Naturalisation · § 10 StAG
Einbürgerung: all requirements at a glance
Liana · Sources: BAMF, Staatsangehörigkeitsgesetz (StAG)
For naturalisation by entitlement under § 10 StAG, you generally have to meet seven core requirements — since the reform of 27 June 2024: 5 years of residence, German at B1 level, a passed Einbürgerungstest, a secure livelihood, a commitment to the free democratic basic order, no serious offences, and a clarified identity.
This page lists each requirement individually and points out the most important exceptions. The legal basis is the Staatsangehörigkeitsgesetz (§ 10 StAG), as amended on 30 October 2025.
Key facts
- Legal basis
- § 10 StAG, in force since 27 June 2024 and amended on 30 October 2025.
- Residence
- Generally 5 years of lawful habitual residence (previously 8).
- Language
- German at least at B1 level; C1 is no longer required for any route.
- Civic test
- A passed Einbürgerungstest (33 questions, 17 correct to pass).
- Livelihood
- Secure income without social benefits, with exceptions.
- 3-year route
- Abolished on 30 October 2025 (BGBl. 2025 I Nr. 256).
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.
The requirements at a glance
| Requirement | What applies |
|---|---|
| Length of residence | generally 5 years |
| Language level | B1 |
| Einbürgerungstest | passed |
| Livelihood | secure, without social benefits |
| Commitment | required |
| Clean record | no serious offences |
| Identity | clarified |
1. Length of residence: generally 5 years
You generally have to have been lawfully and habitually resident in Germany for five years. Before the 2024 reform it was eight years. You also need a permanent residence right, or one suitable for naturalisation. Periods of lawful residence are added together; shorter interruptions do not count against you within certain limits.
The accelerated 3-year route was abolished
Between 2024 and 2025 there was a faster route: with special integration achievements — C1 German plus outstanding achievements at school, university or work, or civic engagement — naturalisation was possible after three years. This route no longer exists. The Bundestag voted to repeal it on 8 October 2025, and the repeal took effect on 30 October 2025 (BGBl. 2025 I Nr. 256). § 10 Abs. 3 StAG now reads simply "(weggefallen)" — repealed.
No transitional provision was enacted, so applications already filed under the three-year route cannot be decided under the old rule either. Five years of lawful habitual residence is now the shortest route under § 10 StAG, and B1 is the language requirement in all cases — C1 no longer appears anywhere in § 10 StAG. Which certificates prove B1 is explained on the page about the language proof for naturalisation →
2. Language skills: at least B1
For standard naturalisation, you have to prove German skills at at least B1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference. 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-leaving qualification, a completed German-language vocational qualification or a German-language degree can also replace the proof.
Don't have B1 yet? Prepare for free: with the interactive B1 practice test and the complete guide to the B1 exam. Which certificates count for naturalisation is shown on the page B1 for naturalisation.
3. A passed Einbürgerungstest
You have to prove knowledge of the legal and social order and of living conditions in Germany. This is usually done via a passed Einbürgerungstest. It consists of 33 multiple-choice questions; to pass, at least 17 must be answered correctly. You can practise all the questions for free — in the Einbürgerungstest trainer →
Practise the Einbürgerungstest for free
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Practise the Einbürgerungstest for free4. A secure livelihood
You have to be able to support yourself and your dependent family members without social benefits (Bürgergeld / social assistance). There are exceptions to this requirement — for example if you depend on benefits through no fault of your own, work full-time or belong to the so-called guest-worker generation. The Einbürgerungsbehörde assesses this case by case.
5. Commitment to the basic order
You have to commit to the free democratic basic order of the Grundgesetz (Basic Law). The 2024 reform explicitly added: a commitment to Germany's special historical responsibility for the National Socialist tyranny and to the protection of Jewish life as well as to Israel's right to exist. Antisemitic, racist or other inhumane acts are incompatible with naturalisation.
6. No serious offences
Anyone convicted of a serious criminal offence cannot be naturalised. Minor convictions are disregarded within certain limits; for this, the Einbürgerungsbehörde obtains information from the Federal Central Criminal Register (Bundeszentralregister).
7. Clarified identity and citizenship
Your identity and your previous citizenship must be established beyond doubt. This is usually done with a valid passport and official civil status records. Since the 2024 reform, you no longer have to give up your previous citizenship — Mehrstaatigkeit (holding more than one citizenship) is generally permitted.
Family: spouses and minor children can be naturalised alongside you under certain conditions, sometimes even if they have not yet completed the five-year residence period themselves. The exact conditions are assessed by the Einbürgerungsbehörde.
If you meet all the requirements, the next steps are the necessary documents and the application. A complete overview is offered by the naturalisation hub →
FAQ: Requirements for naturalisation
Which requirements for naturalisation apply since the 2024 reform?
Under § 10 StAG (version in force since 27 June 2024): generally 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.
Is naturalisation still possible after just 3 years?
No. The accelerated three-year route for special integration achievements, which required C1 German, was abolished on 30 October 2025 (BGBl. 2025 I Nr. 256). § 10 Abs. 3 StAG now reads "(weggefallen)" — repealed. No transitional provision was enacted, so pending applications are also decided under the new rules. Naturalisation now requires five years of residence and B1 German in all cases.
Do I have to be able to support myself?
In principle yes — without drawing Bürgergeld (citizen's benefit) or social assistance. Exceptions apply if you depend on benefits through no fault of your own, work full-time or belong to the guest-worker generation. The Einbürgerungsbehörde assesses this case by case.
What does the commitment for naturalisation mean?
A commitment to the free democratic basic order of the Grundgesetz (Basic Law). Since 2024, this explicitly includes a commitment to Germany's special historical responsibility and to the protection of Jewish life as well as to Israel's right to exist.
Which language exam do I need for the requirements?
B1 — e.g. Goethe-Zertifikat B1, telc Deutsch B1, ÖSD Zertifikat B1 or 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. Which language proof counts →
Last updated: 22 July 2026 · GoethéB1 is independent and not affiliated with the BAMF or Goethe-Institut.