Requirements for the naturalization of nationals of another Member State

According to § Section 10 (1) of the Citizenship Act (StAG) a entitlement to naturalization if the following requirements are fulfilled:

• eight years of legal and habitual residence in Germany
• unlimited or permanent right of residence at the time of naturalization
• clarified identity and nationality
• Commitment to the free democratic basic order of the Basic Law
• German language skills at level B 1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
• Proof of knowledge of the legal and social order and living conditions in Germany (naturalization test)
• independent means of subsistence for themselves and their dependants
• Guarantee of integration into German living conditions
• No conviction for a criminal offense

The naturalization fee is EUR 255; for children who are naturalized together with their parents: EUR 51.

After successful participation in an integration course shortens the residence period to 7 years. In the case of special integration achievements, the residence period can be shortened to 6 years, for example if proof of German language skills at level B 2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages or higher is provided, as well as proof of particularly good academic, vocational or professional achievements or civic engagement.

Applicants for naturalization from an EU member state do not have to give up their EU citizenship.

The application must be submitted to the naturalization authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence. naturalization authority must be submitted.

In the case of habitual residence outside the Federal Republic of Germany, naturalization is only possible in exceptional cases if there are ties to Germany that justify naturalization. It is at the discretion of the competent authority and requires that a public (state) interest in naturalization can be established in the individual case in accordance with § Section 14 of the Citizenship Act (StAG) .

Competent authority for naturalization abroad is the Federal Office of Administration . Applications must generally be submitted via the German diplomatic mission abroad.

• § Section 10 (1) of the Citizenship Act (StAG)
• § Section 14 of the Citizenship Act (StAG)