Naturalization of which residence permit
All information about which residence permits entitle you to naturalization and which do not.
Here you learn ...
which residence permits allow naturalization
how naturalization works with a temporary residence permit
whether naturalization is possible with the fictitious certificate
when EU citizens can become naturalized
Table of Content
1. Which residence permit is required for naturalization?
2. Naturalization with permanent residence
3. Naturalization for work purposes
4. Naturalization of EU citizens
5. Which residence permit does not allow naturalization?
6. Conclusion which residence permit naturalization
1. Which residence permit is required for naturalization?
Anyone wishing to acquire German citizenship in Germany must meet a number of requirements. One of the key requirements is holding a residence permit at the time of application. The standard requirement for applying for naturalization is having permanent residency at the time of application. However, other residence permits are also eligible for naturalization. Here you can find out everything you need to know about which residence permits can be used to apply for naturalization and which cannot.
2. Naturalization with permanent residence
According to Section 10, Paragraph 1, Sentence 1, No. 2 of the StAG (German Citizenship Act), naturalization generally takes place with a permanent right of residence . Permanent residence rights are usually a settlement permit or an EU permanent residence permit . However, there are also other permanent residence rights with which naturalization can be applied for:
Swiss citizens entitled to freedom of movement and their family members
If you hold one of these residence rights, you can apply for naturalization on this basis without first obtaining a settlement permit or a permanent residence permit in the EU.
3. Naturalization for work purposes
Naturalization is not only possible with a permanent right of residence, but also with certain temporary residence permits . In this case, skilled worker titles such as the EU Blue Card or residence permits for skilled workers according to Sections 18a and 18b of the Residence Act are particularly relevant. As a holder of a EU Blue Card, you are therefore also massively privileged with regard to naturalization, as you do not have to go through the detour via the settlement permit, but can apply for naturalization directly . For many authorities (e.g. the State Office for Immigration (LEA) in Berlin), even the fictitious effect is sufficient. This also applies without a
A formal fictitious certificate has been issued in accordance with Section 81, Paragraph 5 of the Residence Act . However, this only applies if the conditions for extension are actually met .
The fictitious effect is not sufficient for naturalization if you hold a residence permit with which you cannot apply for naturalization (see below). Naturalization with a fictitious certificate is therefore only possible if you hold a residence permit that is eligible for naturalization and if this permit is also renewable. If an applicant for naturalization meets the requirements for a residence permit on a legal basis sufficient for naturalization, it is sufficient for an official review note confirming the conditions for granting the permit upon application. However, a formal application or the physical issuance of the residence permit is not required.
CONTACT US
Are you looking for a lawyer in German immigration and foreigners law? We are happy to support you in residence procedures before embassies, immigration authorities and administrative courts.
Contact us to book a video call consultation with a German immigration lawyer!
VISAGUARD.Berlin Legal Services
4. Naturalization of EU citizens
According to the Nationality Act (StAG), EU citizens can also be naturalized even if they already have EU citizenship. The naturalization of EU citizens in Germany requires, among other things , proof of habitual, legal residence in the federal territory . For EU citizens entitled to freedom of movement, EEA nationals (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway), Swiss nationals and their family members, this proof is usually provided by the extended registration register information. The extended registration register information can be issued by the responsible registration authority if a legitimate interest can be credibly demonstrated. Such an interest exists in particular if an application for naturalization is to be submitted. This information proves that the applicant has a continuous period of residence in Germany and thus fulfills a key requirement for naturalization.
In cases of registration gaps or other indications of a possible interruption in the habitual residence of EU citizens – such as children born abroad or school-age children not registered during compulsory schooling – naturalization authorities often request additional evidence. Possible evidence includes:
Pension insurance histories for dependent employees
Tax assessments for self-employed persons
Enrollment certificates for students
These documents help to make periods of stay credible despite the lack of registration.
5. Which residence permit does not allow naturalization?
There are also numerous residence permits that do not allow for direct naturalization . This applies primarily to the following residence permits:
Training stays (§§ 16a, 16b, 16d, 16e, 16f, 17 Residence Act)
mobile researchers (Section 18f of the Residence Act)
ICT card and mobile ICT card (§§ 19, 19b AufenthG)
Participants in the European Voluntary Service (Section 19e Residence Act)
Job-Seeker Visa and Opportunity Card (§§ 20, 20a AufenthG)
Temporary protection (including for Ukrainians; Section 24 Residence Act)
various humanitarian residence permits
However, it should be noted that a naturalization exclusion for the aforementioned residence permits does not mean that periods of residence with these residence permits will not be counted . It is therefore possible, for example, to accumulate periods of residence with a non-naturalization permit, then change residence status , and then apply for naturalization. In case of doubt, most naturalization applicants meet the requirements for a settlement permit anyway. For example, one can simply apply for a settlement permit and then directly apply for naturalization. In principle, it is also possible to apply for a settlement permit and naturalization at the same time.
Summary of this Page
6. Conclusion which residence permit naturalization
Anyone wishing to apply for German citizenship generally needs a permanent residence permit, such as a settlement permit or an EU permanent residence permit. However, EU citizens, Swiss nationals, and certain Turkish nationals can also apply for naturalization based on their residence status – without first having to apply for a settlement permit. Naturalization is also possible directly with certain temporary residence permits, such as the EU Blue Card or skilled worker permits, if the requirements are met. In some cases, the so-called fictitious effect, i.e., the automatic extension of the existing permit during processing, is sufficient.
Naturalization is not possible with residence permits for trainees, job seekers, volunteers, refugees with temporary protection, or other humanitarian statuses. However, these periods can often be counted if a suitable residence permit is acquired later. Tip: If you are unsure, you can often apply for a settlement permit and naturalization at the same time.
