Naturalization in Germany

You cannot apply yet: the shortest route needs three years in Germany, and only for the spouse of a German. Keep your residence lawful and use the time to get B1 German and pass the naturalisation test.

Everyone else needs five years of lawful habitual residence. The spouse or registered partner of a German can apply after three, once the marriage has lasted two.

B1 German and the naturalisation test (33 questions, pass mark 17) can be done years ahead and neither expires. Long absences abroad can interrupt your residence, so keep them short.

You keep your current citizenship: Germany dropped the requirement to give it up on 27 June 2024.

Two routes need no waiting. If a parent or grandparent was German, take the Citizenship by Descent quiz. If your family lost German citizenship through Nazi persecution, take the Historical Displacement quiz.

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