Citizenshiplaw Germany
Overview page for the EU Blue Card according to Section 18g of the Residence Act (AufenthG).
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About this page
Obtaining the right to a German passport is primarily regulated by the Nationality Act (StAG) and is of enormous practical importance for foreigners as the final step in integration. 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 around 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 ).
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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 (under the old law) instead of eight.
Another important factor in the increasing naturalization numbers was the 2024 reform of citizenship law. Among other things, these 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 .
Advantages of naturalization
Obtaining citizenship is the final step on the path to permanent residency. Naturalization completes the integration process, and the applicant becomes a permanent citizen of Germany. If the naturalization process is successfully completed, the foreigner receives not only the naturalization certificate but also a German passport . The German passport is one of the most valuable passports in the world, allowing entry into 191 countries. Only the Japanese passport (193 countries), the Singapore passport (193 countries), and the South Korean passport (192 countries) allow greater global mobility (as of 2023).
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. The German passport is one of the most valuable in the world, as it allows entry into 191 countries. Only the Japanese passport (193 countries), the Singapore passport (193 countries), and the South Korean passport (192 countries) allow greater global mobility (as of 2023).
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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European freedom of movement
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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 available only 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. Another 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.
Acquisition of German citizenship
In contrast to many other countries (e.g. USA), under German naturalization law German citizenship is not acquired simply by being born on German territory ( no principle of birthplace , Latin “ius soli”). If you are born in Germany, additional requirements must be met to acquire German citizenship, which are comparatively difficult to fulfill in Germany unless one parent is a German citizen. Even marrying a German no longer automatically leads to the acquisition of German citizenship under current naturalization law (but does make naturalization much easier, see naturalization of spouses ). The same applies (except in special cases) to a lineage (e.g. grandparents) that has been “interrupted” (e.g. if the foreigner’s parents have lost their German citizenship). In the vast majority of cases, naturalization is therefore granted following an application to the responsible authority.
Naturalization by birth
Naturalization law grants German citizenship by birth only if one parent is a German citizen. The family must also reside in the country. If the mother is a German citizen, the child automatically acquires German citizenship. If only the father is a German citizen, paternity must generally be acknowledged. This process must be completed before the child reaches the age of 23. If neither parent is a German citizen, the child can only acquire German nationality in exceptional cases under German naturalization law. Therefore, one parent must have been habitually resident in the country for five years and have an unlimited right of residence (usually a settlement permit). If this is the case, the child's acquisition of German citizenship is recorded in the birth register.
Naturalization through marriage
According to German naturalization law, a foreigner does not automatically acquire German citizenship through marriage. Both spouses retain their respective citizenship even after the wedding. If the marriage took place with a German citizen, the German naturalization law provides considerable simplifications for naturalization. In particular, the necessary 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. According to the naturalization law, the necessary period of residence can be reduced even further if the marriage or registered civil partnership has existed for at least three years. You can find further information in our guide to naturalization of spouses .
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 the language skills (B1) (so-called "qualified naturalization"). However, since the immigration authorities have discretion in this option under naturalization law (so-called "may" provision), such naturalization is practically unheard of. Therefore, the authorities generally only grant naturalization once the foreigner has a legal right to naturalization (so-called "qualified naturalization").
Other options (apart from applying for naturalization and the options mentioned above) for acquiring German nationality under the German Naturalization Act are the following:
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adoption
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Acquisition through legitimation
FAQ Naturalization
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 .
