Germany Citizenship / Naturalisation
Become a German citizen after 5 years — now with full dual citizenship.
Official Germany & Europe pageWho this route is for
Long-term legal residents who want German nationality and an EU passport; spouses of Germans have a shorter route.
Eligibility requirements
- At least 5 years of lawful habitual residence in Germany (3 years for spouses of German nationals, married 2+ years)
- B1 German and a passed naturalisation/citizenship test ('Leben in Deutschland')
- Ability to support yourself and your family without most welfare benefits
- Commitment to the free democratic order and a clean criminal record
- Dual citizenship now generally permitted — no need to renounce your original nationality (if your home country also allows it)
Requirements reviewed June 2026. They change frequently — confirm the current rules on the official page before relying on them.
Recent changes & caveats
The June 2024 reform cut the residence requirement from 8 to 5 years and allowed dual nationality. The 3-year 'turbo' fast track (exceptional integration + C1) was repealed in October 2025; the standard route is now firmly 5 years. Big-city processing backlogs of 12-18 months are common.
Other Germany & Europe routes
Germany Settlement Permit & EU Long-Term Residence (Sec 9 / 9a)
PermanentGermany's permanent residence — live and work indefinitely, with EU mobility.
EU Long-Term Resident Permit (across Germany, NL, Ireland, Portugal)
PermanentFive years of EU residence unlocks long-term status with onward mobility to other EU states.
Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte, Sec 20a)
TemporaryPoints-based job-search visa — come to Germany with no job offer.
EU Blue Card (Sec 18g)
TemporaryThe EU's flagship permit for university graduates with a German job offer.