Naturalisation in Germany: Duration and Procedure

Acquiring German citizenship is an important, often life-changing step. It opens up new rights – from voting to freedom of travel within the EU – and provides secure residence status. But anyone considering German citizenship faces a crucial question: How long does naturalisation take after submitting the application?

The short answer: expect 18 to 24 months for most applicants, though EU citizens typically see faster processing at around 5 months.

As an international-oriented, full-service law firm specialising in immigration and residence law, we guide clients through the entire process – from document review and timely application submission to direct communication with naturalisation authorities.

The Legal Basis for Naturalisation in Germany

Naturalisation is governed by the Nationality Act (StAG). Section 10 sets out the key requirements for eligibility – particularly a minimum five-year residence period, secure livelihood, sufficient German language skills, successful completion of the naturalisation test, and clear commitment to Germany’s democratic principles.

The possibility of naturalisation after only three years for exceptional integration achievements, introduced in 2024, is currently under review. A draft law to abolish this “fast-track naturalisation” has been presented, meaning the details remain in flux. We closely monitor these developments and factor them into our individual case advice.

Naturalisation in Germany: Procedure and Application

Applicants submit their own applications using forms available from local naturalisation authorities or online. Depending on your federal state and municipality, the responsible office may be:

• City or district administration (citizens’ office or public order office)
• District office (in major cities like Berlin)
• County office (in rural areas)

Application fees are €255 for adults and €51 for minor children naturalising alongside their parents.

Processing Times: What to Expect when Becoming a German Citizen

Processing duration varies significantly across Germany and depends on several factors, including the authority’s workload, case complexity, involvement of other agencies, and the completeness of submitted documents.

Typical timeframes:

• Standard cases: 18 to 24 months
• EU citizens: Approximately 5 months
• Complex cases: Can exceed 30 months, particularly with high authority workload or complex identity verification

After submission, expect several months to two years before receiving a decision – individual cases may take longer.

Why do Naturalisation Procedures in Germany Take so Long

Several factors cause significant delays:

Document issues: Missing evidence or unclear documentation requires additional requests, extending processing time.

International verification: Confirmation from countries of origin regarding identity or consular matters often takes considerable time.

Security checks: Standard police and constitutional protection office queries add processing time.

Increased applications: Following the 2024 Nationality Act reform, application numbers have surged, pushing many authorities to capacity limits.

Untätigkeitsklage: Legal Remedy for Administrative Inaction

If authorities remain unresponsive for extended periods, you can file an action for failure to act (Untätigkeitsklage). This is typically only permitted after three months from application submission – exceptions exist only for special urgent cases.

Before filing, verify your application is complete, as authorities are only obligated to act on complete submissions.

Factors that Accelerate Naturalisation

Submitting complete documentation is crucial for a thorough review. Required documents typically include:

• Proof of identity/passport
• Certified birth certificate (where required)
• German language proficiency certificate (B1 level)
• Naturalisation test pass certificate
• Valid residence permit
• Proof of financial means (payslips, employment contracts)
• Registration certificate/tenancy agreement
• Certificate of good conduct/criminal background check (if required)

To speed up your naturalisation:

• Submit complete, carefully prepared applications
• Maintain regular communication with relevant authorities
• Use online application options where available
• Engage a lawyer specialising in immigration law to avoid formal errors, track necessary documents, and expedite authority communication

Simplified naturalisation procedures

Certain groups qualify for expedited processes:

• Spouses and registered partners of German citizens (under special conditions, including shortened residency requirements)
• Minor children of naturalised citizens are eligible for joint naturalisation

Specific details are outlined in the Nationality Act’s special provisions.

Schlun & Elseven: Legal Support for Naturalisation in Germany

As a full-service law firm with a high degree of expertise and experience in German immigration and residence law, Schlun & Elseven offers comprehensive naturalisation support – from thorough document examination and compilation to complete application preparation and direct communication with immigration authorities.

All our lawyers speak English fluently, ensuring clear communication throughout your naturalisation case. We understand the specific challenges international clients face with German legal requirements, and our bilingual expertise means language barriers never affect your case. Whether explaining German citizenship law or communicating with naturalisation authorities on your behalf, we connect German legal knowledge with international understanding.

Our digital-first approach enables us to serve clients worldwide, accommodating different time zones and providing accessible legal support regardless of your location. With our combination of German legal expertise and international perspective, your naturalisation proceeds as smoothly and quickly as possible, with clear guidance at every step.