Naturalization of Children and Minors under 16

Children can obtain German citizenship through several routes. In this article you'll learn what's possible; from the birthright principle (Geburtsortsprinzip) and co-naturalization with parents, to a child's own application from age 16.

Three paths for children to German citizenship

The StAG provides three main paths for children:

1. Geburtsortsprinzip under §4 Abs. 3 StAG (born in Germany)
2. Miteinbürgerung with parents under §10 Abs. 2 StAG
3. Own application from age 16 under §10 Abs. 1 StAG

1. Geburtsortsprinzip under §4 Abs. 3 StAG

A child born in Germany acquires German citizenship automatically at birth if one parent:

• has been lawfully resident in Germany for at least 5 years (before the reform: 8 years)
• and holds an unlimited residence right (e.g. Niederlassungserlaubnis)

2. Miteinbürgerung with parents under §10 Abs. 2 StAG

When a parent is naturalised, the child can be co-naturalised. Advantages:

• The child does not need 5 years of own residence
• No own Einbürgerungstest required (especially for under 16)
• The language requirement is age-appropriate
• A reduced fee applies

Conditions for co-naturalization:

• One parent is being naturalised or is already German
• The child resides lawfully in Germany
• The child fulfils age-appropriate requirements

3. Own application from age 16

From age 16 a person has legal capacity (handlungsfähig) under §37 StAG and can submit their own naturalization application.

What changes from 16:

• Own signature, own application
• Own Bekenntnis to the Grundgesetz; including protection of Jewish life
• Own Einbürgerungstest required (unless exempt)
• Own B1 language proof required (unless exempt)
• Own fee of 255 euros

Language proof: age-appropriate development

For children, §10 Abs. 4 Satz 2 StAG accepts age-appropriate language development as sufficient. This means:

• No B1 certificate required for pre-school or primary-school children
• School performance can serve as proof
• For school-age children, school reports or a school confirmation often suffice

Einbürgerungstest and Bekenntnis for children

Children under 16 are not legally capable (nicht handlungsfähig) under §34 and §37 StAG. Two important consequences:

• No Bekenntnis to the Grundgesetz required (parents declare for the child)
• No Einbürgerungstest required

Costs of naturalization for children

Reduced fees under §38 Abs. 2 StAG:

• 51 euros for children co-naturalised with parents
• 255 euros for an own application (e.g. from age 16 without simultaneous parental naturalization)

Tip: If the whole family applies together, you save substantially on the children's fees.

What if only one parent naturalises?

If only one parent becomes German, the child can still be co-naturalised under §10 Abs. 2 StAG. Usually the parent must hold custody or live with the child in the same household.

If the other parent objects, things can become complicated; legal advice is recommended in such cases.

Practical steps

1. Obtain the birth certificate: with translation and apostille if from abroad
2. Check parents' residence titles: is the Niederlassungserlaubnis in place?
3. Collect school documents: for language proof
4. Apply at the Einbürgerungsbehörde: often in the same application as parents
5. Wait for the decision: processing takes time, plan for patience

For more on the parents' requirements, see German Citizenship Requirements 2026. A full document list is in the Document checklist.

If your child is 16 and must take the Einbürgerungstest; all 463 official BAMF questions can be practised here for free, no registration needed.