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Obtain German Citizenship
All legal information on German citizenship and citizenship law.
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Obtaining a German passport is primarily regulated by the Nationality Act (StAG) and is of enormous practical importance for foreigners as the final step in their integration process. Naturalization grants German citizenship and entitles them to apply for a German passport. Many foreigners seek permanent naturalization in Germany, as it provides numerous new rights in Germany and throughout the world.
On this page, you will find all the necessary information for obtaining German citizenship . The step-by-step guides are divided according to the type of path to obtaining a German passport (e.g., naturalization through application or naturalization based on ancestry). This page also provides instructions on the administrative naturalization process in individual cities ( e.g., naturalization in Berlin ).
1. Acquire German citizenship
2. Advantages of naturalization
3. Naturalization Place of birth Germany
4. Naturalization by birth
5. Naturalization through marriage
6. Naturalization by application
7. FAQ
8. Conclusion
9. VISAGUARD Guides Naturalization
1. Acquire German citizenship
Statistically, approximately 168,500 foreign nationals were naturalized in 2022. The statistics show that the number of naturalizations increased by almost 30% compared to the previous year. This is primarily due to the fact that Syrians who arrived in 2015 had completed the required residency periods (approximately 29,000 naturalizations were by Syrians). It is noteworthy that an above-average number of Syrian naturalization applicants were naturalized due to special integration achievements," meaning they could apply after six years instead of eight (under the old law).
Another important factor in the increasing naturalization numbers was the 2024 reform of citizenship law. Among other things, these reforms stipulated that naturalization would be possible after just five years – and with special integration efforts, even after three years. Furthermore, the previous regulation, which in many cases excluded dual citizenship, was relaxed. This should make naturalization more attractive, especially for many foreign skilled workers who already live and work in Germany. If you would like to know whether you already meet the requirements for naturalization or what steps are necessary, please feel free to contact VISAGUARD – our independent lawyers specializing in naturalization will provide you with expert advice and support you with your application .
2. Advantages of naturalization
Obtaining citizenship is the final step on the path to permanent residency. By obtaining a German passport, you not only acquire German nationality, but also EU citizenship, thus becoming a European citizen. This offers numerous advantages: Obtaining citizenship is the final step on the path to permanent residency. With naturalization, integration is fully completed, and the applicant becomes a permanent citizen of Germany. If the naturalization process is successfully completed, the foreigner receives a German passport in addition to the naturalization certificate.
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By obtaining a German passport, you not only acquire German nationality, but also EU citizenship, thus becoming a European citizen. This brings with it numerous advantages:
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Right to vote in the European Parliament
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increased diplomatic protection abroad
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Europe-wide social benefits and prohibition of discrimination
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Easier family reunification possible
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Possibility to apply for social assistance without having problems with residence permits
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no more bureaucracy
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extended protection through German and European fundamental rights
For most people, the right of freedom of movement within Europe will probably be a key advantage of obtaining German citizenship. A German passport allows free travel throughout the Schengen Area and even the possibility of working and living in other countries long-term. Certain rights are also only available to German and European citizens, which can also be an important advantage. This applies, for example, to the right of residence for family reunification, which is much easier to apply for with German citizenship. A further advantage is that German citizens can easily claim social assistance, whereas social assistance is generally not sufficient to secure a livelihood for foreigners. Finally, certain basic rights are only reserved for Germans. In this respect, it is a clear advantage that the Basic Law and European fundamental rights protect German citizens more than foreigners.
5. Naturalization through marriage
According to German Naturalization Act, a foreigner does not automatically acquire German citizenship through marriage. Even after the marriage, both spouses retain their respective citizenship. However, if the marriage took place with a German citizen, the German Naturalization Act provides considerable simplifications for naturalization. In particular, the required period of residence is reduced to just three years if the marriage or registered civil partnership has existed for at least two years and both spouses have their habitual residence (i.e., their place of residence) in Germany ( Section 9 of the Naturalization Act ). According to the Naturalization Act, the required period of residence can be reduced even further if the marriage or registered civil partnership has existed for at least three years.
For further information, please see our guide to spouse naturalisation .
6. Naturalization by application
From the perspective of German naturalization law, there are many different ways to become a German citizen. Theoretically, naturalization law even makes it possible to obtain naturalization without the residency requirements, taking the naturalization test, and having language skills (B1) (see Section 14 of the Naturalization Act ). However, since the immigration authorities have discretion in this option under naturalization law (the so-called "may" provision), such naturalization is practically non-existent and very rare and difficult . Therefore, the authorities generally only grant naturalization once the foreigner has a legal right to naturalization (so-called "entitlement-based naturalization").
For further information on acquiring German citizenship through naturalization, please see our guide to applying for naturalization (domestic) and our guide to naturalization from abroad .
7. FAQ on naturalization (main page)
What are the requirements for naturalization in Germany?
To be naturalized in Germany, applicants must generally have lived legally in Germany for at least five years. Further requirements include permanent residency (or another residence permit that entitles them to naturalization), sufficient German language skills (B1), passing a naturalization test, having a secure livelihood without social benefits, and no serious criminal record. Further information can be found in our guide to naturalization requirements .
How long does the naturalization process take?
The processing time for naturalization in Germany varies depending on the federal state and the responsible authority. It typically takes between six and 24 months for the naturalization certificate to be issued. After three months, you can file a lawsuit challenging the naturalization's failure to act .
How much does naturalization cost?
The naturalization fee is usually €255 per person. In cases of extreme hardship, a reduction or payment in installments can be requested.
Where can I apply for naturalization?
The application for naturalization must be submitted to the responsible naturalization authority. This authority is often located within the city administration or district office. In some federal states, the Citizens' Registration Office or the Immigration Office is also responsible. In Berlin, the State Office for Immigration (LEA) has been responsible for naturalizations since January 1, 2024 .
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8. Conclusion on naturalization in Germany
German citizenship is far more than just a legal status – it opens up comprehensive opportunities for personal freedom, social security, and international mobility. Reforms to citizenship law, particularly the shortening of required residency periods and the relaxation of rules for dual citizenship, have made the path to naturalization more attractive and accessible than ever before. For many people, naturalization represents the final step toward integration, entailing far-reaching rights such as freedom of movement within the EU , easier family reunification , and enhanced protection of fundamental rights . Those who meet the requirements should therefore seriously consider whether naturalization is the right step to secure their long-term prospects in Germany and Europe.
4. Naturalization by birth/descent
Naturalization law only grants German citizenship by birth if one parent is a German citizen . Adoption is also possible (see Section 6 of the StAG ). The family must generally live in the country, although there are exceptions to this. If the mother is a German citizen, the child automatically acquires citizenship. The same applies if the father is German. However, if the mother and father are not married at the time of birth, paternity must generally be acknowledged ( Sections 1592 ff. of the German Civil Code ). This procedure must be completed before the child reaches the age of 23 ( Section 4 (1) StAG ). If neither parent is a German citizen, the child can only acquire German nationality in exceptional cases under German naturalization law. In this respect, one parent must have been habitually resident in the country for five years and have an unlimited right of residence (usually a settlement permit) (Section 4 (3) of the Residence Act).
For more information on this topic, see our VISAGUARD Guide to Naturalization by Descent .
