When is naturalization possible?
Since the 2024 reform, naturalization has been made considerably easier. As a rule, you can be naturalized after five years of lawful residence in Germany, or already after three years in cases of special integration achievements. You may keep your previous citizenship.
Requirements at a glance
- Residence in Germany for at least five years (or three years in cases of special integration achievements).
- Permanent residence title or equivalent status (e.g. settlement permit, EU long-term residence).
- Language skills at B1 level (oral and written), proven by a recognised certificate.
- Naturalization test passed: 33 questions on politics, history and society.
- Livelihood without permanent reliance on social benefits (exceptions for those in employment).
- No significant criminal record (fines exceeding 90 daily rates or prison sentences can be an obstacle).
- Commitment to the free democratic basic order.
How a lawyer supports you
Even when the requirements seem clear: the practice of the authorities varies considerably from region to region. An experienced lawyer reviews your documents before submitting the application, drafts the cover letter to match local administrative practice, and represents you in follow-up queries.
- Review of the individual requirements (periods of residence, language, secure livelihood).
- Correct submission of the application with complete documents.
- Correspondence with the naturalization authority, handling follow-up queries and additional document requests.
- Objection or appeal against rejection decisions when naturalization is wrongly denied.
How long does the procedure take?
Processing time depends heavily on the responsible authority. Anything from six months up to two years is possible. A lawyer can avoid follow-up queries through expert filing and thereby speed up the procedure.