How to obtain German citizenship in 2026

German citizenship isn’t just a red passport; it’s a status that grants powerful rights and real advantages. It allows visa-free travel to over 170 countries, as well as the ability to live, work, and study in any EU country. A German passport also provides access to one of Europe’s strongest social systems. You can legally live in a safe country with a strong economy and high salaries (the average is approximately EUR 4,200 gross).

Currently, German citizenship can be obtained through birth, descent, marriage, naturalization, or a special procedure for late repatriates. For immigrants, the most realistic path is naturalization, which requires long-term residence in the Federal Republic of Germany, proficiency in German, and integration into German society.

In 2024–2025, the regulations for obtaining German nationality were updated. The naturalization period was reduced from 8 to 5 years, and the retention of one’s first citizenship was permitted. Language and integration tests were also waived for certain groups. Citizenship was also simplified for children of foreigners born in Germany. However, the 3-year accelerated naturalization process has been abolished.

What are the benefits of German citizenship?

Germany is one of the countries with the strongest citizenship programs. Depending on the assessment approach, the German passport consistently ranks between 2nd and 4th in international rankings. This puts it on par with the passports of France, Austria, Sweden, Belgium, and other developed European countries.

German citizenship entitles you to:

• Visa-free travel to 174 countries. You can freely enter the EU and Schengen Area, the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, the UAE, and several other countries;
• The freedom to choose your country of residence within the EU. You don’t need a temporary or permanent residence permit to move to another EU country. Simply register at your place of residence;
• An investor visa to the US. German citizens can apply for an E-2 visa, which is valid for 2 years and can be extended;
• Treatment in other European countries under the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The EHIC entitles you to treatment in hospitals in the EU, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland under the same conditions as local residents;
• High-paying jobs and career opportunities. You can earn around EUR 4,200 per month working for large German companies and have your resume given priority consideration when applying for jobs in any other EU country;
• Social assistance. Citizens are entitled to various types of assistance, including benefits, subsidies, and payments in the event of job loss, illness, and other situations;
• Free education. Citizens can study for free at universities that charge tuition for foreigners from third countries.

New regulations for obtaining German citizenship

In 2024, the German government revised the Citizenship Act (Staatsangehörigkeitsgesetz) and introduced several significant amendments:

The naturalization process was accelerated. Now, to obtain citizenship by naturalization, it is sufficient to live in Germany for 5 years instead of 8. This change makes the immigration process more flexible and appealing to professionals and long-term residents.

The right to multiple nationality. Starting in 2024, you can apply for citizenship without renouncing your original passport. Having multiple citizenships is permitted. This gives applicants greater freedom of movement and opportunity: they can use the passport that best suits their situation.

Citizenship for children of foreign parents. Before the reform, a child of foreign parents born in Germany received citizenship if their parent had permanent residence and had lived in the country for at least 8 years. Now, this period has been reduced to 5 years. Additionally, the requirement that a child choose which country to be a citizen of after reaching adulthood has been abolished.

Exams for former guest workers have been abolished. Anyone who entered Germany as a guest worker before June 30, 1974, or as a contract worker before June 13, 1990, who has not yet received citizenship can naturalize without taking an integration test. They only need to demonstrate oral proficiency in German; the written exam is not required. This exception also applies to the spouse of said person.

The 2024 amendments included the concept of accelerated naturalization after 3 years for individuals who have achieved exceptional integration success, defined as having learned German to level C1 and demonstrated civic engagement, academic success, or professional success. However, in 2025, the German authorities revised and completely repealed the 2024 law.

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The main ways to become a German citizen

Currently, there are 5 ways to acquire German citizenship:

Every path to a German passport has its own unique characteristics. However, most options available to foreigners require long-term residence in Germany, knowledge of German, and full integration into German society. Read on to learn more about each path.

Naturalization: German citizenship after 5 years of residence

Naturalization is the most common route to German citizenship. It is available to most long-term foreigners. This option is suitable for migrant workers, entrepreneurs, and family members of German residents and citizens.

