Permanent Residence vs German Citizenship: Which First?
Both typically take 5 years, but they're not the same thing. What permanent residence gives you, what only citizenship adds, and which to apply for first.
Life in Germany, explained simply — and always up to date
Free tools and plain-English guides for expats: citizenship, residence, money and everyday bureaucracy. Every figure verified against the official source and date-stamped.
Verified at the source. We read the law (StAG, EStG, SGB), not other blogs — and we link the exact section.
Dated, always. Every page shows when it was last checked. Current law status: StAG as amended 22 Dec 2025 (BGBl. 2025 I Nr. 364).
Change-logged. When rules change (like the 3-year citizenship repeal on 30 October 2025), we update the page and say what changed.
German citizenship in 2026 — the short version
You can normally apply for German citizenship after 5 years of lawful residence (§10 StAG). Spouses of German citizens can apply after 3 years if married for 2 (§9 StAG). You need German at level B1, a passed naturalization test, a secure income without Bürgergeld, a clean record — and since June 2024 you can keep your original citizenship. The 3-year fast track was abolished on 30 October 2025. Our free checker tells you in one minute whether you qualify and when you can apply; the full rules are in the requirements guide.
Latest guides
All guides →B1 German for Citizenship: What Counts as Proof
Which certificates the naturalization office accepts (telc, Goethe, DTZ), what B1 costs in 2026, and the hardship exemptions most sites miss.
Dual Citizenship in Germany: Current Law & What May Change
Dual citizenship has been allowed since 27 June 2024. What the law says now, what CDU/CSU proposals could change, and what hasn't happened yet.
3-Year German Citizenship Abolished — What Applies Now
Germany's 3-year fast-track citizenship ended on 30 October 2025. The 5-year path and dual citizenship remain. What changed, who is affected, what to do now.
German Citizenship Requirements 2026 — Explained Simply
German citizenship in 2026: 5 years residence (3 for spouses of Germans), B1 German, the test, income rules, dual citizenship allowed, €255 fee. Full guide.
About this site
Who is behind ExpatInGermany?
An independent publisher building plain-English tools and guides for people living in Germany. Every figure is verified against the official source (laws, ministries, official statistics) and date-stamped. See the About page for our editorial rules.
How current is the information?
Each guide and tool carries a visible 'verified & updated' stamp with the month and the exact legal source. When the law changes — like the abolition of the 3-year citizenship path on 30 October 2025 — we update the affected pages and log the change.
Is everything free?
Yes. The tools and guides are free. The site is financed by clearly-marked ads and affiliate links, which never change what the law says or what we recommend.