Skip to content
en
Menu
Back
GermanyCitizenshipLast checked October 16, 2026

Einbürgerung

naturalisation by entitlement under section 10 of the Nationality Act, StAG

Foreign nationals can apply to become German citizens after five years of lawful habitual residence, if they meet set requirements on language, civic knowledge, livelihood, residence status and conduct. Since the reform in force on 27 June 2024, Germany accepts multiple citizenship, so applicants generally no longer have to give up their previous nationality. The three-year fast track for exceptional integration (former section 10(3) StAG) was abolished by the Act Amending the Nationality Act and Other Provisions (BGBl. 2025 I No. 256, promulgated 29 October 2025); per the Federal Interior Ministry it ceased to apply with effect from 30 October 2025, so five years is now the general minimum.

See requirements ↓

Life in Germany

Money

3

Currency

Euro

EUR

Euro

Cost of living

81

Price level · US = 100

World Bank price levels, 2025

Tax

14–45%

Income tax (national)

VAT 19%

Basic allowance EUR 12,348; 42% from EUR 69,879 and 45% above EUR 277,825 (single); solidarity surcharge of 5.5% of the tax for high earners and optional church tax.

Official rates, 2026 · headline only

Living

1

Happiness

6.9

#16 of 145 countries

World Happiness Report 2025

Your edge here Members

What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties

Get started

Dual citizenship for you Members

Whether this country allows dual citizenship, and what it means for your own passports

Get started

Who it’s for

Foreign residents who have lived lawfully in Germany for at least five years, hold a permanent or qualifying residence title, speak German at B1 level and can support themselves without basic social benefits. Spouses and registered partners of German citizens have a separate route under section 9 StAG.

Eligibility

  • Five years lawful habitual residence

    You need five years of lawful habitual residence in Germany.

    5 years

    Residence required

    • The three-year reduction for special integration achievements no longer exists since 30 October 2025
    Official wording

    The applicant must have had lawful habitual residence in Germany for five years. The former reduction to three years for special integration achievements no longer exists since 30 October 2025.

  • Qualifying residence status

    At naturalisation the applicant must hold a permanent right of residence, an EU Blue Card, a Swiss free-movement permit, or a time-limited residence title for a purpose that can lead to permanent residence (certain temporary purposes are excluded by law).

  • Clarified identity and nationality

    Identity and nationality must be established, usually with a passport or other official documents.

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Next requirementGerman language B1
  • Document checklistNaturalisation application form
  • FeesNaturalisation fee, adult

The full requirements are for members

Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.

  • 8 more requirements
  • 10 documents
  • 3 fees
  • 7 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
Get started See plansSign in

Places to visit in Germany

Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.

Subscriber feature

Finding places for you…

Official sources

Was this page helpful? Helpful Report a concern

Other routes to Germany

All routes to Germany →

Citizenship in other countries