Germany · Citizenship
Germany Citizenship and Naturalization
German citizenship by naturalization is available after five years of lawful residence. Since 27 June 2024 applicants may keep their previous nationality, and the three-year route for special integration ended on 30 October 2025.
- Startup route
- Residence permit for self-employment (section 21)
- Minimum capital
- No fixed minimum; financing must be secured
- Permanent residence
- 3 years (section 21 settlement permit)
- Citizenship
- 5 years (3-year route repealed Oct 2025)
Naturalization (Einbürgerung, section 10 Nationality Act)
A foreign national who has lawfully and habitually lived in Germany for five years can claim naturalization when the statutory conditions are met. These include a permanent residence right or a qualifying residence permit, clarified identity and nationality, a commitment to the free democratic basic order, the ability to support oneself and dependants without basic welfare benefits (with exceptions for some long-term workers), no criminal conviction, German at level B1 and knowledge of the legal and social order. The fee is EUR 255 per adult, and minors naturalized with their parents pay EUR 51.
- Residence
- 5 years of lawful habitual residence
- Language
- German at level B1
- Test
- 33 questions, at least 17 correct; EUR 25 test fee
- Government fee
- EUR 255 per adult; EUR 51 per minor with parents
- Dual citizenship
- Allowed since 27 June 2024
- Processing time
- Varies; confirm with the naturalization authority
Requirements
- Five years of lawful habitual residence in Germany.
- A permanent residence right or a qualifying residence permit.
- German at level B1 and a passed naturalization test, unless exempt.
- Self-support without basic welfare benefits, subject to statutory exceptions.
- No criminal conviction and a commitment to the free democratic basic order.
- Acknowledgment of Germany's historical responsibility, including the protection of Jewish life.
How to apply
- Check residence time, permit type and income against the section 10 conditions.
- Pass the Leben in Deutschland naturalization test and obtain a B1 German certificate.
- File the application with the naturalization authority for the place of residence.
- Receive the naturalization certificate once the authority approves the application.
Naturalization after three years for special integration (repealed)
Status: Repealed with effect from 30 October 2025
The 2024 reform briefly allowed naturalization after three years for applicants with special integration achievements, under section 10(3) of the Nationality Act. The federal cabinet proposed abolishing it in 2025, the Bundestag passed the amending law on 8 October 2025 by 450 votes to 134, and the change entered into force on 30 October 2025. Section 10(3) is now marked as repealed, so five years of residence is the minimum for every applicant who claims naturalization under section 10.
- Status
- Repealed; the 5-year rule applies to all
- Introduced
- 27 June 2024
- Bundestag vote
- 8 October 2025
- In force
- 30 October 2025
Requirements
- None: section 10(3) of the Nationality Act, which held this route, has been repealed.
How to apply
- Use the standard five-year naturalization route under section 10.
What changed in German nationality law in 2024 and 2025
The Act to Modernise Nationality Law took effect on 27 June 2024. It set the standard residence period at five years and ended the general requirement to give up a previous nationality. The Federal Foreign Office states that citizens of all countries who are naturalized in Germany may now hold multiple citizenship, although applicants should check in advance whether their country of origin allows it.
A second change followed in 2025. The three-year route for applicants with special integration achievements was removed by an amending law that the Bundestag approved on 8 October 2025 and that entered into force on 30 October 2025. For founders, the practical timeline is therefore five years of lawful residence, which can be combined with a settlement permit obtained after three years of self-employment.
Questions and answers
How many years does it take to become a German citizen?
Five years of lawful habitual residence is the minimum for a naturalization claim under section 10 of the Nationality Act. The earlier three-year option for special integration achievements was repealed with effect from 30 October 2025, so it is no longer available. Other conditions, including B1 German and self-support, must also be met.
Can I keep my current citizenship when naturalizing in Germany?
German law no longer requires it to be given up. Since 27 June 2024, citizens of all countries who naturalize in Germany may hold multiple citizenship. Whether the other country lets a person keep its nationality depends on that country's own law, so this should be checked before applying.
What does German naturalization cost?
The naturalization fee is EUR 255 per person. Minors naturalized together with a parent pay EUR 51, while minors naturalized on their own pay the full EUR 255. The naturalization test costs EUR 25. The fee can be reduced or paid in installments in cases of very low income or several children.
Which German level is needed for naturalization?
Applicants need German at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference. A Zertifikat Integrationskurs showing B1 in the Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer is one accepted proof. Knowledge of the legal and social order is shown by passing the naturalization test with at least 17 of 33 correct answers.
Official sources
- Einbürgerung - Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlingewww.bamf.de
- Staatsangehörigkeitsgesetz § 10www.gesetze-im-internet.de
- Staatsangehörigkeit frühestens nach fünf Jahren - Bundesregierungwww.bundesregierung.de
- Einbürgerung nach drei Jahren soll abgeschafft werden - Deutscher Bundestagwww.bundestag.de
- Law on Nationality - Federal Foreign Officewww.auswaertiges-amt.de
Reviewed October 2026. Immigration rules change often. Confirm the current requirements with the official authority or a licensed adviser before applying.
Your path in Germany.
Startup visa
National D visa for self-employment from a German mission abroad
02Temporary residence
Section 21 permit for up to 3 years, extendable if the business works
03Permanent residence
Settlement permit after 3 years if business income covers the household
04Citizenship
5 years of lawful residence, B1 German and a test; dual citizenship allowed