To obtain citizenship by naturalization, you generally need to:

1. Obtain a Type D visa based on work, study, family reunification, or another purpose.
2. Enter Germany and obtain a residence permit.
3. Live in Germany for 5 years with a valid residence or permanent residence permit. Permanent status is not required.
4. Pass a language exam (usually B1 level).
5. Pass the naturalization test.
6. Apply for citizenship and await a decision.
7. Take the oath and receive your German documents.

Requirements for naturalization in Germany

To obtain German citizenship by naturalization, you must:

• Have a valid temporary or permanent residence permit. Work, family, student (subject to conditions), and entrepreneurial permits are acceptable.
• Have lived in Germany for 5 years without interruption, with no absence from Germany for more than 6 months.
• Have a minimum German language proficiency level of B1 and prove it with a diploma recognized by the local authorities.
• Successfully pass an integration test demonstrating knowledge of the country’s legal and social systems and living conditions.
• Have your own income and not receive Bürgergeld or other basic social benefits.
• Have no criminal record, large fines, or suspended sentences of more than 3 months in any country.
• Not support unconstitutional organizations.
• Recognize the fundamental principles of Germany’s democratic system.

Documents to apply for naturalization in Germany

To apply for citizenship, you will need the following:

• An application form completed online. You will need to print the PDF document you receive in response.
• A valid ID, such as a passport. If you don’t have a passport, you may use a driver’s license with a photo or another similar document.
• Proof of marital status: marriage or divorce certificate, adoption decree.
• A valid permanent residence permit or residence permit card. An electronic document is acceptable.
• Proof of housing in Germany, such as a lease agreement or a title deed for residential property.
• Proof of residence in Germany for 5 years: educational documents, bank statements for transactions made in the country, doctor’s appointment certificates, etc.
• Proof of financial solvency: an employment contract with salary statements for the last six months, a pension receipt, an extract from the commercial register, or another relevant document.
• Proof of German proficiency at a minimum B1 level: a language test certificate; proof of four years of German school attendance; a high school diploma; or other relevant documentation.
• A certificate showing completion of the integration test (not required if you graduated from a German school or university).
• Valid health insurance: public or private.

Common mistakes and reasons for rejection

Despite the growing number of naturalized foreigners (46% more in 2024 than in 2023), refusals still occur. Most often, problems arise due to:

• application errors;
• lack of proof of income;
• expired health insurance;
• lack of proof of residence;
• missing documents.

Another reason for denial of citizenship is insufficient points on the naturalization test in Germany.

German authorities strictly verify the authenticity of documents. Using fictitious certificates results in automatic refusal. For instance, immigration officials in one German region discovered over 300 fake language certificates in one week in 2024.

German passport through marriage

Obtaining German citizenship through marriage is a form of accelerated naturalization. A citizen’s spouse or common-law partner must meet integration and language requirements. However, the residency period in Germany is reduced to 3 years. A minimum of 2 years of official marriage or registered partnership is required.

In addition to the basic documents, the spouse must submit a marriage certificate. Sometimes, the authorities may request additional proof of the relationship’s genuineness, such as a joint rental agreement, bank accounts, insurance policies, photographs, and other documents.

During the interview, they may ask basic questions to ensure that the marriage is legitimate.

The procedure for obtaining German citizenship through marriage is the same as for regular naturalization:

1. Obtain a Type D visa (e.g., for family reunification).
2. Enter Germany and obtain a residence permit.
3. Applying for permanent residence after living in Germany for 3 years (if desired).
4. Pass the naturalization test.
5. Applying for citizenship and receiving a passport.

Citizenship by birth and descent

A child is granted German citizenship by descent (by right of blood) if at least one parent is a German citizen. If the child is born out of wedlock to a German father, a court must legally recognize paternity; a DNA test is not sufficient. This must be done before the child turns 23.

German citizenship by birth (by right of soil) is granted to children born in Germany if their parents’ identities have not been established by local authorities.

