Acquisition of German citizenship through naturalization in Stuttgart
German citizenship comes with a number of advantages: among other things, you no longer need a work permit, the entire European labor market is open to you and even a career in the civil service is possible. You also benefit from one of the strongest passports in the world, allowing you to travel to many countries without a visa. Since 27 June 2024, you no longer even have to give up your previous citizenship in most cases to obtain German citizenship, as dual citizenship has been introduced in Germany as a result of the modernization of citizenship law.
In Stuttgart, naturalization is the most common way to obtain German citizenship. Read here which authority you need to submit your application to and which documents you need for naturalization in Stuttgart.
Overview
Competent authority for naturalizations in Stuttgart
In Stuttgart, Department 5 (Naturalization, Citizenship and Naming Law) of the Office for Public Order is responsible for processing applications for naturalization.
You can download the relevant forms from the website of Department 5. Please note: You can only submit your naturalization application by post in Stuttgart.
Contact details of the Office for Public Order in Stuttgart (as of Nov. 25):
Address:
Office for Public Order
Subject area 5 - Naturalization, Citizenship and Naming Law
Schmale Straße 13
70137 Stuttgart
Phone & E-Mail:
0711 21691702
staatsangehoerigkeitsrecht@stuttgart.de
Requirements for naturalization in Stuttgart
In order for your naturalization application to be approved in Stuttgart, you must meet various statutory requirements. In principle, you must have resided in Germany legally and without interruption for at least five years and be able to support yourself and your dependents without state support. An unlimited right of residence, such as a settlement permit or EU permanent residence permit or, under certain circumstances, a residence permit are also prerequisites for naturalization. You must have a command of German at level B1 or better and be able to prove this with a recognized language certificate. Sufficient knowledge of the legal and social order is also required. You can prove this by taking a naturalization test or by submitting a certificate from a German general school. Naturalization is not possible in Stuttgart if you have already been sentenced to a fine of more than 90 daily rates for a criminal offence or if you are not committed to the free democratic basic order.
It is important for a successful naturalization application in Stuttgart that you have all the required documents, such as your CV or language certificate, ready. You can find an overview in our article on the most important documents. In addition, we recommend that you compare your documents with the list on the website of the Stuttgart Office of Public Order under the heading "Required documents".
Do you meet all the requirements for naturalization in Stuttgart?
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Dual citizenship in Stuttgart
With the modernization of the citizenship law from June 2024, it is possible to obtain dual citizenship in Stuttgart. This means that you no longer have to give up your previous citizenship when naturalizing in Germany. However, multiple citizenship must also be permitted in your country of origin. You can find an overview of which countries worldwide allow dual citizenship here.
Dual citizenship allows you not to have to officially give up your ties to your country of origin when you naturalize in Stuttgart. It also allows you to enjoy the full rights of a citizen in both countries.
Support from RT & Partner
Do you need legal advice or would you like professional support with your naturalization application that is tailored to your needs?
Then RT & Partner is the right partner for you! Our experts in migration law are at your disposal - we support you from the compilation of the necessary documents to the submission of the application. We also help you to clarify complex issues and take care of direct communication with the Stuttgart authorities.
With the experts from RT & Partner, you will quickly achieve your rights.
FAQ
What will be the minimum period of residence for naturalization in the future?
Since the new Citizenship Act came into force on June 27, 2024, the minimum period of residence in Germany is now only five years.
Is naturalization possible after three years?
The general period of residence that must be fulfilled for naturalization is five years. In the past, it could be shortened by up to two additional years in the case of special integration achievements, for example in work, school or voluntary work. This meant that naturalization was possible after just three years of residence. However, the Bundestag decided on 8 October 2025 to abolish naturalization after three years. Naturalization after three years with special integration achievements is therefore no longer possible.
How long will it take for a decision to be made on my naturalization application?
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.
Do I have to give up my old citizenship in order to naturalize in Germany?
Since the new Naturalization Act came into force on 27 June 2024, those wishing to naturalize no longer have to give up their old citizenship. According to the new legal situation, anyone can 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.
How much does naturalization cost?
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 do I have to apply for naturalization?
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.
Do you still have to take a naturalization test under the new Citizenship Act?
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.
Can I be naturalized if I receive social assistance?
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, receiving state benefits is not harmful. 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.
When will the new Naturalization Act come into force?
The new Naturalization Act (Act on the Modernization of Citizenship Law) comes into force on June 27, 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.
How well do I have to speak German to be naturalized?
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.
Is naturalization possible without giving up the previous citizenship in any case?
Yes, at least as far as German citizenship law is concerned. In principle, dual citizenship has been open to all foreigners, regardless of their country of origin, since June 27, 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.
Where can I take the naturalization test?
In Germany, you can register for and take the naturalization test at all participating institutions. These institutions differ regionally within Germany. We have sorted all institutions by federal state for you:
Tip:
You can register for the naturalization test throughout Germany, but answer the questions of the federal state in which you live.
What are the requirements to become a naturalized citizen?
We have explained this in detail in our article on naturalization.
Alternatively, you can complete our Naturalization Check.
Can I check if I meet all the requirements for naturalization?
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.
Is naturalization possible despite a criminal record?
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.
What are the advantages of German citizenship?
Naturalization in Germany gives you a number of advantages.advantages. Naturalization in Germany gives you a number of advantages.n advantages. 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.
How long does it take to process a naturalization application?
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. Since the Act on the Modernization of Citizenship Law came into force on 27 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.
Can I be naturalized in Germany if I want to keep my previous citizenship?
Can I apply for naturalization now if I want the provisions of the new law (dual citizenship, shorter period of residence, etc.) to apply to me?
The new law on citizenship comes into force on 27 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 27. 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 27, 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 June 27, you will be able to benefit from the new law after this date and 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.
How does the naturalization test work?
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. We have created a corresponding overview for each federal state:
In principle, you are not obliged to take the naturalization test in your home federal state. Instead, you can take the test at any test center in Germany. However, some of the questions always relate to your home federal state, even if you take the naturalization test in another federal state.