| Underage candidates | If you are not yet 16 years old |
| Health issues | If you cannot meet the requirements due to illness, disability, or age |
| Education (German) | If you have a German school leaving certificate or can prove successful completion of a degree at a German university in the fields of law, social sciences, political science, or administrative science |
| Recruitment Agreement (before June 30, 1974) | If you entered the Federal Republic of Germany based on one of the so-called recruitment agreements |
| Contract Worker (before June 13, 1990) | If you entered the former GDR as a contract worker |
| Spouse of Exempted Individual | If your spouse entered Germany under the recruitment agreement or as a contract worker and joined you at the same time |
Exceptions for GDR members and Contract workers
Members of the so-called guest worker generation and contract workers of the former GDR do not need to prove language skills through the B1 language test certificate and integration in Germany through the Leben in Deutschland test.
Citizenship after 3 Years
German Citizenship laws also help foreigners to apply for the nationality of Germany after three years of legal residence. According to “Paragraph 1 Sentence 1” of the citizenship law, non-EU residents living in Germany for a minimum of 3 years can apply for naturalization by showing that they:
- have performed voluntary work;
- have made special integration achievements, in particularly good academic, vocational, or professional achievements or civic engagement; and or
- meet the requirements of a language test at CEFR level C1.
Benefits of German Citizenship
| Benefit/Right | Details |
| Political Participation | – Right to vote at local, state, and federal levels |
| – Ability to run for political office | |
| Legal Equality | – Equal rights and obligations as a German citizen |
| Social Participation | – Increased opportunities for social integration |
| Professional Freedom | – Freedom to choose your profession in Germany |
| European Union Membership | – Freedom of movement within Europe |
| – Visa-free travel to many countries outside Europe | |
| General Right to Vote | – Eligible to participate in all elections in Germany |
| Fundamental Rights | – Article 8 GG: Freedom of assembly |
| – Article 9 Paragraph 1 GG: Freedom of association | |
| – Article 11 GG: Freedom of movement | |
| – Article 12 GG: Freedom of occupation | |
| Right of Residence | – Inalienable right of residence in Germany |
| Civil Servant Status | – Access to employment as a civil servant |
| EU Freedom of Movement | – Right to move and reside freely within the EU |
| Consular Protection Abroad | – Protection and assistance by German embassies and consulates |
| Visa-Free Travel | – Visa-free access to many countries around the world |