German Citizenship Checker
Answer a few questions and see whether you meet the current naturalization rules (§10 StAG) — and your earliest possible application date.
Open item: Naturalization test (Einbürgerungstest) passed. Once resolved, you can apply.
What this checker tests — and what it can't
The checker applies the naturalization rules of §10 StAG in the version in force since the repeal of the 3-year fast track on 30 October 2025: five years of lawful residence, a qualifying residence permit, secured livelihood, B1 German, the naturalization test, a clean record, and the declaration of loyalty to the free democratic order. It also tests the §9 StAG spouse route (3 years residence + 2 years marriage), and you keep your original citizenship either way — see our dual citizenship guide. It cannot check things only your case file shows — identity documents, the exact counting of interrupted stays (§12b), or security checks. Treat the result as a well-informed starting point, not a decision. The full rules, in plain English, are in our guide to German citizenship requirements.
Documents you will typically need
Passport, birth certificate (with certified translation), registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung), proof of income (work contract, payslips, pension statement), rent contract, B1 certificate, naturalization test certificate, and — depending on your case — marriage certificate or your child's birth certificate. Most cities now let you start the application online; processing takes from a few months to well over a year depending on the city.
Frequently asked questions
How many years do I need to live in Germany before applying for citizenship?
5 years of lawful habitual residence (§10 StAG). Spouses and registered partners of German citizens can apply after 3 years of residence if the marriage has existed for 2 years (§9 StAG). The 3-year fast track for special integration was abolished on 30 October 2025.
Can I keep my original citizenship?
Yes. Since 27 June 2024 German law allows dual (multiple) citizenship for all naturalizations — the old renunciation requirement in §10 was deleted. Note: your home country's law decides whether IT allows you to keep its citizenship when you take another one.
Do my years as a student count toward the 5 years?
Yes — years on a student permit (§16b) count toward the 5 years of lawful residence. But at the moment you apply you must hold a qualifying permit (e.g. a work permit, Blue Card or permanent residence). A student permit itself does not qualify at application time.
What German level do I need?
B1 of the CEFR, proven with a certificate (telc, Goethe, or the DTZ from an integration course). Exceptions exist for illness, disability and age, and for the guest-worker generation an oral everyday level is enough (§10 Abs. 4–6 StAG).
How much does naturalization cost?
€255 per adult and €51 for a minor child naturalized together with a parent (§38 StAG). The naturalization test costs €25, and a B1 language exam typically €100–200 if you need one.
Does receiving Kindergeld, Elterngeld or Wohngeld hurt my application?
No. Only Bürgergeld (SGB II) and social assistance (SGB XII) count against the livelihood requirement. And even Bürgergeld does not block you if you are in full-time work now and worked full-time in at least 20 of the last 24 months (§10 Abs. 1 Nr. 3b StAG).
Was the 3-year fast track really abolished?
Yes. §10 Abs. 3 StAG (naturalization after 3 years for special integration achievements) was repealed with effect from 30 October 2025 (BGBl. 2025 I Nr. 257). Applications filed before that date are generally assessed under the old rules; the 5-year path and dual citizenship are unchanged.