When can you apply for citizenship?
The current general rule is at least five years of lawful residence in Germany, together with the other naturalisation requirements. Older articles may mention a general three year route. That route was removed in October 2025.
More than a residence clock
The residence title you hold when you apply, your ability to support yourself, German language skills generally at B1, knowledge of German civic life, criminal record and commitment to the constitutional order are among the important factors. Family cases and legal exceptions need individual review.
- The residence title you hold when you apply
- your ability to support yourself
- German language skills generally at B1
- knowledge of German civic life
- criminal record
- commitment to the constitutional order
Can you keep your existing citizenship?
German law generally allows you to keep your previous nationality when you naturalise. You should also check the nationality law of your current country of citizenship.
Where should you begin?
If you already live in Germany, gather the dates and types of your residence titles, language evidence and income records. If you are still abroad, it is useful to know the long term route, but your first decision concerns the correct entry and residence title.
- the dates and types of your residence titles
- language evidence
- income records
