How many years does it take to get citizenship in Germany?
Asked by: Karson Block | Last update: October 8, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (71 votes)
The requirements at a glance You have been living habitually and legally in Germany for five years. You can prove your identity and current citizenship. You have a permanent right of residence or a long-term residence permit. You can financially support yourself and your dependent family members.
How long does it take to get German citizenship?
How Long Do I Have to Live in Germany Before I Can Become a Citizen? Since June 27, 2024, with new citizenship rules, you must have lived in Germany for a minimum of five years (previously, it was eight years) before you can apply for citizenship.
How can I get German citizenship fast?
In the current law, you can get fast track citizenship in 6 years instead of 8 if your German is B2 or better and you have shown extraordinary efforts to integrate (like volunteering for German NGOs). The upcoming law was supposed to reduce normal time to 5 years and fast-track time to 3 years.
Who is eligible for German citizenship?
1. A person can become a German citizen in one of three ways: by birth, by adoption as a minor, or by naturalization. 2. A person may be born a German citizen by either jus sanguinis, i.e., through descent from his/her parents, or jus soli, i.e., through place of birth.
What are the new rules for German citizenship in 2024?
As of 27 June 2024, German nationals may apply for any foreign nationality without relinquishing their German nationality. It is therefore no longer necessary to seek permission to retain a nationality.
NEW LAW Uncovered: Get German Citizenship In 3 Years
How can I get German citizenship in 3 years?
You have been habitually and legally resident in Germany for at least three years. You can provide evidence of outstanding integration, for example outstanding performance in school or at work. Or you are involved in volunteer work, for instance with the fire brigade or to help others in your community.
What is the new law for citizenship in 2024?
On Aug. 19, 2024, DHS implemented Keeping Families Together, a process for certain alien spouses and alien stepchildren of U.S. citizens to request parole in place under existing statutory authority.
Do babies born in Germany automatically get citizenship?
Does my child get German citizenship? A child born in Germany will be considered a German citizen at birth if at the time of delivery (at least) one parent has German nationality or has been legally residing in Germany for (at least) 5 years and holds a permanent residence permit ("Niederlassungserlaubnis").
How much is German citizenship?
Costs. Naturalisation costs EUR 255 per person. A fee of EUR 51 applies to minors who are to be naturalised with their parents. Minors who are to be naturalised without their parents must also pay EUR 255.
Is it easy to get citizenship in Germany?
Germany offers citizenship primarily through naturalisation, requiring applicants to fulfil residency, language proficiency, and integration requirements. With Germany being an economic powerhouse and a hub for technological innovation, many Indians aspire to become permanent residents.
How many years to get PR in Germany?
To be eligible for this permit, you must have lived in Germany for at least five years (or three years if you are married to a German citizen). You must also be able to provide proof of your employment, financial resources, and German language skills. If you have this permit, you can stay in Germany indefinitely.
How hard is the German citizenship test?
The test consists of 33 questions including three questions which apply only to the German state where the applicant lives. Applicants must choose the correct answer from four possible responses. To pass, applicants must answer 17 questions correctly. In recent years, more than 90% of applicants have passed the test.
What is the fastest citizenship to get in Europe?
Which European country gives the fastest citizenship? Malta is the European country that gives the fastest citizenship. Its citizenship by investment program is the fastest in Europe, allowing individuals to obtain Maltese citizenship in return for a significant financial contribution to the country.
What is the fastest way to become a German citizen?
- Working in Germany as a highly skilled worker.
- Opening a business as a self-employed entrepreneur.
- Joining a spouse in Germany.
Do you need to speak German to apply for citizenship?
Please note: you will have to speak German on a fairly well level to be able to successfully apply for German Citizenship acc. to Sec. 14 Citizenship Law. Further information and declaration forms can be found on the website of the Bundesverwaltungsamt.
What is the 5 year rule for citizenship?
An applicant for naturalization under the general provision must have resided continuously in the United States after his or her lawful permanent resident (LPR) admission for at least 5 years prior to filing the naturalization application and up to the time of naturalization.
How long is the wait for German citizenship?
Expect a processing time of 18 months or longer.
What qualifies you for German citizenship?
German citizenship is mainly acquired and passed on through descent from a German parent. The parent has to be German citizen at the time of the birth of the child. Children who are born to former German citizens do not acquire German citizenship.
What are the requirements for citizenship?
In general, you may qualify for naturalization if you are at least 18 years old and have been a permanent resident for at least 5 years (or 3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen) and meet all other eligibility requirements.
What is the 10 year rule for German citizenship?
The German Citizenship Act in the version of 1871-1914 stipulated that a German automatically lost his/her citizenship by residing outside of Germany for more than 10 years.
What happens if I give birth in Germany with a tourist visa?
Non-residents or visitors on a tourist visa can deliver a baby in Germany. However, all visitors in Germany should ensure they get international travel insurance so they're not left footing the hospital bill.
Do you get citizenship if you marry a German?
Since Jan. 1, 1970 the acquisition of German citizenship by marriage does not exist anymore. A foreign spouse can only naturalize if certain requirements are met.
Can I get my citizenship after 3 years?
Can I apply for citizenship after 3 years? You can apply for U.S. citizenship after 3 years if you are a permanent resident (Green Card holder) and have been married to and living with the same U.S. citizen spouse during that time. Otherwise, most Green Card holders must wait 5 years before applying for naturalization.
What is the new 7 year immigration law?
What Does the 7-Year Rule Do? If passed, the 7-Year Rule would allow the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to upgrade the immigration status for more people in the United States. Currently, the department can do this for some immigrants but in a smaller number of circumstances.
What is the 10 year rule for citizenship?
(b) the person is ordinarily resident in Australia throughout the period of 10 years beginning on the day the person is born.