Naturalization in Germany

Naturalisation needs years of living in Germany, so it is not open to you from abroad. Look first at how you could move there, or at descent if a parent or grandparent was German.

Section 10 of the Nationality Act needs five years' lawful residence in Germany, and the spousal route three. Visits, property, German tax or the language do not count, and there is no investor exception.

The usual ways to move are the EU Blue Card or skilled worker permit with a job offer, the Opportunity Card to look for work, the self-employment permit, or joining a German spouse. The Germany Skilled Migration and Marriage quizzes cover them. The clock starts once you live in Germany.

Two routes need no residence. Descent: if a parent or grandparent held German citizenship, you may already be German, and one declaration route closes on 19 August 2031. Persecution: if your family lost German citizenship between 1933 and 1945, descendants can have it restored, with no deadline.

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