Legal topics explained briefly and understandably by our experts
The naturalization test consists of 33 multiple choice questions, of which you must answer at least 17 correctly in order to pass. It takes one hour to complete and costs 25 euros. To prepare, you can simulate the test online or view the entire catalog of all possible questions. Where exactly you can register for the test and take it varies from region to region. You can find more information on this at your local immigration office.
At the moment, naturalization is possible after eight years of residence in Germany, or at best after six years if you have made special efforts to integrate. However, the Bundestag has passed a new law thatreduces the general period of residencefrom eight to five years. It can also be shortened by up to two more years in the case of special integration achievements. From 26 June 2024, when the law comes into force, naturalization will therefore only be possible after three years of residence at best.
Yes, at least as far as German citizenship law is concerned. In principle, dual citizenship will be open to all foreigners, regardless of their country of origin, once the new citizenship law comes into force on June 26, 2024. However, there may be laws in the country of origin that stipulate the loss of citizenship in the event that a citizen is granted citizenship of another country. Such laws exist in countries such as China, Austria, Lithuania, Estonia and the Netherlands. In any case, we advise you to obtain information in the country of your previous citizenship.
In principle, you must not have a criminal record if you want to be naturalized. However, not all previous convictions are really relevant. For example, convictions or penalty orders of no more than 90 daily rates as well as convictions for prison sentences of up to three months that were suspended and not enforced are not taken into consideration. The same applies to previous convictions that are no longer listed in the Federal Central Criminal Register. You can find out more about exemption from punishment for naturalization here.
The new law on citizenship comes into force on 26 June 2024, but the processing time for an application for naturalization is usually around 12 months. The decisive factor for your application is the legal situation at the time when the authorities make a decision. It is very likely that this will not be until after June 26. This means that you can, in principle, submit an application for naturalization now, which will then be decided according to the new legal situation. If a decision is made on your application before June 26, 2024, you will first be asked to provide proof that you have been released from your existing citizenship. If you do not do this by 26.06.2024, you can benefit from the new law after this date and can retain your citizenship.
However, this varies from authority to authority and also depends on how long you have been in Germany. Our lawyers will be happy to advise you on your personal situation.
Anyone wishing to acquire German citizenship must be able to prove that they can support themselves and their dependents. to support themselves and their can support themselves. They must not be receiving benefits under the Second or Twelfth Book of the German Social Code (SGB II or SGB XII). be received. These include, for example, unemployment benefit II, basic income support in old age or in the event of reduced earning capacity and social assistance.
However, according to the new law, there are exceptionsIf you have been in full-time employment for 20 months within the last 24 months within the last 24 months, the receipt of state benefits is harmless. The same applies if your spouse or registered partnerwho lives with you and a child has been in full-time employment for 20 months within the last 24 months. And also for former guest workers and contract workers and their spouses who have joined them are also exempt from receiving state benefits such as social assistance if they are not responsible for this.
The Bundestag has passed the law to modernize citizenship law. When it comes into force on 26 June 2024, naturalization will be possible even if you want to keep your old citizenship. However, the law of the country of origin must also allow dual citizenship.
If you want to check whether your naturalization application would be successful, you can do our naturalization check. However, this check only gives you a first overview. If you still have detailed questions or are unsure, then it is best to contact our lawyers.
According to the current legal situation, only those who give up their old citizenship can be naturalized in Germany. However, there are some exceptions to this, such as for citizens from EU member states or Switzerland, as well as for people from countries that do not allow the loss of their citizenship. From 26 June 2024, when a new law on citizenship comes into force, naturalization applicants will no longer have to give up their old citizenship. Anyone will then be able to obtain dual citizenship - provided the country of origin also allows it. You can find a list of countries that do not allow dual citizenship here.
YesThe new law does not change the rules for the naturalization test. However, as before, you do not have to take the test if you are at least a German school-leaving qualification (qualificationRealschule, Abitur etc.)a completed vocational training with a grade in the subject of social studies or a degree in the fields of law and social sciences, social sciences or politics naor politics.
The new Naturalization Act (Act on the Modernization of Citizenship Law) comes into force on June 26, 2024 in force, three months after its promulgation in the Federal Law Gazette. From then on dual citizenship in principle under German law possible for all, and will in particular the minimum period of residence to five years to five years. You can read more about the details of the new law here.
From entry into force of the new law on nationality on June 26, 2024, the minimum period of residence in Germany only five years. With particularly good integration it can be extended to up to three years be shortened.
We have explained this in detail in our article on naturalization.
Alternatively, you can complete our Naturalization Check.
Freedom of movement in Europe, the possibility of visa-free entry into many other countries with one of the "strongest" passports in the world and protection by the institutions of the German state, even when traveling abroad, are just some of the many advantages of German citizenship. In addition, German citizens enjoy unrestricted access to the labor market of all EU countries, including the possibility of becoming a civil servant, as well as a lifelong right of residence in Germany and the EU, which does not expire even during longer stays abroad.
In principle, language skills at level B1 or higher are required for naturalization. If you can prove a higher language level, you may be able to naturalize earlier. Theoretically, naturalization is also possible with a lower language level than B1. However, this still requires a certain knowledge of the language, as your integration into the German way of life must be guaranteed. In addition, there must be a public interest in you receiving German citizenship.
The authorities often take a very long time to process a naturalization application due to the many documents involved. Processing times of several months to well over a year are the rule. When the Act on the Modernization of Citizenship Law comes into force on 26 June 2024, it can be assumed that waiting times will be considerably longer again because many new applications will be submitted. To help you obtain your rights more quickly, it may be advisable to file an action for failure to act. Our experienced lawyers will be happy to advise you on this. Just ask us.
Even now, it usually takes up to 12 monthsuntil a decision is made on an application for naturalization. When the new law comes into force on 26 June 2024, the number of naturalization applications is expected to increase significantly will increase significantly. This will probably also increase the processing times by several months. If the authorities do not make a decision on your application for too long, it may be advisable to file an action for failure to act action for failure to act. Our lawyers will be happy to advise you on this.
A fee of 255.00 euros is payable for a naturalization certificate for adults. The fee for a rejection notice is between 25.00 and 255.00 euros. A naturalization certificate for a minor child (i.e. up to the age of 18) who is naturalized together with someone else (co-naturalization) only incurs a fee of 51.00 euros.
Where you have to apply for naturalization depends on where you live. If you are in Germany, you must apply to the naturalization authority responsible for your place of residence. You can find out which authority this is from the foreigners authority in your town or municipality or from the district or city administration. Naturalization applications from abroad, which are processed by the Federal Office of Administration, must be submitted to the responsible German mission abroad, i.e. the German embassy or a (general) consulate.
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