Living in Germany
Long-term residence in Germany: PR & citizenship
Two free checks for the two rungs of the ladder: the Niederlassungserlaubnis (permanent residence) and the Einbürgerung (citizenship). Current rules with the legal basis for every point — orientation only: the Ausländerbehörde and the Einbürgerungsbehörde decide.
The ladder: temporary permit → permanent residence → citizenship
1 · Temporary permit
Blue Card, skilled-worker or family permit — renewable, tied to a purpose. Every lawful year here climbs the ladder (study years count half towards the general rule).
2 · Niederlassungserlaubnis
Permanent, any job, no more renewals. After 5 years generally — but 21–27 months on a Blue Card, 2 years after a German degree, 3 years for skilled workers, self-employed and spouses of Germans. Fee €113.
3 · Einbürgerung
German passport, EU rights, the vote — and since 2024, dual citizenship for everyone. After 5 years of residence (3 for spouses of Germans), B1, the test. Fee €255.
Permanent residence check — Niederlassungserlaubnis
10 questions covering the general 5-year rule (§ 9 AufenthG), the Blue Card fast track (21/27 months), the 2-year route for German graduates, self-employed and spouses of Germans — with your estimated eligibility year.
Question 1 of 10
What residence title do you currently hold?
The route to permanent residence — and how fast it is — depends on your title.
Citizenship check — Einbürgerung
8 questions based on the current Staatsangehörigkeitsgesetz — 5 years residence, B1 German, dual citizenship allowed since June 2024, the 3-year fast track abolished on 30 Oct 2025.
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The short-lived 3-year route for 'special integration' (C1 + achievements) was repealed effective 30 Oct 2025.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 — for BOTH rungs: the test. Practise all official questions for free — the ‘Leben in Deutschland’ test (permanent residence) and the Einbürgerungstest (citizenship) use the same catalogue; 33 questions in the real exam, 17 correct to pass.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between permanent residence and citizenship?
The Niederlassungserlaubnis (permanent residence) is an unlimited residence title: you can live and work in Germany without extensions, but you keep your nationality — and it can lapse if you leave Germany for more than 6 months (§ 51 AufenthG). Citizenship (Einbürgerung) gives you a German passport, EU-wide rights and the vote, and cannot lapse through absence. Most people get permanent residence first, then naturalise at the 5-year mark.
How many years do I need for German permanent residence?
The general rule (§ 9 AufenthG) is 5 years holding a residence permit plus 60 months of pension contributions. Skilled workers (§ 18a/18b) qualify after 3 years (§ 18c Abs. 1 AufenthG), graduates of German universities or vocational training after just 2 years with 24 months of contributions, EU Blue Card holders after 27 months — or 21 months with B1 German (§ 18c Abs. 2 AufenthG). Self-employed people can qualify after 3 years of successful business (§ 21 Abs. 4 AufenthG), spouses of German citizens after 3 years (§ 28 Abs. 2 AufenthG).
Do my years as a student count towards permanent residence?
Half of them do: lawful residence for study or vocational training counts at 50% towards the 5-year general rule (§ 9 Abs. 4 Nr. 3 AufenthG). Even better, if you finish a German degree or Ausbildung and switch to a skilled-worker permit, you can get permanent residence after only 2 years with 24 months of pension contributions (§ 18c Abs. 1 S. 2 AufenthG).
What does the Niederlassungserlaubnis cost and what documents do I need?
The fee is €113 (€124 for the self-employed route, § 44 AufenthV). Typical documents: passport, biometric photo, employment contract and pay slips, pension record (Rentenversicherungsverlauf), B1 certificate or integration-course certificate, 'Leben in Deutschland' test result, rental contract. The Ausländerbehörde decides after examining the full file.
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.
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.
Is the 'Leben in Deutschland' test the same as the Einbürgerungstest?
The questions are identical — only the purpose differs. For permanent residence you prove basic knowledge of the legal and social order with the 'Leben in Deutschland' test (or a completed integration course); for citizenship you need the Einbürgerungstest with 17 of 33 correct. Practising one prepares you for both.
Ready for the paperwork? See the step-by-step guides: permanent residence, apply for citizenship and extending your residence permit.
Amtly app
🚧 Coming soonTrack your residence 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 →