German passport · StAG 2024
Einbürgerung in Germany: the path to a German passport
Liana · Sources: BAMF, Staatsangehörigkeitsgesetz (StAG)
Einbürgerung (naturalisation) is the acquisition of German citizenship on application. Since the reform of the Staatsangehörigkeitsgesetz (StAG, the Nationality Act), which came into force on 27 June 2024, 5 years of lawful residence are generally sufficient instead of the previous 8. You also need German at least at B1 level and a passed Einbürgerungstest — and dual citizenship is now generally permitted.
This overview accompanies you along the whole path to naturalisation: which requirements apply, how long it takes, what it costs, which documents you need, how to submit the application, and which language and knowledge proofs (B1 and the Einbürgerungstest) are required.
Key facts
- Legal basis
- § 10 StAG — the reformed Nationality Act in force since 27 June 2024.
- Residence
- Generally 5 years of lawful habitual residence (previously 8).
- Language
- German at least at B1 level.
- Civic test
- A passed Einbürgerungstest (33 questions, 17 correct to pass).
- Cost
- €255 per adult; €51 per minor child naturalised with a parent.
- Dual citizenship
- Generally permitted since the 2024 reform.
Check individual cases with the Einbürgerungsbehörde. The requirements are set by law and may change; the responsible Einbürgerungsbehörde (naturalisation authority) decides on your specific application.
What is Einbürgerung?
Einbürgerung (naturalisation) is the acquisition of German citizenship by a person who did not become German by birth. The legal basis is the Staatsangehörigkeitsgesetz (StAG, the Nationality Act), in particular § 10 StAG for naturalisation by entitlement. The local Einbürgerungsbehörde (naturalisation authority) is responsible for processing (depending on the Bundesland and municipality, this may be the Bürgeramt (citizens' office), the Ausländerbehörde (immigration authority) or a dedicated Einbürgerungsamt (naturalisation office)).
With naturalisation you gain all the rights and duties of German citizens — including full voting rights, freedom of movement within the EU and the entitlement to a German passport. If all the legal requirements are met, there is a legal entitlement to naturalisation.
The requirements at a glance
For standard naturalisation under § 10 StAG, you generally have to meet the following requirements:
- Length of residence: generally 5 years of lawful habitual residence in Germany (previously 8 years).
- Language skills: at least B1 level.
- Einbürgerungstest: a passing certificate proving knowledge of the legal and social order and of living conditions in Germany.
- Secure livelihood: you can support yourself and your family without social benefits (with exceptions, for example receiving benefits through no fault of your own, full-time work or belonging to the guest-worker generation).
- Commitment: to the free democratic basic order as well as explicitly to Germany's special historical responsibility and to the protection of Jewish life.
- No serious offences: no conviction for a serious criminal offence.
- Clarified identity and citizenship.
The accelerated three-year route for special integration achievements, which required C1 German, was abolished on 30 October 2025. Naturalisation now requires five years' residence and B1 German in all cases. Spouses and children can be naturalised alongside you under certain conditions. All points in detail are explained on the page Einbürgerung: requirements at a glance →
How long does naturalisation take?
The processing time varies widely: it ranges from a few months to over a year, and at authorities with heavy caseloads sometimes 1.5 to 2 years. The decisive factors are the responsible Einbürgerungsbehörde, the state of your file and current workload. There is no statutory maximum — but once your application is complete and the requirements are met, there is a legal entitlement.
How much does naturalisation cost?
The naturalisation fee is €255 per adult. For minor children who are naturalised together with their parents, €51 is charged. There may also be costs for the Einbürgerungstest, the language exam and required documents.
| Item | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | €255 | Per applicant |
| Minor child | €51 | When naturalised together with the parents |
Which documents do you need?
Which documents you have to submit is determined by your Einbürgerungsbehörde. These typically include a valid passport and residence title, proof of residence, the language proof (B1), the Einbürgerungstest certificate, proof of income and pension, and civil status records.
How to submit the application
The naturalisation application is submitted to the Einbürgerungsbehörde responsible for your place of residence. In many cities, an online pre-check or a digital application is now possible.
B1 language proof & Einbürgerungstest
Two proofs are at the heart of every naturalisation: your language skills and the Einbürgerungstest.
Language proof: at least B1
German at B1 level is sufficient. Accepted proof includes the Goethe-Zertifikat B1, telc Deutsch B1, the ÖSD Zertifikat B1 and the Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (DTZ) at B1; a German school, vocational or university qualification may also replace the proof. Since the accelerated three-year route was abolished on 30 October 2025, C1 is no longer required for any naturalisation under § 10 StAG.
Einbürgerungstest: 33 questions
The Einbürgerungstest examines knowledge of the legal and social order and of living conditions in Germany. You can practise it for free — all the questions in the interactive trainer: Practise the Einbürgerungstest →
Practise the Einbürgerungstest for free
Practise the questions on the legal and social order interactively, with instant scoring. No download, no credit card.
Practise the Einbürgerungstest for freeDual citizenship (since 2024)
The biggest change of the 2024 reform: Mehrstaatigkeit (holding more than one citizenship) is now generally permitted. The former obligation to give up your old citizenship has been dropped. You can acquire German citizenship and keep your previous one.
FAQ: Einbürgerung in Germany
What are the requirements for naturalisation (Einbürgerung) in Germany?
Under § 10 StAG, the general requirements are: at least 5 years of lawful habitual residence, German at least at B1 level, a passed Einbürgerungstest, a secure livelihood without social benefits (with exceptions), a commitment to the free democratic basic order as well as to Germany's special historical responsibility and to the protection of Jewish life, no conviction for serious offences, and a clarified identity. All requirements in detail →
How long do you have to live in Germany to become naturalised?
Since the 2024 reform, 5 years of lawful habitual residence are generally required (previously 8 years). A faster three-year route for special integration achievements existed from 2024, but it was abolished on 30 October 2025 (BGBl. 2025 I Nr. 256) with no transitional provision. Five years is now the shortest route for everyone.
Which language level do I need for naturalisation?
B1 is sufficient. Accepted proof includes the Goethe-Zertifikat B1, telc Deutsch B1, ÖSD Zertifikat B1 and the DTZ at B1; a German school, vocational or university qualification may also be sufficient. Since the three-year route was abolished on 30 October 2025, C1 is no longer required for any naturalisation under § 10 StAG.
Is dual citizenship allowed with naturalisation?
Yes. Since the reform came into force on 27 June 2024, Mehrstaatigkeit (holding more than one citizenship) is generally permitted. Giving up your previous citizenship is no longer required.
How much does naturalisation cost?
€255 per adult and €51 for minor children who are naturalised together with their parents. There may also be fees for the Einbürgerungstest, the language exam and documents.
How long does naturalisation take?
It varies widely — from a few months to over a year, sometimes 1.5 to 2 years, depending on the Einbürgerungsbehörde, the state of your file and workload. There is no statutory maximum; with a complete application and the requirements met, there is a legal entitlement.
Last updated: 22 July 2026 · GoethéB1 is independent and not affiliated with any government authorities.