German Naturalization: Requirements, Process & Costs (2026)

You have lived in Germany for years, you work here, you pay taxes — and you are wondering when "permanently living here" turns into a German passport. That is exactly what naturalization (Einbürgerung) is about: you become a German citizen, with the right to vote, freedom of movement across the EU, and a right of residence that no authority can ever revoke.

The most important facts upfront, because the rules changed significantly in 2024 and 2025: the standard route now takes five years instead of eight since the reform, dual citizenship is now permitted — and the briefly introduced 3-year "turbo" naturalization was abolished again at the end of 2025. This guide sets out what actually applies in 2026: requirements, process, costs, and the most common pitfalls.

What naturalization means — and what it does not

Naturalization is the acquisition of German citizenship by application — and as such something fundamentally different from a residence title: an unlimited settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) lets you stay in Germany permanently — naturalization makes you a citizen. Only then do you get a German passport, full voting rights in federal and local elections, and the right to enter and leave at any time without any authority being able to revoke your status.

In most cases the settlement permit is even a precursor: those who must demonstrate a long-term residence intention often already hold an unlimited title. The two steps build on each other but are legally separate — and are handled by different offices. Naturalization is not the responsibility of the immigration office (Ausländerbehörde), but of the naturalization authority (Einbürgerungs- bzw. Staatsangehörigkeitsbehörde) of your city or district.

The most common route is what is known as the entitlement-based naturalization under Section 10 of the Nationality Act (StAG): if you meet all the statutory requirements, you have a legal entitlement to naturalization — the authority does not decide at its discretion, it must naturalize you.1Naturalization in GermanyBundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge (BAMF) Alongside this there are special routes, such as naturalization of spouses of German citizens under Section 9 StAG, for which shorter residence periods apply.

The five years — and how the period is calculated

The standard route requires five years of lawful and habitual residence in Germany.1Naturalization in GermanyBundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge (BAMF) This was not always the case: until mid-2024 you needed eight years. The Staatsangehörigkeitsmodernisierungsgesetz (StARModG) reduced the period from eight to five years on June 27, 2024, noticeably opening access to citizenship.2Modernisierung des Staatsangehörigkeitsrechts (StARModG)Die Bundesregierung

"Lawful residence" means: you hold a valid residence title — periods on a visa or residence permit count, but a mere Duldung (tolerated stay) does not. Important for skilled workers: if you have changed the purpose of your residence title — for example from studying to employment — the prior lawful periods generally do not get lost. We have explained separately how a change of residence title purpose (Zweckwechsel) works smoothly.

Naturalization is often the final step of a longer journey. Those who came to Germany via the EU Blue Card accumulate qualifying residence periods at a faster pace and therefore often reach the threshold for a settlement permit — and later for naturalization — sooner than other third-country nationals.

Language, test, and secured livelihood

The five years are the entry ticket, not the whole examination. Three pieces of evidence are the most frequent deciding factors in practice between approval and rejection:

• German language skills at B1 level. "Sufficient" German is required, which corresponds to level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference.1Naturalization in GermanyBundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge (BAMF) A2 is not sufficient for the standard route. Easements exist for former guest workers (Gastarbeiter generation) and in hardship cases — for example, where only oral proficiency needs to be demonstrated.2Modernisierung des Staatsangehörigkeitsrechts (StARModG)Die Bundesregierung
• Naturalization test "Leben in Deutschland" (Life in Germany). The test consists of 33 questions on law, history, and society as well as your federal state. You have 60 minutes and pass with at least 17 correct answers.1Naturalization in GermanyBundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge (BAMF)
• Secured livelihood. You must be able to support yourself and any dependent family members without Bürgergeld (basic income support) or other social benefits.1Naturalization in GermanyBundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge (BAMF) In practice this requirement fails not because of income itself, but due to gaps in documentation.

Additionally required: confirmed identity and nationality — you must be able to prove who you are, generally through a valid passport — as well as a long-term right of residence: an unlimited title or a residence permit that by its purpose leads to permanent residence.1Naturalization in GermanyBundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge (BAMF)

The declaration of commitment — and the clear exclusion grounds

Since the reform, the law requires an express declaration of commitment to the free democratic basic order. New and particularly relevant: this also includes a commitment to Germany's special historical responsibility arising from the National Socialist regime and to the protection of Jewish life.2Modernisierung des Staatsangehörigkeitsrechts (StARModG)Die Bundesregierung

This gives rise to hard exclusion grounds — anyone who fulfils them will not be naturalized:

Dual citizenship: now permitted — with one caveat

For decades this was the biggest obstacle, and here lies perhaps the most important piece of good news: since June 27, 2024, multiple nationalities are generally permitted. The StARModG abandoned the old principle that multiple nationality should be avoided — you no longer have to give up your existing citizenship to be naturalized.2Modernisierung des Staatsangehörigkeitsrechts (StARModG)Die Bundesregierung

The abolition of the 3-year naturalization in October 2025 changed nothing in this regard — that reform concerned only the time period, not dual citizenship.3Naturalization only after a minimum of five yearsDeutscher Bundestag From Germany's perspective you may therefore keep both passports.

Settlement permit or naturalization? A direct comparison

Both stand for "permanently in Germany" — but they are not the same. The settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) is a residence title, while naturalization makes you a citizen. The following overview places both side by side so you can see what the additional step actually brings.

Do I meet the requirements? A quick self-assessment

Before you apply, it is worth taking an honest look at the core requirements of Section 10 StAG. The following self-assessment is informational and does not replace legal advice — it only shows you whether the key building blocks fit together.

How the application works — and what it costs

The application is submitted at the naturalization authority (Einbürgerungs- bzw. Staatsangehörigkeitsbehörde) assigned to your city or district — not at the immigration office. In many municipalities the application process now runs entirely or partly online; your responsible authority sets out the specific procedure, the form, and the list of documents to be submitted.

You will typically need your passport and residence title, proof of your residence periods, the B1 language certificate, the "Leben in Deutschland" test result, proof of income and insurance, and documents on identity and family status. The fee is €255 per adult; for minor children who are naturalized together with their parents, €51 applies.1Naturalization in GermanyBundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge (BAMF)

How long the process takes cannot honestly be stated as a single nationwide figure: processing time depends heavily on the individual naturalization authority and the federal state, ranging from a few months to well over a year. Also decisive is the law in force at the time of the decision — applications are generally decided under the law applicable at the moment of the decision. Plan accordingly with some buffer and submit complete documents; follow-up requests are the most common reason for delays.

Frequently asked questions about naturalization