Naturalization — German Citizenship

Requirements (from 2024)

Basic conditions:

1. 5 years legal residence (previously 8)
2. Or 3 years with special integration
3. Niederlassungserlaubnis or EU residence rights
4. German B1 proficiency (certificate)
5. Einbürgerungstest — knowledge test about Germany (passed)
6. Self-sufficiency — you don't receive Bürgergeld (exceptions: illness, care)
7. No criminal record
8. Acceptance of democratic values

Double Citizenship

Since 2024 YOU CAN have double citizenship:
- You don't have to give up your Polish citizenship!
- This now applies to all nationalities

Einbürgerungstest

• 33 questions (+ 3 about your state)
• 17 correct = passed
• Cost: 25€
• Practice: einbuergerungstest-online.de

How to apply?

1. Where: Einbürgerungsbehörde in your city
2. Form: Antrag auf Einbürgerung

Documents:

• Passport + Aufenthaltstitel
• Birth certificate (with apostille + translation)
• B1 certificate (Goethe, telc, etc.)
• Einbürgerungstest (passed)
• Certificate of good conduct (from Poland)
• Income statement
• Employment contract / company certificate
• Anmeldung

How much does it cost?

• 259€ per adult
• 51€ per child

How long does it take?

• Processing: 6-24 months (depends on city)
• Hamburg, Berlin: often 12+ months

Benefits of citizenship:

✅ Voting rights
✅ German passport (visa-free access to 190 countries)
✅ Work in public service
✅ Consular protection worldwide
✅ No residence renewal issues

Important!

• Start gathering documents early
• Apostille from Poland — order before leaving
• B1 test — pass before submitting application