Citizenship in Germany

Written by Anastasiia Lushyna Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Anastasiia Lushyna

Anastasiia is a content creator, writer, and motorcycle traveler with experience living in 4 different countries. She has been exploring the world and its cultural diversity since 2010.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: July 19, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

The German passport currently ranks 4th globally on the Global Passport Power Rank 2024. Its holders can travel to 190 destinations either visa-free or by obtaining a visa on arrival.

What are the benefits of German citizenship?

Additionally, obtaining a German citizenship provides the following opportunities and benefits:

• The right to vote
• Less bureaucracy
• Freedom of movement
• Residency security
• Diplomatic protection
• A wider variety of professional opportunities
• A simplified process of family reunion

Does Germany allow dual citizenship?

Recently, Germany has reviewed its citizenship laws, enabling its citizens and foreign residents to have dual citizenship if the other country permits this. Becoming a German dual citizen is possible in the following ways:

• By the right of birth: for instance, if you (as a foreigner) and your spouse (as a German citizen) become parents, the child can retain both of your citizenships.
• By declaration: in case your ancestor was German.
• By retaining citizenship: in case you were permitted to hold your both German and second foreign citizenship.
• By naturalization: if you meet the German residency requirements.

Having dual citizenship has multiple benefits, like being able to start a business in both countries or having consular protection from two governments. However, even though Germany allows dual citizenship, this permission still has a lot of nuances.

Naturalized citizens can get dual citizenship only in the following cases:

• If you have refugee status in Germany.
• If your other country is Switzerland or an EU/EEA Member State.
• If you cannot refuse your original citizenship due to subsequent issues like loss of income, loss of property, etc.
• If your home country does not allow you to give up your original citizenship.

What are the ways to get German citizenship?

In general, there are the following ways to get German citizenship:

• By naturalization — the process of becoming a citizen voluntarily.
• By right of blood — if you are a direct descendant of a German parent or parents (in this case the birth must be registered within 1 year with the German mission in the country of birth).
• By right of soil — in case you were born in Germany by non-German parents (at least one of the parents must be a legal German resident for 5 years).
• By marriage — if you get married to a German citizen.
• By adoption — for children adopted by German nationals or naturalized citizens.

Therefore, for foreigners, the easiest way to get German citizenship is by naturalization or by marriage. In the latter case, your children will be able to get German citizenship by birth, which is an umbrella term for the right of blood and the right of soil options.

When can you apply for German citizenship?

You can start applying for citizenship after the following minimum period of residence:

• Standard: 5 years
• Spouses of German citizens: 3 years
• Applicants who attended an integration course: 3 years

What documents are required?

The list of essential documents may vary according to your personal situation — you can clarify everything with the citizenship authority. However, the following documents are usually required:

• A valid passport and/or identity card.
• A birth certificate.
• A marriage certificate (if applicable).
• Proof of language proficiency.
• Proof of financial stability.
• Proof of residency.
• Naturalization test certificate.
• A completed application form.

You can submit your application to the relevant naturalization office in your area.

How to apply for German citizenship?

After reviewing the eligibility criteria thoroughly and making sure that you meet them, you can take the following steps:

1. Gather the required documents and complete the application form.
2. Take the German citizenship test (more details are provided below).
3. Pay the application fees.
4. Submit your documents to the relevant authorities (make sure that you still keep the copies). Note that the submission process often varies according to the location, so clarify the details with the naturalization office in your specific area.
5. If needed, attend the interview. This is not a mandatory step but sometimes applicants are required to do this or to provide additional information to support their application.

Then you have to wait. Be patient since it may take the authorities several months to process your application. If your application is approved, you will attend an oath ceremony where you will pledge allegiance to Germany, get your certificate, and become a German citizen officially.

Finally, you will have to apply for your German passport (after all the procedures, that is the easiest part). You can do this by visiting your local citizen’s office (Bürgeramt) but make sure to do this in person as someone else cannot apply on your behalf.

What is the German citizenship test?

The German citizenship test (Einbürgerungstest) is a mandatory test that you have to take when applying for citizenship. It must be completed in written form, and you will have to answer multiple questions regarding German history, language, culture, legal system, daily life, etc. Here are some specific facts you should know about this test:

• The test consists of 33 questions.
• The first 30 questions require general knowledge about Germany.
• The questions 31-33 are related to the region you live in.
• You need at least 17 correct answers to pass.
• The test is in German, so you need sufficient knowledge of the language to pass.

Note that even though the test is mandatory, you may still be exempted:

• If you have a German school leaving qualification.
• If you are unable to prepare due to your age.
• If you have a physical, mental, or learning disability.

Keep in mind that the above-mentioned conditions do not make you ineligible for German citizenship. You can still continue with your application if you meet the criteria.

What is the German citizenship test fee?

The fee for the test is €25. 

You have to pay in cash, and remember that it may take up to 6 weeks after the payment before you can take the test. Use this time wisely: study the material on your own or attend preparational courses. It would also be helpful to improve your knowledge of the German language if needed.

Where to take the German citizenship test?

Basically, the test can be taken at any educational institution or adult education center. In case you are unsure where to take the test, get in touch with your local citizen’s office — they will provide all the essential guidance.

Note that if you fail, you can still retake the test but only 6 months later. The number of attempts is not limited.

Can your family members get German citizenship?

If you become a German citizen, your spouse will be able to apply for citizenship after 3 years of residence in Germany. They will have to prove that they can financially support themselves (or that you support them) and demonstrate a little knowledge of German. You must have been married for at least 2 years at the moment of your application.

As for the children, they get German citizenship at birth in case one of their parents is a German citizen. In case the father is a German citizen but is not married to the child’s mother, proof of recognition of paternity is required (prior to the child’s 23rd birthday).

If you become a German citizen after the child is born, the naturalization process is required, but it is simpler for children under 18.

What are German citizenship fees?

The fees for naturalization are as follows:

• Regular or discretionary naturalization: €255.
• A reduced fee for each dependent minor child: €51.

Note that in certain cases fees can be decreased or even waived.

What if your application is rejected?

If this happens, you will get a clear explanation of the rejection. In case you are still sure that you meet all the criteria, you can contact a citizenship authority or immigration office to find out if you can appeal.

Note that rejection may take place for different reasons: both the authority and you can make mistakes. Carefully review your documents before submitting them.

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