The conditions for naturalization in Germany changed significantly following the reform that took effect on June 27, 2024. The changes affected the required residence period, dual-citizenship requirements, and a number of procedural matters.
Key Changes Under the 2024 Reform
- the required residence period was cut from 8 to 5 years;
- dual citizenship is now permitted — giving up your previous citizenship is no longer required;
- a provision on birthright citizenship (ius soli) was added for children of foreign parents who meet certain criteria;
- the accelerated three-year naturalization track was abolished as of October 30, 2025.
Main Paths to Citizenship
§ 10 StAG (Anspruchseinbürgerung) — naturalization as a matter of right: if all conditions are met, the authority is obliged to approve the application.
§ 8 StAG (Ermessenseinbürgerung) — discretionary naturalization: the authority weighs public and individual interests in making its decision.
§ 9 StAG — a simplified path for spouses of German citizens, requiring three years of residence.
Main Requirements
- five years of continuous legal residence;
- an appropriate residence status;
- German language proficiency of at least level B1;
- passing the citizenship test (17 out of 33 questions);
- financial self-sufficiency;
- no serious criminal record;
- commitment to the free democratic constitutional order;
- proof of identity.
Receiving social benefits (Bürgergeld, Sozialhilfe) generally bars naturalization — with exceptions for certain categories, including former guest workers (Gastarbeiter) and working people on low incomes.
The Language Test and the Citizenship Test
German proficiency of at least level B1 is required. The citizenship test costs €25 and takes 60 minutes; to pass, you must correctly answer at least 17 of the 33 questions.
Processing Times
Typical processing time for an application is 6 to 18 months, though in major cities it can stretch to 24 months or more, depending on how complete the documents are and how busy the authority is.
Dual Citizenship
Germany now allows dual citizenship, but applicants should check the law of their country of origin in advance — not every country recognizes this possibility.
Common Mistakes
Among the most frequent mistakes are applying prematurely, miscalculating the residence period, submitting an incomplete set of financial documents, and delays in confirming identity.
Conclusion
The 2024 reform noticeably simplified the path to German citizenship, but the number of requirements and documents remains substantial. We can help assess whether you meet the conditions under § 10 or § 9 StAG and prepare an application that accounts for all the formal requirements.
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