German Citizenship by Naturalization: Complete Guide 2024
Germany's historic 2024 law change now allows dual citizenship. Learn how to become German while keeping your original nationality after 5 years of residence (or just 3 years with outstanding integration).
🎉 Historic 2024 Law Change
Germany's new Staatsangehörigkeitsmodernisierungsgesetz eliminates the requirement to renounce your original citizenship when naturalizing as German. You can now keep both!
What is German Citizenship by Naturalization?
German citizenship by naturalization ("Einbürgerung") is the process by which foreign nationals become German citizens after fulfilling residence, language, and integration requirements. The 2024 law reform revolutionized this process by allowing applicants to retain their original citizenship - a game-changing development.
Key Benefits of German Citizenship
- EU Citizenship: Live, work, and study in any of 27 EU countries
- 190 Visa-Free Destinations: World's 3rd most powerful passport
- Dual Citizenship Allowed: Keep your original nationality (2024 change)
- Economic Powerhouse: Access to Europe's largest economy
- World-Class Benefits: Healthcare, education, and social services
German Citizenship Costs: Complete Breakdown
Detailed Cost Breakdown:
Initial Residence Permit
RequiredFirst residence permit to establish legal residence in Germany
€100 for most permits, €110 for EU Blue Card. Varies by permit type.
Residence Permit Renewals
RequiredBiennial or periodic renewals of residence permits during 5-8 year period
€67-110 per renewal depending on permit type. Typically need 2-4 renewals.
Integration Course (Integrationskurs)
Required600-hour course covering German language and civic integration
€1.95/hour for eligible participants, full cost ~€390. Reduces residence requirement to 5 years.
German Language Certification (B1)
RequiredOfficial B1 German language test from approved testing center
Goethe Institute: €245, TELC: €150-200. May be included in integration course.
Naturalization Test (Einbürgerungstest)
Required33-question test on German history, politics, and society
€25 per attempt. Must score 17/33 correct. Can retake for additional €25.
Naturalization Application Fee
RequiredOfficial government fee for citizenship application processing
€255 for adults, €51 for minors under 16. Non-refundable even if denied.
Document Collection and Translation
RequiredBirth certificates, criminal records, apostilles, certified translations
All foreign documents need certified German translation and apostille authentication.
Criminal Background Checks
RequiredPolice clearances from all countries lived in after age 14
Required from birth country and all countries of residence. Costs vary by country.
Legal Consultation
OptionalImmigration lawyer assistance for complex cases or appeals
Recommended for complex cases, previous visa issues, or appeals. Rates vary significantly.
German Passport Application
OptionalGerman passport after citizenship approval
€81 for adult passport, valid for 10 years. Highly recommended.
Important Cost Considerations:
- 2024 Citizenship Modernization Act allows dual citizenship - no need to renounce original nationality
- Residence requirement reduced from 8 to 5 years with successful integration course completion
- Further reductions possible: 3 years with exceptional German skills or special integration achievements
- Processing times increasing significantly due to massive demand following 2024 law change
- Must demonstrate financial independence - reliance on social welfare (Hartz IV/Bürgergeld) disqualifies
- Integration course is heavily subsidized and reduces both timeline and demonstrates commitment
- All costs are in euros - exchange rates affect final USD amounts
💡 Money-Saving Tips:
- Order documents yourself instead of using agencies (save $200-500)
- Do translations through certified freelancers vs law firms (save $300-800)
- Apply directly to consulates rather than through services (save $1000+)
German Naturalization Requirements
You Qualify If:
- You have lived legally in Germany for 5 years continuously (standard requirement)
- OR you have lived in Germany for 3 years with outstanding integration (exceptional cases)
- You have B1 level German language proficiency
- You can financially support yourself without social benefits
- You have no serious criminal record
- You support Germany's free democratic basic order
Potential Barriers:
- Breaks in legal residence reset the timeline
- Reliance on social welfare (Hartz IV) disqualifies you
- Serious criminal convictions prevent naturalization
- Failure to pass integration test or language requirements
German Naturalization Process: Step-by-Step
Establish Legal Residence
Live legally in Germany for required period
💡 Tip: Continuous legal residence required
Learn German Language
Achieve B1 level German proficiency
💡 Tip: Can be done during residence period
Complete Integration Course
Learn about German history, culture, and legal system
💡 Tip: Reduces residence requirement from 8 to 6 years
Pass Naturalization Test
Answer 33 questions about Germany (need 17 correct)
💡 Tip: Test covers history, politics, and society
Submit Application
Apply for naturalization at local citizenship office
💡 Tip: Fee is €255 for adults, €51 for minors
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really keep my original citizenship when becoming German?
Yes! Germany's 2024 Citizenship Modernization Act allows naturalized citizens to retain their original citizenship. This historic change eliminates the previous requirement to renounce other nationalities.
How much does German naturalization cost?
Total costs range from $1,500-$5,000, including residence permits ($800-1,500), language courses ($400-1,200), integration course (~$195), naturalization fee (€255), and document costs ($200-600). Use our cost calculator above for a personalized estimate.
How long does the German naturalization process take?
The entire process takes 5-8 years: 5-8 years of legal residence plus 6-18 months for application processing. The 2024 law reduced the standard residence requirement from 8 to 5 years.
Can I reduce the residence requirement below 5 years?
Yes, in exceptional cases: 3 years with outstanding integration achievements or exceptional German language skills (C2 level). Spouses of German citizens may qualify after 3 years of marriage and 2 years in Germany.
What level of German do I need for naturalization?
B1 level German is required for naturalization. This includes both oral and written proficiency. The integration course includes language training and can help you achieve this level.
Will processing times increase due to the 2024 law change?
Yes, applications have surged since the 2024 dual citizenship law took effect. Processing times are expected to increase significantly, so apply as early as possible once you meet requirements.
The Federal Office of Administration (BVA) Role
BVA's Role in Citizenship Matters
The Federal Office of Administration (Bundesverwaltungsamt, BVA) is the competent authority for naturalization as a German national and the establishment of German citizenship for people living abroad.
The BVA processes different procedures in consultation with the Federal Foreign Office's missions abroad, handling applications with respect for individuals' often tragic backgrounds.
Key responsibilities of the BVA include:
- Determining German citizenship status for applicants with German ancestors
- Processing 'renaturalization' for victims of Nazi persecution who were illegitimately deprived of citizenship
- Recognition of people as ethnic German resettlers under the Federal Expellees Act
Application for the Establishment of German Citizenship
For applicants living abroad, the Federal Office of Administration is the competent authority to deal with citizenship matters. The BVA carries out specific procedures to determine whether or not applicants are German citizens.
The BVA ascertains when and by what means you have become a German national and whether or not you have lost your German citizenship. Many events in the applicants' and their ancestors' lives can be significant for the acquisition or loss of German citizenship, including personal and family events (e.g. birth, marriage, or adoption) and/or political, legal developments.
Applicants whose German citizenship has been established are issued a certificate of nationality. It can also be established, upon application, that you are not a German citizen. In such cases, a so-called negative certificate is issued.
Important Note: The application procedure must be conducted in German.
Ready to Start Your German Citizenship Journey?
Take advantage of Germany's historic 2024 law change and secure dual citizenship