# Germany Citizenship Requirements

Germany's federal naturalisation guide combines lawful residence, B1 German or accepted proof, civic knowledge and qualifying residence status.

Scope: Ordinary naturalisation as described by the federal government; personal exceptions require the responsible local authority.

Jurisdiction: German nationality. Sources reviewed 2026-09-17; review due 2026-12-16.

General information, not legal advice or a finding of eligibility. Requirements depend on the route, applicant and filing date. Verify the official instructions before applying.

## 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.

Evidence: conditional. [German Federal Government — Make it in Germany: The path to German citizenship](https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/visa-residence/living-permanently/naturalisation). Source location: Requirements for naturalisation, first two bullets.

## German language

B1 oral and written German, or accepted German school, vocational or university proof.

Evidence: documented. [German Federal Government — Make it in Germany: The path to German citizenship](https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/visa-residence/living-permanently/naturalisation). Source location: Requirements — language.

## Civic knowledge

The naturalisation or Life in Germany test normally proves civic knowledge; specified German qualifications can replace it.

Evidence: conditional. [German Federal Government — Make it in Germany: The path to German citizenship](https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/visa-residence/living-permanently/naturalisation). Source location: Requirements — legal and social system.

## Other conditions

The guide also requires self-support, criminal-record disclosure and commitments to the constitutional order and Germany's historical responsibility.

Evidence: conditional. [German Federal Government — Make it in Germany: The path to German citizenship](https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/visa-residence/living-permanently/naturalisation). Source location: Requirements — remaining conditions.

## Keeping another nationality

German law allows a naturalised person to retain prior nationality. The other country's law must be checked separately.

Evidence: documented. [German Federal Government — Make it in Germany: The path to German citizenship](https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/visa-residence/living-permanently/naturalisation). Source location: Option for multiple citizenships.

## Where to apply

Apply to the competent local naturalisation authority and check its document requirements before filing.

Evidence: documented. [German Federal Government — Make it in Germany: The path to German citizenship](https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/visa-residence/living-permanently/naturalisation). Source location: Naturalisation process and fees.

## Scope and limitations

- Family co-naturalisation and statutory exceptions can change the result. This page does not decide individual eligibility or predict processing time.

## Explore this passport

- [Passport rank and travel access](https://multipassrank.com/passport/germany)
- [Tax residence & income](https://multipassrank.com/passport/germany/taxes)
- [Country-profile JSON, including sources and scoped requirements](https://multipassrank.com/api/v1/country-profiles/DE)
- [Multiple-citizenship policy guide](https://multipassrank.com/dual-citizenship-countries)

[Canonical page](https://multipassrank.com/passport/germany/citizenship)