Naturalisation conditions for nationals of other Member States

This section provides information on the naturalisation conditions for nationals of other Member States.

Naturalisation conditions for nationals of other Member States

Pursuant to § 10 paragraph 1 of the Nationality Act (Staatsangehörigkeitsgesetz - StAG), you are eligible for naturalization, if you meet the following conditions:

• legally and habitually resident in Germany for at least 8 years
• unlimited or permanent right of residence at the time of naturalization
• your identity and nationality have been established beyond doubt
• commitment to the free democratic constitutional system enshrined in the Basic Law
• command of the German language to at least level B1 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
• proof of knowledge of the legal and social order and the way of life in Germany (naturalisation test)
• independent means of securing a living for yourself and any dependent relatives
• guarantee of integration into the German way of life
• no criminal convictions

The naturalisation fee is EUR 255; for children naturalised alongside their parents, it is EUR 51.

The qualifying period for residence is reduced to 7 years if you have successfully participated in an integration course. The qualifying period for residence may be reduced to 6 years for people who have made an exceptional effort to integrate, such as demonstrating a command of the German language at or above level B2 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, outstanding educational, vocational or professional achievement, or civic involvement.

Naturalisation candidates from EU Member States are not required to renounce their EU citizenship.

The application must be submitted to the naturalisation authority responsible for the naturalisation candidates place of residence.

If the naturalisation candidates habitual place of residence is outside Germany, naturalisation is possible only in exceptional cases where the candidate has links to Germany that justify naturalisation. In accordance with § 14 of the Nationality Act, this is at the discretion of the competent authority, and it must be established that naturalisation is in the public (national) interest.

The competent authority for naturalisation from abroad is the Federal Office of Administration. As a rule, applications must be submitted through the German diplomatic mission.

The currently applicable version of the Nationality Act.

Further information on naturalization can be obtained from the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community.

Nationality Act