🇩🇪 Germany · Citizenship
Naturalization rules: required residence years, language and civics requirements, and each country's dual-citizenship policy.
Quick answer
German naturalization was reformed in 2024: generally five years' residence (three for special integration), German language and civics, and a secure livelihood — and Germany now permits dual citizenship. Those born in Germany to long-resident parents may be citizens by birth.
German citizenship by naturalisation was reformed in June 2024: the standard residence requirement fell from eight to five years, and — importantly — multiple/dual citizenship is now generally permitted, so applicants no longer have to give up their previous nationality. You also generally need adequate German (usually B1), a naturalisation test, a secure livelihood and a commitment to the free democratic basic order. BAMF and the Federal Foreign Office set out the rules.
- Standard route: five years' lawful residence (reduced from eight by the June 2024 reform); a shorter path for exceptional integration has been subject to change — verify the current rule.
- Since 27 June 2024, Germany generally allows multiple citizenship — you no longer need to renounce your former nationality.
- You typically need B1 German, a naturalisation test, a secure livelihood and commitment to the free democratic basic order.
- Apply via your local naturalisation authority; BAMF and Make it in Germany set out the requirements.
Step-by-step
- 1
Confirm your route and residence
Since the June 2024 reform, naturalize after 5 years’ lawful residence (3 years for special integration), holding a settlement/qualifying status.
- 2
Meet language and knowledge tests
Prove German at B1 (C1 for the 3-year track) and pass the naturalization test (Einbürgerungstest) on law and society.
- 3
Meet good-character and other conditions
Secure your livelihood without certain benefits, have a clean record, and commit to the free democratic order.
- 4
Apply to the nationality authority
Apply to the local naturalization authority (Einbürgerungsbehörde / Ausländerbehörde) with documents.
- 5
Attend interview / test and ceremony
After the decision, receive your naturalization certificate at a handover/ceremony.
- 6
Receive citizenship and a passport
You become a German citizen; since 2024 Germany generally permits dual nationality. Apply for a German passport.
Checklist
- Eligible route + qualifying residence period
- Physical-presence / absence limits met
- Language + civics/knowledge test passed
- Good character / clean record
- Application + documents + fee
- Interview / test attended
- Oath / pledge / ceremony completed
- Dual-nationality rule checked; passport applied
Official authorities
- BAMF — Naturalisation in Germany
Federal Office for Migration and Refugees — naturalisation requirements.
- Federal Foreign Office — Nationality law (2024 reform)
Official summary of the June 2024 nationality-law changes.
Frequently asked questions
How long must I live in Germany to naturalize?
Generally five years under the 2024 reform, or three years for exceptional integration; a citizenship and language test apply.
Does Germany allow dual citizenship now?
Yes — since the 2024 reform Germany generally permits multiple nationality on naturalization.
Is there a citizenship test?
Yes — a naturalization test on the legal and social order plus a German language requirement (usually B1).
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.
Government portals
- Federal Government of Germany — Germany's Federal Cabinet official website — policy, legislation, news, and government programs
- Federal Office for Migration (BAMF) — German visas, EU Blue Card, asylum, integration courses, and permanent residency
- Federal Central Tax Office (BZSt) — Tax ID (IdNr) registration, tax identification lookup, withholding tax refunds — the key authority for foreign taxpayers in Germany