Obtaining German citizenship is a growing interest for many people around the world. Many people want to know how to become a German citizen through various channels that suit their particular goals. Not only does Germany have one of the most powerful passports, but it also boasts a high quality of life and some of the most fascinating cities in the world, like Berlin and Frankfurt. It is a major manufacturing and economic powerhouse in Europe and offers extensive social benefits for citizens. This blog will cover how to get German citizenship, the key advantages of obtaining German citizenship, as well as the German citizenship requirements and steps for the application process.
Why German Citizenship Is Worth It: Key Benefits
- Freedom of movement: Getting German citizenship allows individuals visa-free access to over 190 countries worldwide. They will be able to travel freely inside the European Union (EU).
- Employment opportunities: There are many benefits of German citizenship for those who want to work and further their careers. Germany has a robust job market for professionals in a variety of fields. Positions are well-paid, and there are strong worker protections in place.
- Social benefits: Any citizen of Germany can benefit from world-class healthcare, education, and social security.
- Right to vote in Germany: Citizens can vote in German elections and help decide the direction of the country’s politics and social services.
- Access to the EU: Citizens have access to the entire European Union. They can live, work, or study in any participating country indefinitely.
Types of German Citizenship
- Citizenship from married parents: If at least one parent is a German citizen, any children born after 1975 can receive citizenship.
- Citizenship from unmarried parents: If at least one parent is a German citizen, any children born after 1993 can receive citizenship.
- German citizenship by descent: Anyone with German heritage can apply for German citizenship, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Citizenship by birth on German territory: Anyone born in Germany after 2000 with non-German parents can obtain citizenship provided that at least one parent has been a permanent resident of Germany for at least 8 years. For children born after 2007, the parent must also possess a permanent residence permit or a similar right to remain permanently. Children born in Germany before 2000 to non-German parents can retroactively apply for citizenship.
- Citizenship by declaration: The 2021 amendment to the Nationality Act introduced a ten-year right of declaration, allowing individuals who were excluded due to gender-discriminatory laws to obtain German citizenship. This applies to any children born after May 23, 1949, to a German parent and their descendants. Citizenship can be obtained through a declaration process.
- Citizenship by adoption: After 1977, any children adopted by a German citizen before the age of 18 automatically become German citizens.
- German citizenship by investment: Foreign entrepreneurs and investors can obtain residency by founding a profitable business that contributes to the German economy. After several years of residency (typically 5 years), they may be eligible to apply for German citizenship through naturalization.
- Citizenship by naturalization: The new Nationality Act, passed in June 2024, made it easier for residents to obtain the citizenship of Germany. It reduced the period of residence for entitlement to naturalization from 8 to 5 years, and made it possible for more integrated residents to apply for German citizenship in 3 years.
Key Requirements for German Citizenship
- Period of legal residence: For those asking, “When can I apply for German citizenship?” Applicants can qualify for German citizenship in 5 years, provided they reside in the country for a majority of those years. Some eligible individuals who are considered very “well-integrated” into German society will be able to apply after just 3 years of residency.
- Language skills: Applicants for German citizenship will typically be required to speak German at the B1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) or higher.
- Proof of financial stability: Applicants should have the funds to support themselves while living in Germany and not rely on state assistance for living expenses. The state covers other medical and social services.
- Clean criminal record: Applicants should be able to provide a clean criminal record with no significant offenses.
- Sufficient knowledge: Applicants must possess a good understanding of the country’s legal system, values, society, and way of life.
- Declarations of commitment:
- Applicants must pledge their commitment to the free and democratic basic order of the Federal Republic of Germany.
- They must also declare their “commitment to Germany’s special historical responsibility for the tyrannical National Socialist regime and its consequences – in particular for the protection of Jewish life – and to the peaceful coexistence of peoples and the prohibition on waging a war of aggression.”
- Applicants must pledge their commitment to the free and democratic basic order of the Federal Republic of Germany.
The Application Process for German Citizenship
- Contact your national authority
Applicants wondering how to apply for German citizenship will be pleased to know how straightforward the application process is. Potential applicants for citizenship must contact their national authority to acquire the form they need to apply. This will differ for each nationality.
- Assemble the required documents
This list will differ depending on the information given to the applicant by their national authority. Most lists will include the German citizenship application, proof of identity, language skills, legal residence in Germany, and financial details, among other documents. All supporting documents must be submitted in German.
