Naturalization in Hamburg
Find out all important information about naturalization in Hamburg (documents, appointment, application, processing time)
Here you learn ...
which documents are required for naturalization in Hamburg
how the naturalization process works in Hamburg
whether an appointment for the preliminary examination in Hamburg is necessary
how long naturalization takes in Hamburg
Author
Attorney
Reading Time
6 Min.
Release Date
14.02.2025
Table of Content
1. Naturalization in Hamburg
2. Naturalization in Hamburg online
3. Documents for Naturalization Hamburg
4. Naturalization process in Hamburg
5. Date and processing time for naturalization in Hamburg
6. FAQ
1. Naturalization in Hamburg
Naturalization in Hamburg offers numerous advantages, including a secure (and irrevocable) right of residence, the active and passive right to vote, freedom of travel with a German passport and access to social benefits. Around 13,000 applications for naturalization are submitted in Hamburg every year. In 2023, 7,357 people received German citizenship. The Office for Migration of the Ministry of the Interior and Sport, specifically the naturalization department there, is responsible for processing the applications.
2. Naturalization in Hamburg online
The application for naturalization can be submitted online in Hamburg. This means you have the option of applying for your naturalization digitally. Use the quick check beforehand to check whether you meet all the requirements for naturalization. For online naturalization, you must upload all documents online and sign the application online. If you have done everything correctly, the naturalization authority will have your application directly in the right file and will then process the application quickly. The online process in Hamburg can be started using the “Application Service for Naturalization” on the website .
3. Documents for Naturalization Hamburg
The following documents are required for the naturalization application in Hamburg:
Valid passport
Current residence permit
Documents relating to civil status (birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree or death certificate of the spouse), if applicable with translation, legalization or apostille
Employment contract and proof of income (for self-employed persons: business registration, income tax assessment and proof of profit achieved)
Proof of sufficient knowledge of German (language level B1); for children under 16 years of age, age-appropriate language development is sufficient
Proof of civic knowledge (e.g. through the “Living in Germany” certificate or the naturalization test) from the age of 16
Written commitment to the free democratic basic order and declaration of loyaltyrental agreement
proof of health insurance
Proof of retirement provision (e.g. pension insurance history)
Pupils and students: Current school or study certificate or proof of qualifications obtained in Germany
Pensioners: Pension notice or pension insurance history from the German Pension Insurance
Minors: Proof of custody or consent of the other parent with custody
In individual cases, the naturalization authority may request additional documents. However, this depends on the case.
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4. Naturalization process in Hamburg
The naturalization process begins with an online quick check , which allows an initial check to determine whether the requirements for naturalization are met. This is followed by the online application, where the application is submitted together with all the necessary documents. After receipt of the application, the responsible authority checks that the documents are complete and requests any missing evidence. In the further course of the process, payment of the processing fee of EUR 255.00 per person is required. If children are naturalized, the fee is EUR 51.00 per child. This fee is usually due when the naturalization certificate is issued.
5. Date and processing time for naturalization in Hamburg
An initial consultation is no longer required for naturalization in Hamburg. The authority automatically makes an appointment after the application has been submitted. At the appointment, the original documents are checked and, if necessary, a short conversation is held in German to check language skills.
The average processing time is currently more than twelve months. However, according to Section 75 of the Administrative Court Act (VwGO), the authority may not take longer than three months to process the application. If this deadline is exceeded, an action for failure to act can be brought. One of our lawyers will be happy to advise you on this.
6. FAQ
How can I apply for naturalization in Hamburg?
Hamburg offers the possibility of submitting the naturalization application digitally. You can use an online quick check to check in advance whether all the requirements have been met. Applications sent by post will not be processed.
Where can I take the naturalization test and how do I prepare for it?
The naturalization test can be taken at recognized testing centers. A list of these testing centers and information on registration are available from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF).
What documents are required for the naturalization application?
The required documents include: valid passport or proof of identity, proof of legal residence, proof of language skills (at least B1), proof of secure livelihood, confirmation of passing the naturalization test, current CV. Depending on the individual situation, additional documents may be required.
Summary of this Page
Naturalization in Hamburg enables the acquisition of German citizenship and offers advantages such as a secure right of residence, the right to vote and freedom of travel with a German passport. The application can be submitted online via the "Naturalization Application Service", whereby all required documents, including passport, residence permit, proof of income and proof of language skills (at least B1), must be uploaded. After receipt of the application, the naturalization authority checks the documents, makes an appointment for the presentation of the originals and charges a processing fee of 255 euros per person, whereby the processing time is currently more than twelve months, but according to Section 75 of the Administrative Court Act (VwGO), in principle it may not take longer than three months.
