Apply for naturalization
Source: BUS Rheinland-PfalzForeign nationals can acquire German citizenship on application under certain conditions. As a rule, the following requirements must be met
- five years of legal residence in Germany
- unlimited right of residence or a permanent residence permit
- clarified identity and nationality
- commitment to the free democratic basic order of the Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany and to Germany's special historical responsibility for the National Socialist reign of injustice and its consequences, in particular for the protection of Jewish life as well as for the peaceful coexistence of peoples and the prohibition of waging a war of aggression
- no conviction for a criminal offense
- independent means of subsistence (also for dependent family members) without social assistance and unemployment benefit II. Exceptions apply to persons who have been in full-time employment for at least 20 months in the past 2 years.
- Sufficient knowledge of German
- Knowledge of the legal and social order and living conditions in Germany (civic knowledge)
- No polygamous marriages and no evidence of disregard for equal rights for men and women
You also no longer have to give up your previous nationality. Multiple citizenship is now permitted with the entry into force of the new Citizenship Act on June 27, 2024.
You can find detailed information on the requirements at
Proof of sufficient knowledge of the German language:
The required language skills are generally proven if a certificate from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) or integration course provider is available confirming successful participation in a language course as part of an integration course or if the German language certificate (level: B 1 GERR) or an equivalent or higher language diploma has been obtained.
Sufficient language skills are also proven if, among other things, a German school or vocational training course has been successfully completed.
Proof of sufficient knowledge of the legal/social order and living conditions in Germany (naturalization test):
As a rule, this knowledge is proven by passing a nationally standardized naturalization test.
Proof of the required civic knowledge is also provided if the naturalization applicant can prove that he/she has a qualification (at least a vocational qualification) from a German Hauptschule /RealschulePlus or a comparable or higher school-leaving qualification from a German general school or successful completion of a vocational school.