Living in Germany
Am I eligible for German citizenship?
8 questions, 2 minutes. Based on the current Staatsangehörigkeitsgesetz — 5 years residence, B1 German, dual citizenship allowed — with the legal basis (§ 10 StAG & co.) shown for every point. Orientation only: the Einbürgerungsbehörde decides.
Question 1 of 8
How long have you lived in Germany legally?
Continuous lawful residence — time as a student or employee counts.
The citizenship rules in 2026 — what the 2024 reform changed
5 years instead of 8
The standard residence requirement dropped to 5 years in June 2024. Spouses of Germans: 3 years residence + 2 years of marriage (§ 9 StAG).
Dual citizenship allowed
You keep your original passport. The old requirement to renounce your previous nationality is gone for everyone.
Fast track abolished
The short-lived 3-year route for 'special integration' (C1 + achievements) was repealed effective 30 Oct 2025. Plan for the full 5 years.
One requirement you can knock out today: the Einbürgerungstest. Practise all official questions for free — 33 questions in the real test, 17 correct to pass.
Frequently asked questions
How many years do I need to live in Germany to get citizenship?
5 years of lawful residence under the standard route (§ 10 StAG) — down from 8 before the June 2024 reform. Spouses of German citizens can apply after 3 years of residence and 2 years of marriage (§ 9 StAG). The 3-year fast track for 'special integration achievements' was abolished on 30 October 2025.
Can I keep my original passport (dual citizenship)?
Yes. Since 27 June 2024, Germany permits multiple citizenship across the board — you no longer have to give up your previous nationality when naturalising. Whether your country of origin allows keeping its citizenship when you acquire another is a separate question of that country's law.
What are the main requirements for German citizenship?
Under § 10 StAG: 5 years of lawful residence, a qualifying residence title, German at B1, a secured livelihood without Bürgergeld or social assistance (with exceptions for the guest-worker generation and full-time workers topping up), no relevant criminal convictions, a passed Einbürgerungstest, and a written commitment to the free democratic basic order including Germany's special historical responsibility.
Do my years as a student count towards the 5 years?
Yes — lawful residence during studies counts towards the residence period. But at the moment you apply, you need a qualifying residence title: a student or training permit itself doesn't qualify, so most people switch to a work permit, Blue Card or permanent residence first.
How much does naturalisation cost and how long does it take?
The fee is €255 per adult (€51 for a minor child naturalised together with a parent), plus costs for the Einbürgerungstest (€25) and a B1 certificate if you don't have one. Processing time varies hugely: from a few months to well over a year in big cities like Berlin — apply as early as you can.
What happened to the 3-year fast-track citizenship?
It was abolished. The 2024 reform briefly allowed naturalisation after 3 years for people with C1 German and special integration achievements, but this path was repealed with effect from 30 October 2025. The 5-year standard route, dual citizenship and the other 2024 improvements remain in force.
Ready for the paperwork? See the step-by-step guides: apply for citizenship, permanent residence and extending your residence permit.
Amtly app
🚧 Coming soonTrack your citizenship application in your pocket
Amtly turns this checklist into a tracked appointment, reminds you what to bring, and keeps your documents private on your phone.
Get Amtly →