Children of foreign parents can obtain German citizenship by birth if at least one parent:

• Has lived in Germany for at least 5 years.
• Has permanent resident status.

A mandatory requirement is that the birth must be recorded in the birth register.

Citizenship for late repatriates

In Germany, the term «late repatriates» (Spätaussiedler) refers to the descendants of Germans from Eastern European countries. According to the Federal Law on Expellees (Bundesvertriebenengesetz — BVFG), these individuals can apply for citizenship through a special admission procedure without first obtaining a temporary or permanent residence permit. To qualify, a person must prove that they:

• Were born before January 1, 1993.
• Are descendants of a German citizen who voluntarily left Germany after May 8, 1945, or was deported from the country after March 31, 1952.
• Live in an Eastern European country at the time of application.
• Has been or is being discriminated against because of their origin (this applies only to those living in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, and several other countries).
• Speak German at a B1 level or higher.
• They must declare their affiliation with the German ethnic group in their country of current residence.

Along with the main applicant, their spouse, children, grandchildren, and other direct descendants are also eligible for citizenship. They must prove their family ties to the deceased repatriate. Spouses must have been married for at least three years. Relatives are subject to more lenient German proficiency requirements: spouses must have a level of A1, and minor children do not need to prove language proficiency.

Documents required for legal residency:

• Application form S or A (depending on your country of residence), completed in German.
• Photocopies of your current passport, internal passport, and previous internal ID cards.
• Documents indicating citizenship (e.g., military ID, birth certificates of children, even if they do not intend to relocate).
• Criminal record certificates for all persons over 16 who wish to relocate.
• All birth and marriage certificates going back to your German ancestor are required to establish a family connection.
• Other documents confirming your German origin.
• Employment records for the main applicant and all others relocating (only for those born before January 1, 1974).
• Birth, adoption, marriage, or divorce certificates for all others relocating (including children).

Legalization procedure for late repatriates:

1. Document preparation. You must provide notarized copies of all documents, along with translations into German.
2. Take a language test abroad. An international certificate at level B1 or higher is required.
3. Submit the completed application and documents to the Federal Office of Administration (Bundesverwaltungsamt).
4. Obtain a Type D Visa. If the authorities approve your application and send a notification of acceptance, you can apply for a visa at the German mission /consulate based on this notification.
5. Obtain citizenship. Upon arrival, the late repatriate registers at the initial reception center and is assigned to a federal state. Residency is not required. The late repatriate receives a German passport.

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Special cases: discretionary citizenship (Ermessenseinbürgerung)

Sometimes, German authorities grant citizenship to individuals who do not fully meet the naturalization requirements. This method is called discretionary naturalization (Ermessenseinbürgerung). When reviewing an application, authorities consider the degree to which the foreigner is integrated into society and if they have genuine ties to the state, even if they have not lived in Germany for 5 years.

This method is primarily intended for individuals who have made significant contributions to the country, such as:

• made a breakthrough in scientific research;
• won a prize in a prestigious sporting competition;
• brought glory to Germany in the cultural sphere.

This method is also suitable for individuals who:

• Lost German citizenship by receiving a Swiss or EU passport and residing permanently in one of these countries.
• Were born after May 23, 1949, to German parents who did not receive the citizenship status at birth due to gender discrimination.
• Are descendants of individuals who fall into one of the above categories.

Although discretionary naturalization is considered a simplified process, applicants still need to:

• demonstrate German language proficiency at B1 level;
• provide proof of sufficient income;
• have suitable accommodation;
• demonstrate integration into society.

German law does not clearly define the procedure or timeframe for obtaining citizenship through discretionary naturalization. You may apply if you believe you meet the criteria; however, each case is assessed individually. There is no guarantee that status will be granted.

