German citizenship in 5 years is possible now courtesy newly implemented law on 27 June. The new rules give freedom of naturalization after spending less time than before in Germany. The previously implemented nationality requirement of an 8-year stay in the Federal Republic has been abolished, and new rules have now been implemented.
If you have stayed legally for five years in Germany, know the German language at the b1 level, have passed the integration test, and live independently without public funding, you can apply for citizenship. In special cases, where extraordinary integration has been achieved, applicants can also apply for the naturalization process after staying for 3 years in Germany.
Major requirements of German citizenship
The following are the major requirements, the candidates must meet to be eligible for naturalization:
| Requirements | Details |
| Residency Duration | You have been residing legally in Germany for five years. |
| Identity and Nationality Clarification | Your identity and nationality have been clarified. |
| Acknowledgment of Democratic Order and Historical Responsibility | You have an unlimited right of residence or a qualified residence permit. |
| Acknowledgment of Democratic Order and Historical Responsibility | If you are 16 years or older when you naturalize: You acknowledge the free democratic basic order of the Federal Republic of Germany, as well as Germany’s special historical responsibility for the National Socialist rule of injustice and its consequences, particularly for the protection of Jewish life, the peaceful coexistence of peoples, and the prohibition of waging a war of aggression. |
| Financial Independence | You support yourself and your dependent relatives without relying on public “funds” (e.g., citizen’s allowance, basic security for job seekers). |
| Criminal Record | You have no criminal convictions in principle. Fines of up to 90 daily rates or prison sentences of up to three months that have been suspended and waived after the probation period have no impact on naturalization. |
| Language Proficiency | You have sufficient knowledge of the German language. |
| Knowledge of Legal and Social Systems | You have knowledge of the legal and social system and living conditions in Germany. This is proven through the Nationality Test (Leben in Deutschland) certificate. |
| Knowledge of Germany Language | You have passed the German language test certificate at the B1 level (CEFR). |
Exceptions of some requirements
According to the law, guests and contract workers do not have to take a naturalization test and only have to prove oral German language skills.
Requirements of citizenship in 3 years
German citizenship can also be applied after a continuous and legal stay of 3 years in the country. The candidates must fulfill the condition outlined in Section 8, paragraph 1, number 4, and any one of the following requirements:
| Requirements | Details |
| Exceptional Integration | Shows an exceptional integration, such as excellent academic, vocational, or professional accomplishments, or significant community involvement. OR |
| Advanced Language Proficiency | Passes a language test at level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. OR |
| Voluntary Work | Has engaged in voluntary work in Germany. |
Dual Nationality Allowed
The new laws also allow the candidates to retain their first nationality. This means that dual citizenship is now allowed. Furthermore, the candidates must make sure that their country of origin also allows it. Previously, non-EU nationals had to surrender their first citizenship in order to be eligible for naturalization.