Naturalization — German Citizenship

Requirements (reform from June 2024)

1. 5 years of legal residence (previously 8) — or 3 years with exceptional integration achievements (C1, volunteering, very good employment)
2. Unlimited right of residence, e.g. Niederlassungserlaubnis, or current Aufenthaltstitel authorizing settlement
3. German at B1 level (B1 typically through Integrationskurs; 3-year path requires C1)
4. Einbürgerungstest — passed
5. Self-sufficiency — as a rule without Bürgergeld (exceptions: illness, care, full-time work despite low income)
6. No criminal record and declaration of loyalty to democratic order (anti-Semitism/racism clause)

Dual Citizenship — NOW Permitted

Since 27 June 2024 Germany permits Mehrstaatigkeit for everyone — you do not have to give up your Polish passport.

Children

A child born in Germany automatically receives citizenship if one parent has lived legally in Germany for 5 years and has permanent residence rights.

Einbürgerungstest

• 33 questions (including 3 about your state), 17 correct = pass
• Cost €25; practice at einbuergerungstest-online.de
• Exempted include graduates of German schools

How to Apply?

Submit the application (Antrag auf Einbürgerung) to your city's Einbürgerungsbehörde. Documents:
- Passport + Aufenthaltstitel, birth certificate (apostille + certified translation)
- B1/C1 certificate, passed Einbürgerungstest
- Führungszeugnis (certificate of good conduct)
- Proof of income and Anmeldung

Costs and Timeline

• €255 per adult, €51 per child (co-naturalized with parent)
• Processing 6–24 months (Hamburg, Berlin often 12+)

Benefits

✅ Right to vote, German passport (visa-free to ~190 countries)
✅ Work in public service, consular protection
✅ End of residence renewal and card replacement