General requirements to apply for German citizenship

Basic requirements for German citizenship applicants:

Duration of residence. The standard period for naturalization is five years. This period is reduced to 3 years for spouses of Germans and does not apply to late repatriates. Children of foreigners acquire citizenship by birthright if one parent has lived in Germany for at least 5 years and has obtained permanent residence status.

Residency status. A foreigner cannot apply for citizenship without temporary or permanent residence. However, not all residence permits are eligible. Students, interns, language course participants, employees transferred within a corporation, and holders of humanitarian status must change their permits. Applications are accepted from holders of the EU Blue Card, work permits, family permits, and several other residence permit categories. Generally, to become a permanent resident, one must have lived in Germany for 5 years.

Language proficiency. Typically, one must learn German to level B1 and prove it with a certificate. Alternatively, you can demonstrate this proficiency with a German high school diploma or a university diploma.

Pass the citizenship exam (Einbürgerungstest). Everyone is required to take the test, except for children under 16 and individuals unable to do so due to illness, disability, or age. Graduates of German schools or universities who majored in the social sciences, public administration, law, or political science are also exempt from the exam.

Income and social benefits. You can live off income from work, business, or passive sources. The main requirement is that the foreigner does not receive social benefits from the German government. While the exact income amount is not set by law, we recommend focusing on the minimum wage: EUR 2,220 per month in 2025 and approximately EUR 2,400 in 2026.

Law-abiding. The applicant must not have fines exceeding their 90-day salary. For instance, if you earn EUR 60 per day, your fines cannot exceed EUR 5,400. Other penalties based on racist, anti-Semitic, xenophobic, or other motives that could be classified as disregard for human dignity may also prevent you from obtaining citizenship.

Loyalty and values. Applicants must declare that they recognize Germany’s historical responsibility for the Nazi regime’s injustices and that they do not support terrorism, racism, or anti-Semitism.

Dual citizenship in Germany: is it possible to keep your original passport?

Starting June 27, 2024, Germany officially allows multiple citizenship. This means that foreigners will no longer be required to renounce their original passport upon naturalization. Note that you will receive a second citizenship and retain all your responsibilities as a citizen of your home country. This is because Germany has not signed dual citizenship agreements with any other country. Therefore, each state recognizes your rights and obligations only unilaterally.

However, you can only keep your original passport if your home country’s laws permit it. Here are a few examples:

Application process: from registration to passport

The most common way to obtain German citizenship is through standard naturalization, which consists of 9 steps:

1. Find legal grounds for immigration.
   Decide how you will live in Germany: as a labor migrant, student, businessman, or family member of a resident/citizen. Depending on your situation, you will need to provide documents proving the purpose of your move, such as an employment contract or a university enrollment certificate.
2. Obtain a Type D Visa.
   A tourist visa allows you to stay in Germany for only three months within each semester. For long-term residence, you need a Type D visa, which is issued by an embassy or consulate and can take approximately 3 months or longer.
3. Apply for and renew a residence permit.
   After receiving your visa, enter Germany and apply for a residence permit at the immigration office. If your application is approved, you will be scheduled for an interview. The residence permit is usually issued within 4 weeks of the interview.

   The validity of the permit depends on the reason for the application. For example, skilled labor migrants receive a permit for 4 years, students for 2 years, and scientists for 1 year. To continue living in Germany, it is necessary to renew the status in a timely manner.

4. Apply for a permanent residence permit.
   You can usually apply for a permanent residence permit at the Immigration Office after five years of living in Germany. However, some foreigners can obtain permanent residence status earlier. For example, skilled workers can obtain permanent residence status after 3 years. Please note that permanent residence permits are not issued to individuals in the country for study purposes. You must first change your residence permit type.

   To qualify, you must prove that you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses in Germany and valid health insurance. You must also demonstrate that you speak German at least at level B1 and have successfully completed an integration course. If your application is approved, you will be invited to an interview and receive your permanent residence permit 4 weeks later.

