Germany Citizenship Requirements
Germany's federal naturalisation guide combines lawful residence, B1 German or accepted proof, civic knowledge and qualifying residence status.
Residence and status
The federal guide states more than five years of lawful residence plus a permanent right or qualifying permit. A study permit alone is not sufficient.
German language
B1 oral and written German, or accepted German school, vocational or university proof.
Civic knowledge
The naturalisation or Life in Germany test normally proves civic knowledge; specified German qualifications can replace it.
Other conditions
The guide also requires self-support, criminal-record disclosure and commitments to the constitutional order and Germany's historical responsibility.
Keeping another nationality
German law allows a naturalised person to retain prior nationality. The other country's law must be checked separately.
Where to apply
Apply to the competent local naturalisation authority and check its document requirements before filing.
Scope and limitations
- Family co-naturalisation and statutory exceptions can change the result. This page does not decide individual eligibility or predict processing time.
Next review due . An official update can change these requirements sooner.
Check multiple-citizenship policy and its review dateOfficial sources
- The path to German citizenshipGerman Federal Government — Make it in Germany · Retrieved 2026-09-17 · EN