How to Get German Citizenship: A Complete Guide for Expats, Spouses, and Foreign Residents
German citizenship offers full legal rights within Germany and across the EU, including freedom of movement, political participation, and access to national benefits. If you’re asking how to get German citizenship, there are several legal pathways available, depending on your background and circumstances.
You can obtain German citizenship through:
- Naturalization: After living in Germany for at least five years, holding a permanent residence permit, passing the naturalization test, demonstrating B1 German proficiency, and proving financial independence.
- Marriage to a German national: After three years of legal residence and two years of marriage, with the same integration and language requirements as standard naturalization.
- Descent (Abstammung): If you were born to at least one German parent, even outside Germany.
- Birth in Germany: Automatic citizenship is granted to children born in Germany if one parent has lived in the country legally for five years and holds a long-term residence permit.
There is also a fast-track 3-year naturalization option for individuals who are exceptionally well integrated, speak German at C1 level, and are financially self-sufficient. However, this pathway—introduced in the 2024 reform—is currently under political debate and may be limited, adjusted, or phased out after 2025 depending on future policy changes.
This guide walks you through how to get German citizenship step by step, what documents you need, how long it takes, and which pathway best fits your situation. Whether you’re applying through naturalization, marriage, descent, or special circumstances, understanding the rules is your first step toward becoming a German citizen—permanently and legally.
Types of German Citizenship and How to Qualify
Citizenship by Birth
A child born in Germany automatically acquires German citizenship if at least one parent has:
- Lived legally in Germany for five years at the time of birth, and
- Held a permanent residence permit (or EU right of residence)
This process is automatic, but parents may still need to register the birth at the Standesamt.
Citizenship by Descent (Abstammung)
If one or both of your parents were German citizens at the time of your birth, you may be eligible for German citizenship—even if you were born outside Germany. No residency requirement applies, but documentation (birth certificates, proof of German citizenship, etc.) is essential.
How to Get German Citizenship Through Naturalization
This is the most common route for expats and long-term residents.
Basic Eligibility Criteria
You can apply for German citizenship through naturalization if you meet the following:
- Have legally lived in Germany for at least five years
- Hold a valid permanent residence permit or another form of long-term right of residence
- Pass the naturalization test (Einbürgerungstest)
- Prove B1 level German proficiency
- Show financial self-sufficiency
- Have a clean criminal record
- Commit to the free democratic basic order of the German constitution
Exceptional Naturalization in 3 Years
Under the 2024 reform, it is possible to apply after just three years if:
- You show exceptional integration (e.g., academic achievement, job market success)
- You hold a C1 level German certificate
- You have a stable income with no reliance on state benefits
This is how to get German citizenship faster, but it’s only granted in rare, high-performing cases.
This fast-track option is not guaranteed and remains subject to the discretion of local authorities. It is granted only to individuals who clearly exceed standard integration benchmarks.
While the 3-year pathway is legally available, it is currently under political debate, and its long-term availability beyond 2025 is uncertain. Expats pursuing this route are advised to apply as early as eligible, as future governments may revise or restrict access.
How Long Does It Take to Get German Citizenship?
- Standard track (naturalization): 5 years minimum residency, plus 6–12 months processing time.
- Exceptional cases: 3 years residency, then similar processing time.
- By marriage: 3 years of residence + 2 years of marriage.
So in total, how long does it take to get German citizenship after application? Once you submit your application, the processing time is typically 6 to 12 months, depending on the city and completeness of documents.
How to Get German Citizenship Through Marriage
Many people wonder how to get German citizenship by marriage or how to get German citizenship through marriage. Marriage to a German citizen doesn’t automatically make you a citizen, but it does shorten the required residence time.
Requirements for Citizenship via Marriage:
- Legally married to a German citizen for at least 2 years
- Living legally in Germany for at least 3 years
- Meet the same criteria as regular naturalization (language, test, no criminal record)
This pathway also allows dual nationality if the applicant’s home country permits it.
