Thinking about becoming a German citizen? If you’ve been on the fence about pursuing German citizenship, we’re here for you. The process can feel a bit overwhelming with all the rules and requirements, especially when it comes to dealing with German bureaucracy. But if you’ve settled into life in Germany and have spent years building a career and community, the long road to citizenship will be well worth it.
To help ease the process, Remitly has put together a guide, where we’ll cover everything you need to know about the application process, including the fees involved and tips to prepare for the required language proficiency test.
The path to German citizenship: understanding your options
In 2022, more than 168,000 applicants received their German citizenship. This was a 20-year high, according to the Federal Statistical Office in Germany, which is proof of how many people are taking the steps to make Germany their permanent home.
When it comes to German citizenship, the path isn’t always easy, and the journey depends on your personal situation—there’s no “one size fits all.”
Three main pathways
By birth
If you’re born in Germany to at least one German citizen or at least one parent has lived in Germany for a minimum of five years and holds permanent residence, you’re automatically a German citizen.
By descent
Citizenship by descent depends on the nationality laws in place at the time of your birth, whether your parents were married, and which of your parents was a German citizen at the time. Having German ancestry, such as a grandparent, does not always make you eligible for citizenship.
By naturalization
As of June 2024, the law for naturalization now only requires five years of residence instead of eight, provided other criteria are also met.
There is also a pathway for naturalization for descendants of victims of Nazi persecution.
Meeting key requirements for German citizenship
Laws for German citizenship have changed a number of times over the years. If you’re applying on your own, it’s wise to thoroughly research Germany’s official government websites on citizenship requirements before starting the process.
It’s also important to remember that if you’re applying with your family, each member must apply for citizenship separately and will individually need to fulfill requirements to become a German citizen (even children).
Residency requirements
No more waiting eight long years to be eligible for citizenship—the law now states you can apply with a minimum of five years of residency, or after three years if you prove exceptional integration. You must also live in Germany with a residence permit that falls under specific criteria according to the Residence Act.
Those who have been given a long-term settlement permit or an EU long-term residence permit and have met the five-year requirement are automatically eligible for citizenship.
Reading the Residence Act will help you determine if your permit is eligible or excluded. In it, you’ll find examples of residence permits currently not accepted for citizenship:
- Section 16f: Language courses and school attendance
- Section 17: Searching for a vocational training place or study place
- Section 24: Residence granted for temporary protection
Language proficiency
Applicants need at least a B1 level certificate in German under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). With a B1 certificate, you should be able to hold conversations, understand everyday topics, and write simple texts.
So if you’ve been lagging a little on your language skills, this might be the push to get you speaking more Deutsch!
Integration courts & test
The naturalization test, also known as the Einbürgerungstest, is a thirty-three-question exam covering topics from law to history and everyday German life. You’ll have sixty minutes to complete the test and must get at least seventeen questions correct to pass—the fee is €25 EUR.
There is no official limit to how many times you can take the test if you fail; however, it takes at least six weeks to receive a test date after requesting one, so it’s a good idea to adjust your timeline if you need to retake the test.
While some exceptions for taking the test may apply, you’ll need to present your case to be excused from this requirement.
Financial stability
Naturalization in Germany requires you to be financially stable and able to support yourself and any family living with you (i.e., spouse and children).
You’ll need to submit employment contracts and evidence of savings to prove you won’t need any unemployment benefits and can financially contribute to society.
Criminal Record
Minor infractions may not disqualify you, but serious criminal records will. Expect to present a background check to prove you’re an upstanding citizen.
Germany has many rules, and after five years of living there, you might even lose track of which ones are actually laws. To play it safe, it’s best to research and make sure you’re not in violation of anything. Even an unpaid parking ticket can hold up your application.
Dual citizenship vs. renunciation of previous citizenship
As of June 2024, after much voting and public debate, dual citizenship is now accepted, and you no longer have to renounce your citizenship to your home country.
However, if your home country doesn’t allow for dual citizenship, you’ll need to renounce it if you want to obtain your German one.
Other requirements to apply for dual citizenship remain consistent across all pathways—whether through marriage, naturalization, or birth.
Special cases and exceptions to the rules
If you’re an EU citizen, you already have the right to live in Germany without a visa, making this part of the process slightly easier. However, you’ll still need to have lived in Germany for at least five years and will need to demonstrate your integration, finances, and language level to be eligible.
Citizenship is available for spouses of German citizens within three years of moving to Germany if you can show proof of financial means and language skills. In order to be eligible, you’ll need to apply for a Family Reunification visa and be married for at least two years before applying for citizenship.
If sufficient integration is proven, highly-skilled workers with an EU blue card are also eligible for citizenship after three years.
While there are exceptions here and there for certain rules, you’ll still need to meet other requirements in order to be eligible for citizenship—there is no fast track or bypassing of all the citizenship requirements.
Unless you have a serious criminal record, you can start working towards your goal of citizenship by truly investing and integrating into the culture to show why Germany is your home and where you want to stay.
Step-by-step application process
You’ve been in Germany long enough to know that everything goes into a binder for organizational purposes—and your application documents are no different. Compiling everything in one place will take some stress off you if you’re called in for an interview or asked to submit more papers.
In order to begin the process, you’ll need to reach out to your local Einbürgerungsbehörde or naturalization authority (also known as the Staatsangehörigkeitsbehörde or citizenship authority). They will inform you of everything you need to successfully apply for citizenship.