5. Apply for citizenship.
   After completing all naturalization requirements and preparing your documents, submit an online application to the relevant government agency. In Berlin, for example, applications are processed by the State Immigration Office. Attach scanned copies of your documents to your application. After your application is reviewed, you will be invited to an interview and informed whether you need to take the naturalization test.
6. Take the naturalization test.
   The test is administered by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge — BAMF). The test consists of 33 questions, and you must answer 17 of them correctly to pass. BAMF provides a full list of possible questions (310) on its official website for your preparation. Exam results are automatically sent to the BAMF.
7. Wait for a decision.
   German law does not specify a timeframe for processing citizenship applications. In fact, even government officials do not specify the response timeframe. If you applied in Munich, for example, you’ll have to wait approximately 18 months, whereas in Leipzig it’s 4 years.
8. Take the oath.
   After a successful application, you will be invited to an oath ceremony where you will be required to make a solemn declaration. Next, a naturalization certificate will be issued. Keep it in a safe place, as it cannot be replaced if lost or stolen. Only in certain cases will you be able to obtain a certified copy.
9. Obtain a passport.
   Based on the naturalization certificate, request a passport and ID card from the local civil registry office. A photo must be attached to the application. To obtain an internal passport, you may be asked to provide a birth certificate. Both documents are valid for 6 years for applicants under 24 and 10 years for applicants over 24.

How much does it cost to obtain German citizenship?

When calculating the cost, consider both the application fees and basic living expenses.

Considering all government fees and 5 years of living in Germany, the cost of a German passport exceeds EUR 115,000. This amount is approximate, as government fees are regularly reviewed, and prices for rent, food, medicine, and entertainment are constantly rising.

For a similar cost, you can obtain a second passport in 3-6 months through the official investment program of a Caribbean or Oceanian country. You won’t need to apply for a temporary or permanent residence permit, nor will you need to take language and integration tests. iWorld specialists are available for personal consultations to explain all the details.

Reasons citizenship may be denied and what to do next

A foreigner is denied German citizenship if:

• provides false information or fraudulent documents;
• has a criminal record or large fines;
• has a lower level of German language proficiency;
• fails the integration test;
• is associated with terrorism or is deemed by the authorities to pose a threat to Germany’s national security.

If your application is rejected, you may contact the government agency that processed it or the BAMF Citizen Support Service to inquire about the reason for the rejection. There is no right to appeal, so after receiving a response, you must address all concerns and resubmit your application, paying the required fee.

A path to German citizenship for those yet to arrive

If you are planning to immigrate to Germany, it is important to understand that the citizenship process is gradual and requires a temporary residence permit. Everyone’s path is different, but the following pathways are the most common among immigrants:

Study → work → residence permit → permanent residence → citizenship. First, a foreigner enrolls in a German university and graduates. Then they find employment in their field and obtain a residence permit based on it. However, there’s a catch when applying for permanent residence: only half of the study period is counted. For instance, if a foreigner has lived in Germany for 4 years with a student residence permit, only 2 years will be counted, meaning they must live in Germany for a total of 7 years before permanent residence is granted. Then, they submit an application for naturalization.

Work /Blue Card direct→ permanent residence → citizenship. Alternatively, an immigrant can sign a contract with a German employer in advance, arrive in Germany, and receive a regular residence permit based on employment or an EU Blue Card, depending on their salary, position, and education. Permanent residence can be applied for after 3-5 years if desired, and EU Blue Card holders can obtain this status after just 21-27 months (depending on their German proficiency). In any case, naturalization is possible after 5 years of immigration.

Marriage to a German citizen → residence permit → citizenship. Marrying a German citizen does not automatically entitle you to apply for a passport, but it significantly reduces the required period of residence. The spouse receives a residence permit and, after 3 years, permanent residence. Then, they can apply for citizenship.

Late repatriates follow a special procedure. Foreigners are exempt from the residency requirement and automatically receive German citizenship with late repatriate status.

Late repatriates → special procedure. Late repatriates follow a special procedure. Foreigners are exempt from the residency requirement and automatically receive German citizenship with late repatriate status.