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Naturalization after 3 years
All information on naturalization in Germany after just three years ("Turbo Naturalization").
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ATTENTION: This article describes an old legal situation. "Turbo naturalization" is no longer possible, as the law was changed on October 9, 2025. A minimum residence period of five years is now required for naturalization in all cases.
1. After 3 years for naturalization
2. Requirements for naturalization after 3 years
2.1 C1 language skills
2.2 Livelihood for the family
3. Special integration services
3.1 Reduction due to civic engagement
3.2 Reduction due to professional performance
4. Authority’s discretion (naturalization after 3 years)
5. FAQ
6. Conclusion Naturalization after 3 years
1. After 3 years for naturalization
For many people, naturalization after only three years of residence in Germany is an important step on the path to full social participation. While regular naturalization has been possible after five years since the last reform of the German Citizenship Act, German citizenship law allows naturalization after only three years in special cases . This article explains who can benefit from this option, what requirements must be met, and what to consider when applying.
Naturalization after 3 years should be carefully prepared and well-founded, as the shortening of naturalization due to “special integration efforts” ( Section 10, Paragraph 3 of the StAG ) is a discretionary decision Especially in the case of discretionary naturalization, it is advisable to have the application accompanied by a lawyer specializing in immigration law.
2. Requirements for naturalization after 3 years
2.1 C1 language skills
An important prerequisite for naturalization after three years is the presence of C1 language skills . While B1 language skills are sufficient for naturalization after five years, foreigners wishing to benefit from the shortened naturalization period must have almost complete German proficiency ( Section 10, Paragraph 3, No. 3 of the German Citizenship Act ). This is intended to ensure that the naturalization applicant can integrate particularly well into German society.
2.2 Livelihood for the family
A further requirement for naturalization after three years is that the applicant can provide for the livelihood of his or her dependents ( Section 10, Paragraph 3, No. 2 of the Citizenship Act ). This requirement generally does not pose any problems in practice, since the general basic requirements for naturalization already require that the foreigner's livelihood is secure.
3. Special integration services
The most difficult requirement for naturalization after three years is the presence of "special integration achievements." These special integration achievements include, in particular, particularly good academic, vocational, or professional achievements, or civic engagement ( Section 10 (3) of the Naturalization Act ).
3.1 Reduction due to civic engagement
Civic engagement is voluntary, unpaid, and oriented towards the common good, based on the free democratic basic order ( BT-Drs. 19/14336, 11 ). A reduction of the naturalization period to three years is therefore primarily possible if, for example, you undertake voluntary work . However, it is important to note that the social commitment is long-term and not just short-term. Furthermore, the duration and intensity of the voluntary commitment must be documented. The outstanding commitment must clearly go beyond mere
The volunteer work must go beyond club membership and have continued for at least one year. In practice, when applying for naturalization after three years, concrete proof of volunteer work should be submitted, for example, a list of hours worked or a certificate from the organization where the work was performed.
3.2 Reduction due to professional performance
Naturalization after just three years is also possible if you have demonstrated exceptional academic, vocational, or professional achievements . These include, among other things, the founding of a business , the creation of jobs, a sustained contribution to the regional economy, or outstanding service within a company. According to the administrative instructions in Berlin (VAB), particularly good professional achievements are also considered to be those who hold a settlement permit under Section 18c of the Residence Act and a residence permit under Sections 18b and 18d , or an EU Blue Card under Section 18g of the Residence Act .
In principle, it can also be assumed that (at least in Berlin) particularly good academic and vocational qualifications are available for the following German educational qualifications:
Higher education entrance qualification (Abitur)
intermediate school leaving certificate, vocational training entrance qualification, extended vocational training entrance qualification and intermediate school leaving certificate with an average of at least 2.5
completed qualified vocational training
a successfully completed German-language degree at a German university or university of applied sciences
Those who demonstrate exceptional commitment to education or professional life can reduce the standard minimum stay from five years to three years – an attractive option for qualified and dedicated professionals. However, applicants should also ensure that they provide appropriate documentation . While particularly good school and academic performance can be relatively easily documented with a certificate, exceptional professional achievements generally require foundation documents or a certificate from an employer.
4. Discretion of the authority
The reduction of the naturalisation period from five to three years is not an automatic legal consequence, but is expressly This decision is based on the discretionary nature of the naturalization authority. Even if the necessary special integration achievements—such as special educational, professional, or social achievements—are undisputed, this does not necessarily lead to a reduction in the period. Rather, the authority can, at its discretion, shorten the period to up to three years. The authority can therefore also choose a shorter reduction in the naturalization period (e.g., four years).
In exercising its discretion, the authority must balance the interests of the applicant with the public interest. narrow legal limits , which are determined by the so-called prohibition of errors of discretion. If the discretion is not exercised or is exercised incorrectly, legal redress is available. A lawyer specializing in naturalization law can review the decision for errors of discretion—in particular, failure to exercise discretion, exceeding discretion, or misuse of discretion—and, in case of doubt, seek judicial clarification.
5. FAQ
When is naturalization possible after only 3 years?
Naturalization after three years of residence (Section 10 (3) of the Citizenship Act) is possible if special integration achievements can be demonstrated. These include C1 language skills, securing a livelihood for the family, and outstanding social or professional achievements.
What is considered a special integration achievement?
The following are recognized:
Voluntary work that has been carried out regularly for at least one year
Special professional achievements such as business start-ups, job creation or sustainable contributions to the regional economy
Excellent educational qualifications, e.g., Abitur or successful university degree in Germany
Is there a right to naturalization after 3 years?
No. Naturalization after three years is a discretionary decision. Even if all requirements are met, the authorities can reject the application or shorten the period to just four years. A naturalization lawyer can help review the authorities' decision for errors of discretion.
6. Conclusion
Those seeking naturalization after just three years must meet more requirements than those for the regular naturalization process, which takes five years. This primarily includes very good German language skills at level C1, as well as special integration achievements, such as volunteer work or particular professional success. These requirements must be clearly documented, e.g., with certificates or testimonials from volunteer work. It is important to note that even if all requirements are met, naturalization after three years is not automatic. The authorities exercise discretion and decide on a case-by-case basis. If the application is rejected, it may be advisable to consult a lawyer specializing in naturalization law to have the decision legally reviewed.