Citizenship requirements after the 2024 reform

In June 2024 the Staatsangehörigkeitsmodernisierungsgesetz (Citizenship Act Modernization Law) came into force and changed several requirements for German naturalization, above all around how long you need to have lived in Germany and around holding more than one citizenship. This guide gives an overview of the main requirements as they stand after the reform. Laws and administrative practice can keep evolving, so this overview is not a substitute for official advice. For your own case, always check the current law and ask the local naturalization office (Einbürgerungsbehörde).

Residence duration

The usual minimum period of lawful residence in Germany for naturalization is now 5 years, down from the previous 8 years. With special integration achievements, naturalization is possible after just 3 years. The law only describes special integration achievements in broad terms, such as very strong German skills (usually clearly above the level normally required), strong school or professional performance, or volunteer engagement. Whether your own circumstances qualify for the faster route is assessed case by case by the naturalization office.

Language skills

German language skills at level B1 are usually required, shown for example through a language certificate or a passed integration course. For the faster route after 3 years, a higher level is usually expected, typically C1. The exact forms of proof and any exceptions, for instance for health-related limitations, should be confirmed with the naturalization office for your specific case.

The naturalization test

You also need to show knowledge of Germany's legal and social order and living conditions. This is usually done through the passed naturalization test or an equivalent certificate such as the Leben in Deutschland certificate from an integration course. The test has 33 questions, a 60-minute time limit, and needs 17 correct answers to pass.

Being able to support yourself

To be naturalized, you usually need to be able to support yourself and any dependent family members without relying on Bürgergeld (basic income support) or social assistance. There are exceptions, for example when the need for benefits is not your own fault, such as certain cases of reduced working hours, reduced earning capacity, or benefits received for raising children. Whether an exception applies is assessed case by case by the naturalization office.

No serious criminal record

You are expected to have no relevant prior convictions. Minor convictions, such as small fines up to certain limits, usually do not stand in the way of naturalization. More serious or repeated offenses usually lead to naturalization being refused or made significantly harder. The exact limits and exceptions are set out in the law and assessed case by case.

Commitment to the free democratic order

To be naturalized, you must commit to the free democratic basic order (freiheitlich demokratische Grundordnung) set out in the Basic Law, and you must not have pursued or supported anti-constitutional, racist, or xenophobic goals. Since the reform, the law also explicitly expects a commitment against antisemitism and in favor of Israel's right to exist. These principles are usually confirmed through a declaration as part of the naturalization process.

Dual and multiple citizenship

The reform's most significant change concerns holding more than one citizenship: since June 2024, you usually no longer need to give up your previous citizenship when naturalizing. Before the reform this was still required for citizens of many countries outside the EU and Switzerland, with a few exceptions. That general requirement to give up prior citizenship has been dropped, so dual or multiple citizenship is now possible as a rule.

What this overview does not cover

These points summarize the main requirements, but the list is not complete and details can change. There are special rules, for example, for spouses of German citizens, for children born in Germany to foreign parents, or for naturalization by declaration. If you are planning a citizenship application, get in touch with your local naturalization office in good time to check the rules currently in force and the documents needed for your specific case.