Naturalization

A foreigner can apply for German citizenship through naturalization under certain conditions.

A brief overview of the main requirements for naturalization can be found in the following non-exhaustive list.

Since 27 June 2024, you may retain your previous citizenship when naturalizing. However, this does not apply if your country of origin does not allow this - if necessary, ask your diplomatic mission abroad.

Naturalization requirements:

5 years of legal residence in Germany (shorter periods possible in exceptional cases)

• Sufficient knowledge of the German language (e.g. German school, university or vocational qualification, German B1 certificate)
• Commitment to the free democratic basic order of the Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany
• Settlement permit, also possible with many temporary residence permits
• Knowledge of the legal and social order and living conditions in Germany
• Securing a livelihood through gainful employment
• If you receive benefits in accordance with the Social Security Code (SGB) II or XII, the regional council will check whether naturalization is still possible in individual cases

Online services

If you are interested in naturalization, please use our online service and answer a few questions. We can then assess whether naturalization could be possible and successful for you. Applications sent to us by post will not be processed.

Online service (opens in a new tab)

With the Quick-Check you can carry out a non-binding check of the naturalization requirements in advance: Naturalization - Quick-Check

Note: The Quick-Check was made available to us by the Bavarian State Ministry of the Interior, for Sport and Integration. You can carry out a non-binding preliminary check of your naturalization requirements here. You can then use our online service for the rest of the naturalization process.

Naturalization - Quick-Check (opens in a new tab)

Handing over the certificate:

As soon as we have received your naturalization certificate, we will contact you to arrange an appointment for the handover.

You are welcome to apply for your identity documents on the same day.

The standard fee for naturalization is EUR 255.00 and EUR 51.00 for underage children to be naturalized.

• Rejection of the application € 255.00
• if you withdraw the application yourself € 127.50