Naturalization as a student
All information about naturalization as a student in Germany.
Here you learn ...
when you can become a naturalized citizen as a student
what you need to do to become a naturalized student
whether periods of study are credited for naturalization
how you can secure your livelihood as a student
Table of Content
1. Apply for naturalization as a student
2. Naturalization with Section 16b Residence Act
3. Credit for study period for naturalization
4. Livelihood Naturalization of Students
5. Conclusion Naturalization as a student
1. Apply for naturalization as a student
Naturalization as a student offers international students in Germany significant advantages and opens up new life prospects. Holders of a German passport not only gain access to numerous visa-free travel destinations worldwide, but also enjoy enormous gains in personal freedom and professional mobility. This is a crucial step, especially for young academics, allowing them to organize internships, research stays, or family trips without bureaucratic hurdles . German citizenship also makes it possible to realize long-term plans in Germany—whether for further studies, starting a career, or pursuing a permanent career.
In addition to the practical advantages, naturalization also offers legal security and social stability. Naturalized students no longer have to worry about potentially losing their residency status if they drop out of their studies and can plan their lives with significantly greater security. Furthermore , access to educational funding and scholarships can sometimes be made easier with German citizenship. In this context, too, it becomes clear that the German authorities positively view the long-term interest in permanent residence in Germany. A clear commitment to Germany as the center of one's life can thus increase the willingness of public authorities to provide support.
2. Naturalization with Section 16b Residence Act
Many international students in Germany sooner or later ask themselves whether they can become a German citizen with their residence permit under Section 16b of the Residence Act (AufenthG) . The answer is no. Legally speaking, naturalization is not possible while residing under Section 16b of the Residence Act – this permit is for study purposes only. However, naturalization can be applied for after changing your residence permit . The first requirement for applying for naturalization as a student is therefore a change in the purpose of your stay. This particularly applies to work visas , residence permits for family reunification , or humanitarian permits. Changing to a work-related residence permit means that your residence qualifies you for naturalization from that point onwards once you have completed the required length of stay.
If a change in the purpose of your stay is not possible, you will have to wait until you have finished your studies to apply for naturalization. After successfully completing your studies, graduates can take up qualified employment and switch from a student visa to a residence permit for skilled workers (Section 18b or Section 18g of the Residence Act) . These residence permits open the way to naturalization as a skilled worker with academic training. An alternative route is via a settlement permit , although it should be noted that periods of residence for the purpose of studying only count towards half the time required for a settlement permit ( Section 9 (4) No. 3 of the Residence Act ). Students also cannot apply for a permit for permanent residence in the EU ( Section 9a (3) No. 4 of the Residence Act ).
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3. Credit for study period for naturalization
Anyone living in Germany as an international student can have their legal residence during their studies counted toward the minimum residence period required for naturalization. Unlike with the settlement permit or the EU long-term residence permit , which explicitly excludes residence for study purposes, the German Nationality Act (StAG) does not contain such a restriction. Thus, the legal prior residence period—including during studies—is generally fully counted , provided there are no longer stays abroad (more than six months).
In practice, however, it repeatedly happens that individual clerks at immigration authorities misinterpret the provision of Section 16b of the Residence Act or take a different view. This falsely assumes that the time spent as a student does not count towards naturalization because this residence permit does not directly entitle one to naturalization (see above). However, this argument is legally untenable: The Nationality Act does not differentiate between legal residences based on the purpose of residence. Just because Section 16b of the Residence Act does not entitle one to naturalization does not mean that the time spent as a student cannot be credited towards the naturalization period. Therefore, anyone who lives legally in Germany as a student and then changes their purpose of residence or completes their studies can have their entire period of study credited towards the required naturalization period .
4. Livelihood Naturalization of Students
An important issue for naturalization for students is subsistence security . According to administrative instructions in Berlin, subsistence security is handled comparatively generously for students applying for naturalization. However, international students applying for naturalization in Germany must prove that they have sufficient means to secure their livelihood. If students receive benefits under the Federal Employment Agency (BAföG), their livelihood is considered secure . By law, BAföG benefits are geared to actual needs and therefore meet the requirements for subsistence security. For students who do not receive BAföG, the need to secure their livelihood is based on the maximum BAföG rate , which is regularly published in the Federal Gazette . In 2025, the monthly amount will be 992 euros - this amount is adjusted annually.
When naturalizing students, a prognosis must also be made regarding their livelihood. The naturalization authority must conduct a prognosis to determine whether the student's livelihood will be permanently secure in the future. The decisive factor is whether the student successfully completes their studies . Good academic performance or a short delay in their studies strengthens the authority's confidence in the applicant's future viability. The choice of degree program can also be relevant to the prognosis decision: The greater the shortage of skilled workers in a particular professional field, the better the chances of a successful prognosis. Degree programs such as computer science, engineering, or medicine offer attractive low unemployment rates and good employment prospects.
Summary of this Page
Naturalization as a student is generally possible – but only if certain requirements are met. Naturalization is not possible directly while studying with a residence permit under Section 16b of the Residence Act. Anyone wishing to become naturalized must either change their purpose of residence (e.g., to a work visa) or complete their studies and then take up qualified employment. However, the time spent as a student is fully counted towards the naturalization period, as long as you were legally in Germany. Another important aspect of naturalization as a student is that you have a secure livelihood – for example, through BAföG (student support for university living) or other income. Those who achieve good academic results and are working in a sought-after field such as IT or medicine have a particularly good chance of receiving a positive naturalization decision.
