Requirements for Citizenship in Germany

All information about the requirements you must meet to become a German citizen

Citizenship Requirements in Germany

Naturalization opens up long-term prospects in Germany – from secure residency status to comprehensive civil rights. Anyone who lives here permanently and has become part of society can apply for German citizenship under certain conditions . The naturalization process is clearly regulated but requires careful preparation. Whether and when you are eligible depends on various personal and legal factors . On this page, you will learn what requirements you must meet for naturalization and what exceptions there are to these requirements .

Several basic requirements must be met for naturalization in Germany. These include legal residence, usually based on a temporary or permanent permit such as a settlement permit or the EU Blue Card, sufficient German language skills at B1 level, passing a naturalization test, and securing a livelihood without receiving social assistance. Proof of language skills can be provided through official certificates or a personal interview with the authorities. Self-employed individuals often have to submit extensive documentation, such as audit reports from a tax advisor.

Furthermore, a commitment to the free democratic basic order is required, and the naturalization applicant must not have any significant criminal record or security concerns. Since the reform of January 19, 2024, dual citizenship has generally been permitted, meaning that one no longer has to renounce one's previous nationality. This makes access to German citizenship much easier for many people, especially those from third countries.

For all of these requirements, there are specific procedural requirements that require a special approach depending on the individual case. Furthermore, there are numerous exceptions to the above-mentioned requirements that privilege certain naturalization applicants and can still enable naturalization in individual cases despite the absence of one of the naturalization requirements. The following guides provide you with all the information on the details of the naturalization requirements to enable naturalization in your case despite the lack of certain requirements. If you have any questions about the naturalization requirements or the exceptions, one of our VISAGUARD attorneys will be happy to advise you.

VISAGUARD Guides for Employers

Naturalization without a passport

All information about the declaration of identity for naturalization and naturalization without a passport.

Declaration of loyalty naturalization

All information about the declaration of loyalty and commitment for naturalization in Germany.

Dual citizenship naturalization Germany

All information on multiple nationality and dual citizenship in Germany.

Naturalization test

All information about the naturalization test for naturalization in Germany.

Securing a livelihood Naturalization

All information on securing your livelihood when naturalizing in Germany.

Naturalization as a student

All information about naturalization as a student in Germany.

Language skills naturalization

All information about the language skills required for naturalization.

Naturalization with a criminal record

All information on naturalization despite minor or serious criminal records.

Naturalization of which residence permit

All information about which residence permits entitle you to naturalization and which do not.

Naturalization after 3 years

All information about naturalization in Germany after just three years ("Turbo Naturalization").

Residence period for naturalization

All information about the required period of residence for naturalization in Germany.

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