Here is a breakdown of the process, though you may be requested to provide more documents and take extra steps, on a case-by-case basis:
Step 1: Document preparation
- Passport and residence permit
- Birth certificate
- Marriage/divorce certificate (if applicable)
- B1 language certificate
- Naturalization test certificate
Tip: For documents such as your birth certificate, it’s a good idea to have them translated into German so government officials can easily read and process them.
When it comes to translating documents, it’s best to have them notarized to prove you’ve not tampered with the information and had the work professionally translated.
Step 2: Submitting your application
Once your application and documents are prepared, you’ll submit them to the Einbürgerungsbehörde for review.
Here is when you’ll pay the fee to the application process, which we break down for you below, but to give you an idea, a single adult will pay €255 EUR for the application—this does not include exam fees, notarizations, or any other expenses incurred.
Step 3: Review process
Expect to wait 18 months or longer for your application to be reviewed and processed—so patience is key here.
When applying, it’s a good idea to make sure all your paperwork is in order and that residence permits don’t expire during the review process, as this will add another layer of stress and costs if you need to update your visas at this time.
While you can’t plan everything and there’s no formal interview per se, you won’t know whether or not you’ll be asked to come in and present more paperwork.
An interview at your local office is just a formality, and the government worker is doing their due diligence. You won’t be asked to recite laws or defend your application.
So don’t worry and take deep breaths!
Step 4: Final steps
Once you’ve been approved (Glückwunsch!), there are just a few more steps until you can finally sit back and enjoy life as a new German citizen.
- Naturalization ceremony: this in-person ceremony is where you’ll be officially handed your citizenship certificate.
- German passport and ID card: once you have your certificate, you can now apply for a German passport and ID at the Bürgeramt (municipal registration office).
Costs and timeline breakdown
Becoming German comes with costs—in terms of both time and money. Here is a breakdown to give you an idea of what you’ll need to pay so you can budget accordingly.
Standard fees:
- €255 EUR per adult application (minors applying on their own also pay this fee)
- €51 EUR per child application
- Additional costs: translations, notarizations, and language test fees.
If you find the process too overwhelming or your case is particularly complex, you might also consider hiring a lawyer to help you complete the citizenship process.
Timeline overview
- Five years: Standard residency requirement
- Three years: Exceptional integration (contribute to German society, hold a C1 language certificate)
| Applicants | Application fees | Estimated extras (tests, translations, etc.) | Total |
| Single adult | €255 EUR | €223 – €370 EUR | €478 – €619 EUR |
| Couple | €510 EUR | €446 – €728 EUR | €956 – €1,238 EUR |
| Family (2 adults + 2 kids) | €612 EUR | €692 – €1,092 EUR | €1,304 – €1,704EUR |
The estimated extras range based on different costs for requirements, such as the language exam. At the Goethe Institut, a B1 exam is €259 EUR, while at Language School Berlin, the telc B1 exam is €194 EUR.
If you’re a refugee on a budget, you can apply for the German Test for Immigrants (DTZ) through the Federal Ministry for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) if you’re part of their integration course and take the test for free.
Tip: While putting together your papers and necessary documents, consider reaching out to different notaries in your area to get an idea of the cost and any translations you’ll need.
Overcoming common challenges
Applying for German citizenship isn’t without challenges—but where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Issues with documents
One of the main problems that could hold up your application or result in denial is issues with your documents.
Documents from certain countries might require an apostille authentication. If you submit them without one, your application might not be approved.
It’s a good idea to meticulously look over every document to ensure it’s been filled out correctly and properly prepared—and if you’re unsure, reach out and ask! Contact the appropriate office or even consider paying a professional immigration lawyer for a consultation.
Test stress
If you get nervous about taking the tests, try to use as many free resources as possible for practice. The Goethe Institut offers free practice exams for the language test, and it’s possible to find practice tests for the integration exam as well.
If you’re still nervous about speaking German, join groups for conversation exchange before your language exam.
Just know that plenty of people are in the same boat as you and feel exactly the same way. You aren’t alone, so don’t be afraid to reach out for help!
Application denial
If your application is rejected, you’ll receive a written explanation. You have a right to appeal the decision, especially if you’ve been rejected on a technicality like a missing apostille.
Legal assistance might be helpful with certain appeals to ensure you have no further issues when resubmitting your application.
Welcome to Deutschland!
Becoming a German citizen is a serious commitment, but it’s also one of the most rewarding steps for anyone planning a long-term future in Germany.
By successfully meeting the residency, language, and integration requirements, you can finally take a deep breath and relax—you’re officially German.
We hope the process goes smoothly, and if you need more resources, Remitly is here for you! Check out our posts on immigration and moving abroad to continue immersing yourself in German life and to stay informed.
FAQ
Can I keep my original citizenship?
As long as your country of original citizenship allows for dual citizenship, you no longer have to renounce your original citizenship when becoming a German citizen.
How long does the process take?
In general, once your application is submitted, processing takes 18 months—sometimes longer. This timeline doesn’t include your preparation, classes, or exams.
What German language level is required?
A B1-level language certificate is required in almost all cases. If you plan to apply for citizenship within three years through exceptional integration, you’ll need a C1-level certificate.
Can my children automatically get German citizenship?
No, children also need to meet certain requirements in order to obtain citizenship. Each member of your family needs to apply for citizenship individually.
What if I’m denied?
If your citizenship application is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision and can seek legal assistance to do so.