How to Apply for German Citizenship: Step-by-Step Guide
Applying for German citizenship involves a structured legal process. Whether you’re applying through naturalization, marriage, or descent, here is the complete step-by-step procedure.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before starting your application, verify that you meet at least one of the following conditions:
- You have lived legally in Germany for at least 5 years with a permanent residence permit (standard naturalization)
- You are married to a German citizen for at least 2 years and have lived in Germany for 3 years
- You were born in Germany and meet the birthright requirements
- One or both of your parents are German citizens (citizenship by descent)
- You meet integration criteria: B1-level German proficiency, no criminal record, and financial independence
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Prepare these key documents for submission:
- Valid passport or national ID
- Proof of continuous residence (Anmeldung history)
- Language certificate (minimum B1; C1 for accelerated naturalization)
- Certificate of passing the naturalization test (Einbürgerungstest)
- Marriage certificate, if applying through a spouse
- Employment proof or income statements
- Tax records (usually from the last two years)
- Proof of health insurance and pension coverage
- Declaration of loyalty to the German Basic Law
- Criminal record clearance certificate
Step 3: Submit Your Application
File your application at the Einbürgerungsbehörde (naturalization authority), which is usually part of your local Bürgeramt or Ausländerbehörde. You must:
- Fill out and sign the naturalization application form
- Pay the application fee (€255 for adults, €51 for children)
- Submit both originals and copies of all documents
- Schedule and attend your citizenship appointment
Step 4: Take the Citizenship Test and Interview
Most applicants must pass the Einbürgerungstest, a 33-question multiple-choice exam on German law, society, and history. An interview may also be conducted to assess your integration, language level, and residency record.
Step 5: Wait for the Decision
Once your application is submitted and the test completed, processing typically takes 6 to 12 months, depending on your location and whether additional documentation is needed. After approval, you’ll receive a naturalization certificate, which allows you to apply for a German ID and passport.
How to Get German Citizenship Faster: Legal Tips
- Aim for the 3-Year Pathway: If you’re an overachiever academically or professionally, this could work in your favor. Prove your C1 German and social contributions.
- Avoid Benefit Reliance: Any dependency on Hartz IV or similar programs can delay or jeopardize your application.
- Take the Integration Course Early: If you complete the official integration course, it can help shave off a year.
- Keep Documentation Ready: Missing paperwork is the #1 reason for delays.
Special Cases and Exceptions
Children Born in Germany
Under the new law, children born in Germany to foreign parents now automatically receive citizenship if one parent:
- Has lived legally in Germany for 5 years, and
- Holds a valid residence status
No application is needed, but registration is still required at the local Standesamt.
Former Germans Reclaiming Citizenship
Those who lost German citizenship due to Nazi persecution or voluntary renunciation in the past can reclaim it through simplified procedures.
Dual Citizenship in Germany Now Fully Allowed
One of the most significant updates to Germany’s citizenship law in 2024 is the full legalization of dual citizenship. Under the new rules, you can become a German citizen without giving up your original nationality, regardless of which country you’re from.
Previously, Germany only allowed dual citizenship in limited cases, often requiring applicants to renounce their previous passport—a major obstacle for many. Now, dual citizenship in Germany is allowed for all nationalities, making it easier and more attractive for expats to naturalize.
This change is especially beneficial for those who want to keep their original passport while gaining full rights in Germany and the European Union, including visa-free travel, EU work rights, and access to healthcare and education.
Common Questions Answered
Can You Lose Your Current Citizenship?
Under the new law, no. Germany no longer requires renouncing previous nationalities. Check with your home country, though—some may still revoke your citizenship automatically.
Do I Need to Give Up My Passport?
No. Dual or multiple nationalities are now allowed without exception.
What Happens After Approval?
You’ll receive a certificate of naturalization, after which you must apply for a German ID card and passport.
Should You Apply?
Understanding how to get German citizenship means knowing the path, preparing your documents well, and navigating bureaucracy. Whether you’re planning through marriage, naturalization, or descent, the rules are now more flexible—but also under political debate. If eligible, now is a good time to apply before policies tighten again.
