Naturalization; application for the granting of German citizenship to foreigners without a claim to naturalization (discretionary naturalization)

Foreigners who do not or do not yet meet the requirements for naturalization can be naturalized at their discretion, provided certain conditions are met.

Einbürgerung - Quick-Check
You can use the Quick-Check to carry out a non-binding check of the naturalization requirements. However, the naturalization procedure is only initiated once the application and all required documents have been submitted. The final decision is made by the competent authority after the requirements have been checked.

For contact details of the responsible authoritiy and local valid information select under "Select location" a location.

Naturalization is the granting of German citizenship to a foreigner. It must be applied for and is carried out by issuing a special naturalization certificate.

A foreigner whose identity and citizenship have been clarified, who is legally resident in Germany at the time of naturalization but does not meet the requirements for entitlement to naturalization, can be naturalized on a discretionary basis upon application. The foreigner must be able to support themselves and their dependent family members from their own resources and must not have a criminal record.

If they meet these requirements, the citizenship authority will check whether there is a public (state) interest in naturalization.

In principle, the applicant must have been a legal resident in Germany for five years. For German married couples, the period of residence can be reduced to three years. Furthermore, the period of residence can be shortened to three years if proof of special integration achievements can be provided (secure livelihood for the applicant and all dependants, particularly good educational, vocational or professional achievements and fulfillment of the requirements for the language test at level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

Discretionary naturalization can be considered if the following requirements are met:

a permanent right of residence at the time of naturalization
Proof of knowledge of the legal and social order and living conditions in Germany. This proof is not required for former guest workers or contract workers of the former GDR and their spouses who have joined them in the same period.
five years of legal residence in Germany (this period can be shortened to three years in the case of special integration achievements). For German spouses who have been married for two years, the period is reduced to three years.
In principle, independent means of subsistence (also for dependent family members) without recourse to public benefits (exceptions are possible in the case of receipt of benefits for which the applicant is not responsible).
Proof of sufficient oral and written German language skills: List of recognized language certificates In the case of former guest workers or contract workers from the former GDR and their spouses who joined them in the same period, it is sufficient if they can make themselves understood verbally in German without any significant problems in everyday life.
No conviction for a criminal offense
Commitment to the free democratic basic order of the Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany and to Germany's special historical responsibility
no polygamy and no evidence of disregard for equal rights for men and women

Citizenship application

Pre-printed forms are available from the district administration authority.
Passport or identity card for EU citizens
Demonstration of knowledge of the legal and social order and the living conditions in Germany through presentation of a certificate of successful citizenship test completion or a certificate of graduation from a German academic secondary school
Proof of sufficient oral and written German language skills (school reports, certificates, etc.)
Supporting documents proving the foreign national's income, retirement provisions, medical insurance and long-term care insurance, also for his or her dependents, where applicable
Upon reasoned request by the competent authority, proof of marital status (e.g. birth certificate, marriage certificate if applicable, divorce decree if applicable)
In particular cases, the presentation of additional documents may be necessary Foreign official deeds and documents need to be translated.

You can apply for naturalization at your district office or, if you live in an independent city, at the city administration online or in paper form.

The decision on the application is made by the respective government of your administrative district.

In principle: 255.00 euros

Minor children without their own income who are naturalized together with their parents: 51.00 euros

Additional costs may arise

for the submission of civil status certificates
for proof of civic knowledge or language skills
for translations of foreign documents by sworn translators and certification fees

For individual advice and application - also with regard to the required documents - please contact the district administrative authority responsible for your place of residence.