How to Fill Out the Einbürgerung Application Correctly

At first glance, the Einbürgerung (naturalization) application can look overwhelming; many pages, many fields, many documents. But don't worry; with this step-by-step guide you'll know exactly what matters and which mistakes to avoid.

Where do I get the application form?

You get the naturalization application from the Einbürgerungsbehörde (citizenship office) of your city or district. In some cities this is the Ausländerbehörde (foreigners' office), in others there is a dedicated citizenship office. The easiest way is to search the website of your municipality for "Einbürgerung"; there you'll find the responsible authority and often the application as a PDF for download.

Good to know: every Bundesland has a slightly different form. The basic structure, however, is similar everywhere. Some cities also offer personal consultations where you go through the application together with a case worker; this can be very helpful.

Which documents do you need?

Before you fill out the form, you should gather all the required documents. The following checklist gives you an overview of the most important ones:

Depending on your Bundesland and personal situation, additional documents may be required; for example school certificates, proof of voluntary work or a release document from your previous citizenship. When in doubt, ask your citizenship office directly. You can find all requirements for naturalization in the article Citizenship Requirements 2026.

The most important fields in the application

Even though the forms look different depending on the Bundesland, they all essentially ask for the same things:

• Personal data: name, date of birth, place of birth, current and former citizenships
• Residence history: When did you come to Germany? Where have you lived since then? The authority wants to see a complete list of your addresses in Germany.
• Family status: marital status, spouse, children; each with dates of birth and citizenships
• Income and livelihood: employer, monthly net income, whether you receive social benefits
• Declaration of criminal record: you must honestly state whether you have ever been convicted of a criminal offense; in Germany or abroad

Take your time for each section and fill in everything carefully. If you are unsure about a question, leave the field empty for the moment and clarify it with the authority rather than entering something wrong.

Avoiding common mistakes

Many applications get delayed because of avoidable mistakes. Keep these points in mind:

What happens after submission?

After you submit the application, the processing time begins. How long this takes depends heavily on your city: in some municipalities it takes 3 to 6 months, in others it can take up to 12 months or longer. Big cities like Berlin, Munich or Frankfurt often have longer waiting times.

During processing, the authority may ask follow-up questions or request additional documents. Respond as quickly as possible so the process doesn't get delayed further.

Once everything is approved, you will be invited to the Einbürgerungszeremonie (naturalization ceremony). There you will formally receive your naturalization certificate and officially become a German citizen.

Tip: use counseling services

You don't have to fill out the application alone. There are free counseling services that can help you:

• Migrationsberatung für erwachsene Zuwanderer (MBE): free counseling at welfare organizations like Caritas, Diakonie or AWO
• Volkshochschulen (VHS): some VHS offer information sessions about naturalization
• Integration advisory council: many municipalities have an advisory board that supports you with questions about naturalization

Use these offers; they are free and can help you avoid mistakes and speed up the process.