- Pass the citizenship test
This test covers topics related to the German legal system, society, culture, and history. Possible topics include the fundamentals of the legal system, the democratic values in Germany, equal rights, and freedom of religion.
The test costs €25 per person, and applicants must answer at least 17 out of 33 questions correctly to pass. Anyone under 16 is not required to take the test. Other exemptions also apply, such as for those who completed schooling in Germany.
The test is offered at centers run by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). - Apply at the national authority
After filling out the application form and gathering the required documents, applicants will submit everything to the national authority. Some allow for online submissions, but others may not. Applicants should make copies of all documents. The application cost for adults over 18 is €255. For children under 18, it’s €51. Children over 16 can submit the application by themselves.
- Await processing
Once the application has been submitted, the relevant authorities will check it. It can take up to 18 months to obtain a decision. The authorities may request additional supporting documents. Applicants must also make the appropriate declarations at this time.
If everything is approved, the applicant becomes a German citizen and receives a certificate of naturalization.
Special Cases
There are some instances where applicants can skip the citizenship test altogether. Anyone with a German school-leaving certificate or a university degree is generally exempt. This also applies to anyone who entered the Federal Republic of Germany on or before June 30, 1974, as a guest worker or entered the German Democratic Republic (GDR) on or before June 13, 1990, as a contract worker. This also applies to the spouses of these workers if they came to Germany.
Germany’s Dual Citizenship Rules: What You Need to Know
Fortunately, Germany allows dual citizenship for all nationalities. This is a new development since 2024. New citizens do not have to give up their previous nationalities or passports. However, it’s important to note that other countries may not follow the same regulations. They may require that the individual give up their original citizenship once they gain German citizenship. Or the individual might automatically forfeit their original citizenship once they become a German citizen. It’s important to contact the appropriate embassy or consulate to understand the laws about dual citizenship for the country where you come from.
Can German Citizenship Be Revoked? Causes and Consequences
Yes, it is possible for German citizenship to be revoked. This can happen if the individual volunteers for a foreign armed force. They will likely be asked to forfeit their German citizenship. It can also happen in the event that a child is adopted by non-German parents outside of Germany. A third reason is in the event that the individual voluntarily renounces their citizenship through a declaration of renunciation.
Route to Citizenship by Investment in Germany
Germany does not offer a direct citizenship-by-investment program. However, entrepreneurs and investors can qualify for residency by starting a business that provides significant economic value. After living in Germany for several years (typically 5 years under the 2024 Nationality Act), they may become eligible for citizenship through naturalization.
Other EU Countries Offering Citizenship Options
Some EU countries offer routes to citizenship through investment, although most programs initially grant residency. Individuals who obtain citizenship or long-term residency in these countries can access the rest of the EU, including Germany.
Malta offers citizenship through naturalization for exceptional services by direct investment, typically requiring a contribution after 12 to 36 months of residence.
Greece offers a Golden Visa program through a €250,000 real estate investment, granting residency with a path to citizenship after seven years.
Portugal offers a Golden Visa through eligible investments, such as investment funds or job creation, with a pathway to citizenship after five years of residency.
Conclusion
German citizenship is an attractive option for those who want to live and work in the EU. Obtaining a German passport opens numerous doors, from economic benefits to travel freedom. While the process requires commitment and time, the rewards make it worthwhile. Whether through naturalization, descent, marriage, or starting a business, understanding the application process and eligibility is key to successfully obtaining German citizenship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The duration of the process will depend on the chosen path to citizenship. Naturalization typically takes around 6-8 years, but it could be less if the applicant shows they are highly integrated into German society. Other paths could take less time, such as citizenship by birth.
Yes, Germany allows all nationalities to have dual citizenship. However, not all countries will allow the same. Individuals may be required to renounce their original citizenship in some cases.
Those wondering how to get a German passport have several options to choose from. The fastest way to German citizenship is by having a German parent. Otherwise, it’s possible to obtain citizenship by naturalization in as little as 5 years, depending on their level of integration. Entrepreneurs who start a profitable business that benefits the German economy can qualify for residency, and after several years, may apply for citizenship.
It’s possible to qualify for German citizenship by meeting the requirements for one of the available citizenship tracks. This could include German citizenship by marriage, by naturalization, by adoption, and other possible channels.
Yes, it’s possible for UK citizens to obtain German citizenship provided they go through one of the available channels available to all international applicants.
Generally, it’s 5 years of legal residence, though highly integrated individuals may be eligible after only 3 years.