German Citizenship Requirements: Residence, Language, Test and Fees
Vathanakone Prakosay · Updated on
In short: The German citizenship requirements in short: you have lived in Germany lawfully for five years, speak German at level B1 and support yourself without citizen's income or social assistance. You also commit to the free democratic basic order, have no criminal conviction and, as a rule, pass the naturalisation test. The fee is 255 euros.
What are the German citizenship requirements?
The German citizenship requirements are listed by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) on its naturalisation page. They apply to the standard right to naturalisation. You must meet all of them at the same time.
- You have lived in Germany lawfully for five years.
- Your identity and nationality are clarified.
- You commit to the free democratic basic order and to Germany's historical responsibility, including the protection of Jewish life.
- You have an unlimited right of residence or a certain type of residence permit.
- You support yourself without claiming citizen's income or social assistance (Social Code II or XII).
- You have not been convicted of a criminal offence.
- You speak German at level B1.
- You know the legal and social order and the living conditions in Germany. As a rule, you prove this with the naturalisation test.
Source: BAMF naturalisation page, retrieved on 24.10.2026. The naturalisation authority decides how these points apply in your case.
How long must you live in Germany to qualify for citizenship?
You must have lived in Germany lawfully with your habitual residence for five years. This follows from section 10, paragraph 1 of the Nationality Act (as of 24.10.2026, retrieved). The standard period is now five years. Before the reform of 2024 it was eight years.
Can you still naturalise after three years?
No. The former paragraph 3 of section 10, which allowed a shorter period, no longer exists. The law amending the Nationality Act of 27 October 2025 deleted it. It was published in the Federal Law Gazette on 29 October 2025 (2025 I No. 256) and has been in force since 30 October 2025.
The law contains no transitional rule for pending applications. If you applied before that date, ask your naturalisation authority how your case is handled.
Which German language level do you need?
You need German at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (section 10, paragraph 4, Nationality Act). Ask the naturalisation authority which certificates it accepts.
How does the naturalisation test work?
The test checks your knowledge of the legal and social order and the living conditions in Germany. The BAMF describes it as follows (page status: 2026):
| Feature | BAMF information |
|---|---|
| Questions | 33 questions: 30 general and 3 about your federal state |
| Time | 60 minutes |
| Pass mark | at least 17 correct answers |
| Cost | 25 euros |
| Bring | a valid photo ID |
You do not need the test if you hold a German school leaving certificate. The BAMF also names the certificate of an integration course as an alternative.
How much does German citizenship cost?
The fee is 255 euros per person. Children who are naturalised together with their parents pay 51 euros. The test costs another 25 euros (all figures from the BAMF, page status: 2026). Fees can change, so check the current amount with the authority.
The authority decides when you pay the fee. The BAMF page names no date for this.
Who submits the application?
You submit your own application from the age of 16 (BAMF, page status: 2026). The naturalisation authority decides on it. Your municipality or district office can tell you which authority is responsible.
Can you keep your old citizenship?
Since the reform of 2024, Germany generally allows multiple citizenship. The Federal Government reports this in its news item about the cabinet decision of 28 May 2025. The reform dates from 22 March 2024 (Federal Law Gazette 2024 I No. 104). Your country of origin may have its own rules, so ask its authorities as well.
What you need to bring
The list of documents differs by federal state and authority. One common list could not be verified for this page. Ask the responsible office for the current list. The BAMF offers further information on its naturalisation page. For the test, bring a valid photo ID.
For the full route, from visa to registration and citizenship, read How to Move to Germany. The first legal steps after arrival are explained in Register Your Address in Germany and Health Insurance When Moving to Germany.
Frequently asked questions
How many years do I need to live in Germany for citizenship?
Five years of lawful habitual residence (section 10, paragraph 1, Nationality Act, as of 24.10.2026, retrieved).
What German level is required?
Level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (section 10, paragraph 4).
How many questions does the naturalisation test have?
It has 33 questions and lasts 60 minutes. You pass with at least 17 correct answers (BAMF, page status: 2026).
How much does naturalisation cost?
The fee is 255 euros per person and 51 euros for children. The test costs 25 euros (BAMF, page status: 2026).
Is the three-year route still possible?
No. The law of 27 October 2025 deleted section 10, paragraph 3. It has been in force since 30 October 2025.
Sources
- BAMF: Naturalisation (Einbürgerung), 2026 (As of: retrieved 24.10.2026)
- Section 10 Nationality Act, 2026 (As of: retrieved 24.10.2026)
- Federal Law Gazette 2025 I No. 256, 2025 (As of: 29.10.2025)
- Federal Government: cabinet decision on naturalisation, 2025 (As of: 28.05.2025)
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the linked official pages before you act.
Author: Vathanakone Prakosay · Updated on October 24, 2026
