Naturalisation Process: 6 Steps to the German Passport

From the first thought to the citizenship certificate, the process takes 12 to 24 months on average; in some major cities even longer. But the path is clearly structured. Here are the 6 steps every applicant goes through; with timing, costs, and tips for each.

Step 1: Check the requirements

Duration: 1 day (self-assessment)

Before submitting anything, check whether you meet the requirements under § 10 StAG. The most important points:

• At least 5 years of legal residence in Germany (3 years for special integration achievements)
• Settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) or comparable residence title
• German language skills at B1 level
• Passed Einbürgerungstest (or German school diploma)
• Self-sufficient livelihood (no Bürgergeld, with exceptions)
• Commitment to the free democratic basic order
• No convictions above certain thresholds

More details under Requirements for Naturalisation 2026.

Step 2: Find the responsible authority

Duration: 1 day

The naturalisation office at your place of residence is responsible. Depending on the federal state and city, it has different names:

• In large cities: often a dedicated Einbürgerungsbehörde or department within the Bürgeramt
• In smaller cities: the Landratsamt or Stadtverwaltung
• In some federal states: the Ausländerbehörde

You'll find the responsible office on your city's website. Check the application route: some offices offer online applications, others require an in-person appointment.

Step 3: Gather documents

Duration: 1–3 months

This is the most time-consuming step before the application. You typically need:

• Proof of identity: passport, birth certificate (with certified translation if needed)
• Residence permit: settlement permit or equivalent
• Marital status: marriage certificate, divorce decree if applicable
• Language proof: B1 certificate, DTZ, Goethe, or school/university diploma
• Einbürgerungstest: test certificate (unless replaced by German school diploma)
• Income proof: last 12 months' payslips, tax return, employment contract
• Health insurance
• Rental contract or proof of ownership
• Police clearance certificate (often requested directly by the authority)

A complete overview is in our Document Checklist.

Step 4: Submit the application

Duration: 1 day (appointment)

You fill out the naturalisation application form and submit it together with all documents; either online, by post, or at an in-person appointment. At submission, an upfront fee or the full €255 fee is usually due (€51 per child under 16 included in the application).

Tips for this step:

• Copy all original documents before submitting them
• Keep your own list of what you submitted; authorities sometimes ask for documents again later
• Keep the application receipt safely; it's your proof

More details: Filling out the Naturalisation Application.

Step 5: Review and decision

Duration: 6–24 months (depending on city)

The authority reviews your application, requests statements (police, constitutional protection, possibly tax office) and decides. During the review, there may be follow-up questions; respond quickly, otherwise the process is delayed.

Processing times vary massively:

• Small cities: often 6–12 months
• Mid-sized cities: 12–18 months
• Major cities (Berlin, Munich, Hamburg): 18–36 months

With a positive decision, you receive an Einbürgerungsbescheid (naturalisation notice). More on waiting times: Naturalisation Waiting Times.

Step 6: Citizenship certificate and ceremony

Duration: 1 day

After a positive decision, you're invited to the handover of the Einbürgerungsurkunde (citizenship certificate). At this moment, you make the commitment to the free democratic basic order (§ 10 Abs. 1 Nr. 1 StAG); a solemn promise to respect the German constitution.

Many cities hold naturalisation ceremonies; with the mayor, certificate handover, and often a small reception. With the handover of the certificate, you are officially a German citizen.

What comes next:

• Apply for ID card and passport (Bürgeramt, approx. €37 + €70)
• Optionally register in the electoral roll (usually automatic)
• Previous residence documents are no longer valid; return them

Common mistakes in the process

• Applying too early: Only apply once all requirements are clearly met. Otherwise rejection and €255 lost.
• Incomplete documents: Better to take two extra weeks gathering than to submit late additions; that delays processing.
• Outdated language certificate: Some authorities only accept certificates younger than 5 years. Check this beforehand.
• Bürgergeld or social benefits: Generally exclude naturalisation under § 10 StAG; wait until you live independently.

What does the whole process cost?

The official fee is €255 per person (€51 per child under 16 included in the application). On top: language proof (often already done), Einbürgerungstest (€25), certified translations and notarisations. Realistic total: €280 to €1,000 per person. Full breakdown: What does naturalisation really cost?