Kiel · Einbürgerung

Apply for German citizenship in Kiel

Since the June 2024 reform, you can apply for German citizenship (Einbürgerung) in Kiel after just five years of legal residence — three with exceptional integration — and Germany now allows dual citizenship, so you generally no longer have to give up your original passport. You apply at your city's Einbürgerungsbehörde, usually with a language certificate and the naturalisation test.

⏱️Fee ~€255. Processing commonly takes several months to over a year, depending on the city's backlog.

💡You can usually apply for German citizenship after 5 years of residence (3 with strong integration), with B1 German, a secure livelihood and the naturalization test. Since 2024 Germany allows dual citizenship, so you generally no longer have to give up your original passport. Processing is slow and backlogged in many cities, so apply as soon as you qualify and expect to wait.

What you need to bring

• PassportRequired

  📋 Bring the original, not a copy

  How to get it: Issued by your home country. Renew at your country's embassy or consulate in Germany — appointments can take weeks, so check the expiry early.

• Current residence permitRequired

  📋 Bring the original, not a copy

  How to get it: Issued by the Ausländerbehörde (immigration office) of your city after your application appointment. Renewals: apply well before expiry — slots are scarce.

• German certificate (usually B1)Required

  📋 Bring the original, not a copy

  How to get it: From a recognized exam provider (Goethe-Institut, telc, TestDaF, ÖSD). B1 is typically required for permanent residence and naturalization — book exams early, slots fill up.

• Citizenship test certificate (Einbürgerungstest)Required

  Book via the local VHS (Volkshochschule)

• Proof of secure incomeRequired

  How to get it: Usually recent payslips, your employment contract, or a tax assessment. Self-employed: a profit statement (BWA) or your Steuerbescheid.

• MeldebescheinigungRequired

  📋 Bring the original, not a copy

  How to get it: You receive it at your Anmeldung appointment at the Bürgeramt. Lost it? Request a new copy at the Bürgeramt (small fee, often bookable online).

• Birth certificate (with certified translation)Required

  📋 Bring the original, not a copy

  How to get it: For a child born in Germany: the Standesamt of the birthplace issues it (the hospital sends the paperwork). For Elterngeld, ask for the special 'für Elterngeld' copy. Foreign certificates may need a certified translation.

Can you do it online?

Many cities now accept the citizenship application online (some via the federal portal); others use a form by post. Search '<your city> Einbürgerung Antrag online'.

Good to know

• The 2024 reform cut the standard residence requirement to five years (three for special integration achievements) and now permits multiple citizenship — a major change from the old rules.
• You'll normally need B1 German (sometimes higher) and to pass the Einbürgerungstest — 33 multiple-choice questions on German society and law; official practice questions are free online.
• You must show you can support yourself without regular state benefits, and have no serious criminal record.
• Demand since the reform has created long queues in big cities like Kiel — submit a complete file, keep copies of everything, and expect to wait.
• Children and spouses can often be naturalised alongside the main applicant — ask the Einbürgerungsbehörde about joint applications.

Frequently asked questions

Checklist last verified 2026-06-12. Rules vary by office and change over time — always confirm with the official source linked above.