Faster Naturalization: The New German Citizenship Law

Since June 2024, a new citizenship law has applied in Germany. The reform brings some big changes: the required length of residence for naturalization was shortened, and you no longer have to give up your previous citizenship. What that means for you in concrete terms, you'll learn here.

What has changed?

The modernized Staatsangehörigkeitsgesetz (StAG) came into force on 27 June 2024. The aim of the reform was to bring naturalization in line with the everyday reality of many people living in Germany. Many have been living here for decades, working, paying taxes and feeling they belong; but they faced high hurdles on the path to a German passport.

The most important changes at a glance:

5 instead of 8 years of residence

Probably the most important change concerns the length of residence. Previously, you had to have been legally living in Germany for at least 8 years before you could apply for naturalization. The law from June 2024 lowered that requirement to 5 years.

Note: the originally introduced option of naturalization after only 3 years for special integration achievements was abolished again in October 2025. The minimum residence is now 5 years in all cases.

Rule	Before June 2024	Current (since October 2025)
Minimum residence	8 years	5 years
Dual citizenship	Only in exceptional cases	Generally permitted

Dual citizenship

Until the reform, most naturalization applicants had to give up their previous citizenship. For many people this was a painful step; and often the reason they never applied for a German passport, even though they met all other requirements.

Since June 2024, the rule is: multiple citizenship is generally accepted. You can keep your previous citizenship and additionally take on German citizenship. This applies equally to citizens of all countries.

Einbürgerungstest remains

The obligation to take the Einbürgerungstest has not changed. You still have to pass the "Leben in Deutschland" test in order to be naturalized. As before, the test consists of 33 questions, at least 17 of which you must answer correctly.

The questions are drawn from the official BAMF question catalogue: 30 general questions plus 3 questions on your Bundesland. Nothing has changed about this as a result of the reform.

New questions on Jewish life

Since the end of March 2024, the BAMF question catalogue contains 10 new questions dealing with Jewish life in Germany, Israel's right to exist and the fight against antisemitism. These questions were added to the catalogue in response to the events of 7 October 2023.

The new questions are part of the general question catalogue and may appear on your test. It's worth taking these topics into account in your preparation. More about the new questions in the article The 10 New Antisemitism Questions.

Stricter checks

The reform doesn't only bring easements. At the same time, requirements regarding shared values were tightened. Anyone who wants to be naturalized must clearly commit to the free democratic basic order.

In practice, this means, among other things:

• Antisemitic, racist or inhumane actions can lead to exclusion from naturalization
• Activities on social media can also be taken into account during the review
• Recognition of Germany's special historical responsibility towards the Jewish people is part of the naturalization requirements

Who benefits most?

People who have lived in Germany for a long time and previously refrained from naturalization because of the requirement to give up their former citizenship benefit particularly. For them, that obstacle now disappears.

The so-called Gastarbeiter generation is also given special consideration by the reform. People who came to Germany as guest workers or contract workers and have lived here for decades can be naturalized under eased conditions; among other things with reduced language requirements and without the Einbürgerungstest.

What does this mean for you?

If you have been living in Germany for at least 5 years, can support yourself financially and have sufficient German skills (at least B1), your chances are good. Here are the next steps:

• Check the requirements: 5 years of lawful residence, secure livelihood, language skills (B1), no criminal record
• Prepare for the Einbürgerungstest: work through all 463 BAMF questions and take practice exam simulations
• Submit the application: contact the citizenship office of your city or district
• Gather the necessary documents: passport, residence permit, proof of salary, rental contract, B1 certificate