Under certain conditions, foreign nationals can apply to acquire German citizenship through naturalization.

Since June 2024, they have been allowed to retain their previous nationality upon naturalization. However, this does not apply if your country of origin does not allow it – please check with your foreign representative if necessary.

The following non-exhaustive list provides a brief overview of the main requirements for naturalization.

• Five years of legal residence in Germany
• Settlement permit, also possible with multiple temporary residence permits
• Sufficient knowledge of the German language (e.g., German school, university, or vocational qualification, German B1 certificate)
• Securing a livelihood through gainful employment
• Commitment to the free democratic basic order of the Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany
• Knowledge of the legal and social order and living conditions in Germany

Please check that you have all the necessary documents and meet the requirements before booking an appointment online to submit your naturalization application. An appointment is required to submit the naturalization application.

Personal consultations without an appointment on the naturalization process, the requirements, the necessary documents, and the costs associated with the process are available every Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Office for Immigration and Integration at Alcide de Gasperi Straße 2.