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Many people who have lived in Germany for a long time would also like to become German citizens. This brings with it some advantages and simplifications - for example, with regard to the right of residence, freedom of movement, the choice of certain professions and the right to vote. However, there are high hurdles to naturalisation. In the following, you will learn about the requirements for naturalisation and the naturalisation procedure.
The most important facts in a nutshell:
- German citizenship comes with many benefits in terms of freedom of movement, choice of profession or voting rights
- Foreigners can acquire German citizenship by way of naturalisation.
- For this, you must, among other things, live permanently in Germany, have integrated well and be able to earn your own living.
What are the advantages of German citizenship?
German citizenship comes with many advantages. This also applies if, for example, you previously had an unlimited residence title. German citizenship comes with both active and passive voting rights - so you can vote and be elected in all elections.
In addition, you can take up any profession - this is not always possible for civil servant professions as a foreigner, for example. Furthermore, German citizens enjoy freedom of movement within the European Union. As a German citizen, you are allowed to take up residence or work in any member state.
In addition, there are agreements under international law between the Federal Republic of Germany and many other states, according to which German citizens are permitted to enter the respective state without a visa.
How can I become a naturalised citizen?
Naturalisation is subject to various requirements. If you meet the following requirements and submit an application for naturalisation, you are entitled to naturalisation (so-called entitlement naturalisation). In principle, the authorities cannot refuse naturalisation if these requirements are met:
- Clarified nationality and identity
First of all, your identity and nationality must be clarified before naturalisation. It is always the case that identity or nationality are unclear. In practice, however, this becomes relevant even before naturalisation, as nationality and identity must usually also be clarified for the residence title.
- Residence in Germany for at least eight years
In addition, you must have had your habitual residence in Germany for at least eight years and have an unlimited right of residence. For this, however, you must be legally resident in Germany (e.g. by means of a settlement permit). A Duldung, on the other hand, is not sufficient for the lawfulness of your residence! The minimum period of eight years is reduced to seven years if you have taken part in an integration course. The period can be reduced by a further year to six years if you can prove that you have integrated particularly well. Particularly good language skills or voluntary commitment are important here.
- Commitment to the free democratic basic order
You must declare your support for the free democratic basic order. In particular, you must make a declaration of loyalty.
- Giving up your foreign nationality
You must give up your previous nationality. In some exceptions, dual nationality is also possible. For example, if giving up your foreign citizenship is not possible or unreasonable for you. Citizens of other EU member states and Switzerland are generally exempt from giving up their foreign citizenship.
- German language skills (B1 level)
You must prove that you have German language skills. As a rule, a language test at level B1 is required for this.
- Passing the naturalisation test
You must also demonstrate knowledge of the legal and social order as well as living conditions in Germany. This is usually done by passing the naturalisation test. However, proof can also be provided by completing a German secondary school or a higher school leaving certificate.
- Secured livelihood
You must prove that you can support yourself. To do this, you must show the authorities that you are not dependent on social benefits for yourself or your family. To do this, you can, for example, provide proof of your salary and proof of your pension insurance. In some cases, however, exceptions apply. An expert lawyer can check whether naturalisation can be considered in your case.
- Integration into German living conditions
Furthermore, you must fit into German living conditions. In practice, cases of multiple marriages are particularly significant: people who are married to more than one person are regularly denied naturalisation.
- No conviction for a criminal offence
You must not have been convicted of a criminal offence by a final court decision. If you are currently under investigation, your naturalisation will be suspended until the criminal proceedings have been concluded.
Special case: Discretionary naturalisation
There is also the possibility of acquiring German citizenship through so-called discretionary naturalisation. If the requirements for naturalisation are less stringent than those for entitlement naturalisation, it is at the discretion of the authorities whether you will be naturalised. These requirements include:
- Identity and nationality clarified
- No conviction for a criminal offence
- Own flat
- Secured livelihood
- Integration into German living conditions
For reasons of public interest or to avoid particular hardship, naturalisation may be granted in individual cases even despite a conviction or without a secure livelihood. Discretionary naturalisation is, however, a special case. As a rule, naturalisation takes the form of entitlement naturalisation.
The naturalisation procedure
To apply for naturalisation, you must submit a written application to the naturalisation authority. They will then tell you which documents you have to submit. In particular, you will be told whether you have to give up your previous citizenship.
To do this, you must submit an application to an embassy or consulate in your home country, unless you automatically lose your citizenship when you accept German citizenship. After you have submitted the required documents in full, your application will be examined.
A period of several months for the examination of such applications is nothing unusual. If your application was successful, you will receive a certificate after your application has been examined and the application fee has been paid, and you will then be a German citizen.
If your application is rejected, you should in any case consult a lawyer who specialises in immigration and migration law. He or she will check whether it makes sense to take legal steps to obtain citizenship.
What does naturalisation cost?
A fee of 255,00 € is charged for naturalisation.
For minors, the fee is 51,00 €.
Short & sweet
German citizenship comes with many benefits in the area of freedom of movement, choice of occupation or the right to vote. As a rule, foreign nationals become German citizens by way of entitlement to naturalisation. To do so, they must meet certain requirements: Among other things, the foreign national must have lived permanently and lawfully in Germany for many years, be able to support himself or herself, give up foreign citizenship and have integrated well. If these requirements are met, the naturalisation authority must grant you German citizenship upon your application. However, exceptions can be made to these requirements in individual cases within the framework of discretionary naturalisation. For advice on the naturalisation procedure, you can contact a lawyer who is experienced in migration law.