German citizenship: requirements and how to apply

2 min read · 8 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Naturalisation (Einbürgerung) makes you a German citizen with a German passport, the right to vote and free movement in the EU. Since June 2024 new citizens no longer have to give up their old passport. The three-year fast track was abolished on 30 October 2025, so five years now applies to everyone.

Rules, amounts and deadlines change. Check the official source named at the end before you act, and ask the office in your city, because procedures differ from town to town.

Step by step

1. Count your years

   You need at least five years of legal, habitual residence in Germany. Ask the naturalisation office which periods count in your case, for example time as a student.

   Done

2. Check your residence status

   You need a permanent right of residence or a residence permit that can lead to one. Permits for purely temporary purposes are not enough at the time of the application. The office tells you whether yours qualifies.

   Done

3. Prove German at level B1

   A certificate at B1 or higher, the German Test for Immigrants (DTZ) from an integration course, or a German school-leaving certificate or degree is accepted.

   Done

4. Pass the naturalisation test

   The test (Einbürgerungstest) has 33 questions on law, history and society. You pass with 17 correct answers. You do not need it if you have a German school qualification. Ask the office whether your Leben in Deutschland test from an integration course is accepted.

   Done

5. Show that you can support yourself

   You must cover the living costs of yourself and your family without benefits from the Jobcentre or the social welfare office. Bring your work contract and recent payslips.

   Done

6. Find your naturalisation office and apply

   The Einbürgerungsbehörde is part of the district or city administration. The immigration office or the town hall gives you the address. Many cities take applications online. Typical documents: passport, residence permit, birth certificate, language certificate, test result, proof of income and the rental contract.

   Done

7. Pay the fee and wait

   The fee is 255 euros per person and 51 euros for each child who is naturalised together with a parent. Processing takes many months in large cities, sometimes more than a year.

   Done

8. Receive the certificate

   You become German on the day you are handed the naturalisation certificate (Einbürgerungsurkunde). Before that you declare your commitment to the free democratic order. With the certificate you apply for a passport and an identity card at the town hall.

   Done

Good to know

A criminal record can block naturalisation. Minor penalties are ignored. Be honest in the form, because false statements can lead to citizenship being withdrawn later.

Spouses and children can be naturalised together with you, sometimes before they have five years themselves. Children born in Germany to foreign parents are German from birth if one parent has lived here legally for five years and has a permanent right of residence.

Whether your first country lets you keep its passport is decided by that country. For Pakistan, see Germany now lets Pakistanis keep both passports.

The step before this one: permanent residence in Germany: when you can apply.

In short: Five years, qualifying permit, B1 German, test with 17 of 33, own income, apply at the Einbürgerungsbehörde, 255 euros, certificate.