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🪪 Naturalisation and citizenship (as of 2026)

Rule: five years of lawful residence. The earlier naturalisation after three years has been abolished.

naturalisation citizenship StAG five years B1 naturalisation test fast-track naturalisation

In brief

If you want to become a German citizen, you generally need five years of lawful habitual residence in Germany. Naturalisation after three years was abolished in 2025.

Further requirements include: established identity, German at B1 level, knowledge of the legal and social order, commitment to the free democratic basic order, supporting yourself without social benefits (with exceptions) and no criminal convictions.

Ask the naturalisation authority (Einbürgerungsbehörde) of your city or district. It will examine your individual case.

Step by step

  1. Check your period of residenceAt least five years of lawful residence in Germany.
  2. Gather evidenceIdentity, language B1, income, test.
  3. Submit the applicationTo the local naturalisation authority.
  4. Wait for the decisionIf it is refused, legal remedies are available. Get advice.

Deadlines

5 years
Lawful habitual residence before naturalisation. The 3-year rule no longer applies.§ 10 para. 1 StAG; para. 3 repealed
Watch out – common mistakes
  • The Bundestag decided to abolish naturalisation after three years on 8 October 2025.
  • The change has applied since 30 October 2025 (BGBl. 2025 I Nr. 257).
  • Other changes (for example in cases of deception) have not been evaluated here.
  • Each case is decided individually. This page is an overview.
In depth · legal basis, figures and practice – for advisers and professionals

Entitlement to naturalisation, § 10 StAG

Under § 10 para. 1 StAG (currently), the entitlement requires: five years of lawful habitual residence, legal capacity or legal representation, established identity and nationality, commitment to the free democratic basic order, an unlimited right of residence or equivalent status, securing one's livelihood without social benefits (with exceptions, for example for employed persons), no conviction for an unlawful act, German language skills at B1, knowledge of the legal and social order. § 10 para. 3 StAG (the former shortened period) has been repealed.

Legislation

On 8 October 2025 the Bundestag voted, by 450 to 134 with 2 abstentions, to abolish naturalisation after three years; as its reason, the Federal Government states that lasting integration takes time (Bundestag, Textarchiv kw41). Promulgated in BGBl. 2025 I Nr. 257, in force since 30 October 2025.

Who is responsible
  • Naturalisation authority of the city or district
  • BMI (legislative procedure)
Further reading
Right to vote and voting (postal vote, voting age)Advice and contact points

Quick questions

Worum geht es bei „Naturalisation and citizenship (as of 2026)“?
Rule: five years of lawful residence. The earlier naturalisation after three years has been abolished.
Which deadlines and figures matter?
5 years: Lawful habitual residence before naturalisation. The 3-year rule no longer applies. (§ 10 para. 1 StAG; para. 3 repealed)
What should I do first?
  • Check your period of residence: At least five years of lawful residence in Germany.
  • Gather evidence: Identity, language B1, income, test.
  • Submit the application: To the local naturalisation authority.
What do I need to watch out for?
  • The Bundestag decided to abolish naturalisation after three years on 8 October 2025.
  • The change has applied since 30 October 2025 (BGBl. 2025 I Nr. 257).
  • Other changes (for example in cases of deception) have not been evaluated here.
Evidence
  • Gesetze im Internet, § 10 StAG, retrieved 20 September 2026
  • Deutscher Bundestag, Textarchiv 2025/kw41 (bundestag.de, Staatsangehörigkeitsrecht, decision 8 October 2025, 450:134:2), retrieved 20 September 2026
  • BMI, Gesetzgebungsverfahren Änderung des Staatsangehörigkeitsrechts (search result; page not accessible), retrieved 20 September 2026
  • BGBl. 2025 I Nr. 257 (promulgation, in force 30 October 2025)
As of

September 2026 · Sources and method

A question about your situation that this page does not answer? Write to us or use the contact form – we will tell you which office is responsible and what to bring. Free of charge, without individual legal advice.