Naturalization after 3 years
All information about naturalization in Germany after just three years ("Turbo Naturalization").
Here you learn ...
when naturalization is possible after 3 years in Germany
what the requirements are for naturalization after 3 years
what is meant by special integration services
how the discretionary powers of the 3-year naturalization process work
Table of Content
1. After 3 years for naturalization
2. Requirements for naturalization after 3 years
2.1 C1 language skills
2.2 Livelihood for the family
3. Special integration services
3.1 Reduction due to civic engagement
3.2 Reduction due to professional performance
4. Authority’s discretion (naturalization after 3 years)
5. Conclusion Naturalization after 3 years
1. After 3 years for naturalization
For many people, naturalization after only three years of residence in Germany is an important step on the path to full social participation. While regular naturalization has been possible after five years since the last reform of the Nationality Act, German citizenship law allows naturalization after only three years in special cases . This article explains who can benefit from this option, what requirements must be met, and what to consider when applying.
Naturalization after 3 years should be carefully prepared and well-founded, as the shortening of naturalization due to “special integration efforts” ( Section 10, Paragraph 3 of the StAG ) is a discretionary decision Especially in the case of discretionary naturalization, it is advisable to have the application accompanied by a lawyer specializing in immigration law.
2. Requirements for naturalization after 3 years
2.1 C1 language skills
An important prerequisite for naturalization after three years is the presence of C1 language skills . While B1 language skills are sufficient for naturalization after five years, foreigners wishing to benefit from the shortened naturalization period must have a near-complete command of the German language ( Section 10, Paragraph 3, No. 3 of the German Citizenship Act ). This is intended to ensure that the naturalization applicant can integrate particularly well into German society.
2.2 Livelihood for the family
A further requirement for naturalization after three years is that the naturalization applicant can provide for the livelihood of his or her dependents ( Section 10, Paragraph 3, No. 2 of the Citizenship Act ). This requirement generally does not pose any problems in practice, since the general basic requirements for naturalization already require that the foreigner's livelihood is secure.
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3. Special integration services
The most difficult requirement for naturalization after three years is the existence of "special integration achievements." These special integration achievements include, in particular, particularly good academic, vocational, or professional achievements, or civic engagement ( Section 10 (3) of the Citizenship Act ).
3.1 Reduction due to civic engagement
Civic engagement is voluntary, unpaid, and oriented towards the common good, based on the free democratic basic order ( BT-Drs. 19/14336, 11 ). A reduction of the naturalization period to three years is therefore primarily possible if, for example, you undertake voluntary work . However, it is important to note that the social commitment is long-term and not just short-term. Furthermore, the duration and intensity of the voluntary commitment must be documented. The outstanding commitment must go well beyond mere
The volunteer work must go beyond membership in an association and have continued for at least one year. In practice, when applying for naturalization after three years, concrete proof of the volunteer work should be submitted, for example, a list of the hours worked or a certificate from the organization where the work was performed.
3.2 Reduction due to professional performance
Naturalization after just three years is also possible if you have demonstrated exceptional academic, vocational, or professional achievements . These include, among other things, founding a business , creating jobs, making a lasting contribution to the regional economy, or outstanding performance within a company. According to the administrative instructions in Berlin (VAB), particularly good professional achievements are also considered to be those who hold a settlement permit under Section 18c of the Residence Act (AufenthG) and a residence permit under Sections 18b and 18d , or an EU Blue Card under Section 18g of the Residence Act .
In principle, it can also be assumed that (at least in Berlin) particularly good academic and vocational qualifications are available for the following German educational qualifications:
Higher education entrance qualification (Abitur)
intermediate school leaving certificate, vocational training entrance qualification, extended vocational training entrance qualification and intermediate school leaving certificate with an average of at least 2.5
completed qualified vocational training
a successfully completed German-language degree at a German university or university of applied sciences
Those who demonstrate exceptional commitment to education or professional life can reduce the standard minimum stay from five years to three years – an attractive option for qualified and dedicated professionals. However, applicants should also ensure that they provide appropriate documentation . While particularly good school and academic performance can be relatively easily documented with a certificate, exceptional professional achievements generally require foundation documents or a certificate from an employer.
4. Discretion of the authority
The reduction of the naturalisation period from five to three years is not an automatic legal consequence, but is expressly This decision is based on the discretionary nature of the naturalization authority. Even if the necessary special integration achievements—such as special educational, professional, or social achievements—are undisputed, this does not necessarily lead to a reduction in the period. Rather, the authority can, at its discretion, shorten the period to up to three years. The authority can therefore also choose a shorter reduction in the naturalization period (e.g., four years).
In exercising its discretion, the authority must balance the interests of the applicant with the public interest. narrow legal limits , which are determined by the so-called prohibition of errors of discretion. If discretion is not exercised or is exercised incorrectly, legal protection is available. A lawyer specializing in naturalization law can review the decision for errors of discretion—in particular, failure to exercise discretion, exceeding discretion, or misuse of discretion—and, in case of doubt, seek judicial clarification.
Summary of this Page
Those seeking naturalization after just three years must meet a higher standard than those applying for the standard five-year naturalization process. This primarily includes very good German language skills at level C1, as well as special integration achievements, such as volunteer work or particular professional success. These requirements must be clearly documented, e.g., with certificates or testimonials from volunteer work. It is important to note that even if all requirements are met, naturalization after three years is not automatic. The authorities exercise discretion and decide on a case-by-case basis. If the application is rejected, it may be advisable to consult a lawyer specializing in naturalization law to have the decision legally reviewed.
