Q&A

🇩🇪 Checklist: German Citizenship (Naturalization)

Requirements and documents for German naturalization. Since June 2024: 5 years of residence possible (previously 8).

German terms
Einbürgerung Staatsangehörigkeit Einbürgerungstest Einbürgerungsurkunde Einbürgerungsbehörde
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Naturalization application Required
Einbürgerungsantrag
At your city's naturalization office. Often available online too.
Residence permit (min. 5 years of lawful residence) Required
Aufenthaltstitel / Niederlassungserlaubnis
Since 2024: 5 years instead of 8. With exceptional integration (C1 level, volunteering): 3 years possible.
Citizenship test (33 questions, 17 correct to pass) Required
Einbürgerungstest / Test 'Leben in Deutschland'
Register at VHS. 25€ fee. Practice 310 + 10 state-specific questions online: einbuergerungstest-online.de
Language certificate B1 (or higher) Required
Sprachzertifikat / Deutschkenntnisse B1
Goethe-Zertifikat, telc or DTZ. Alternatively: German school diploma.
Proof of income (secured livelihood) Required
Einkommensnachweise / Lebensunterhaltssicherung
You must be able to support yourself without social benefits.
Declaration of no criminal record Required
Straffreiheitserklärung
Signed in the application. The office checks automatically with the Federal Central Register.
Pension insurance record Required
Rentenversicherungsverlauf
Request for free from Deutsche Rentenversicherung. Shows your contribution periods.
Birth certificate (certified + translated) Required
Geburtsurkunde
Original with apostille and certified German translation.
Marriage certificate (if married) Optional
Heiratsurkunde
With apostille and certified translation. Spouse can apply at the same time.
Fee: 255€ per person (51€ for minors) Required
Einbürgerungsgebühr
Due when filing the application. Non-refundable if rejected.

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