How can I get citizenship in Germany? Easiest Ways, Rules, and Requirements

Citizenship in Germany is primarily acquired through descent, marriage, and naturalization. Foreign investors can apply for permanent residency followed by naturalization under the Entrepreneurial Residency program.

In this guide, we will be talking about:

• Is it easy to get citizenship in Germany?
• How to obtain German citizenship?
• Can you get citizenship through marriage in Germany?
• Can you get German citizenship through ancestry?
• Can you become a citizen of Germany through naturalization?
• Can you get German citizenship by investment?
• German citizenship criteria

This will provide a comprehensive understanding of the nationality acquisition procedure and be helpful for those willing to become German nationals.

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The information in this article is for general guidance only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice, and is not a recommendation or solicitation to invest. Some facts may have changed since the time of writing.

Is it difficult to become a citizen of Germany?

Obtaining German citizenship is now less difficult than in the past, thanks to recent legal reforms.

The process still requires commitment and meeting several criteria, but the overall timeline and restrictions have been eased.

Previously, applicants had to reside in Germany for at least eight years before applying for citizenship.

With the new law, this period has been reduced to five years.

Applicants must still meet several requirements, including financial independence, language proficiency, and a clean criminal record.

While the process remains thorough, the changes reflect Germany’s intent to attract skilled workers and integrate long-term residents more effectively.

German Citizenship Benefits and Drawbacks

Key Benefits:

• EU Freedom of Movement:

Live, work, or study in any EU or EEA member state without restrictions.

• Global Mobility:

German passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 189 countries.

• Robust Welfare State:

Access to universal healthcare, free or low-cost education, pension schemes, and strong labor protections.

• Political Participation:

Full voting rights in federal, state, and EU elections; eligibility to run for public office.

• Dual Citizenship Allowed:

As of the 2024 reforms, Germany now permits dual or multiple citizenships for most nationalities.

Major Drawbacks:

• Tax Complications:

Dual nationals may be subject to taxation or reporting obligations in more than one country.

• Military Service:

Although Germany has suspended conscription, in rare circumstances, obligations may apply (e.g., for certain descendants or in case of reinstatement).

• Bureaucratic Complexity:

Navigating Germany’s legal, residency, and documentation systems can be time-consuming and detail-oriented for non-German speakers.

Does Germany allow dual citizenship?

Germany now allows most immigrants to hold dual citizenship.

This is a major change from previous rules, which generally required new citizens to renounce their original nationality.

From January 2024, the revised law permits naturalized citizens to retain their existing citizenship, aligning Germany with many other European countries.

This reform is expected to encourage more foreign residents to apply for German citizenship, as they no longer have to choose between their home country and Germany.

How to get German citizenship

There are several pathways to German citizenship, each with specific requirements and processes. The main routes include citizenship by marriage, descent, naturalization, and investment.

How to get German citizenship by marriage

Germany doesn’t offer automatic citizenship through marriage.

Nonetheless, being married to a German citizen provides a slightly faster and more favorable naturalization process.

To qualify, applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Be legally married to a German citizen for at least two years at the time of application.
• Reside legally in Germany for at least five consecutive years before applying.
• Hold a valid residence permit, such as one for family reunification.
• Demonstrate financial self-sufficiency without relying on public assistance.
• Possess sufficient German language skills (B1 level of the CEFR).
• Show knowledge of Germany’s legal system, society, and democratic values, typically through passing the Einbürgerungstest (naturalization test).
• Have no serious criminal convictions or threats to public safety.

Application Process:

Applicants must submit a comprehensive dossier to the local Einbürgerungsbehörde (naturalization office).

Required documents generally include:

• Valid passports of both spouses.
• German marriage certificate or recognized foreign certificate.
• Proof of residence and legal stay in Germany.
• Language proficiency certificates.
• Proof of income and health insurance.
• Completed naturalization test results.

After review, applicants are typically invited to an interview or verification process.

Once approved, you’ll attend a citizenship ceremony and formally receive your German passport.

Processing times vary but usually take 6–12 months, depending on the region and completeness of your application.

How to get German citizenship by descent

Germany recognizes citizenship by descent (Abstammungsprinzip, which means jus sanguinis).

This allows individuals to claim citizenship through German parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents, depending on historical and legal circumstances.

General Eligibility:

• Children born after January 1, 1975, to a German mother or father (regardless of the other parent’s nationality).
• Children born before January 1, 1975, to a German father and a non-German mother, if the parents were married.
• Children born before July 1, 1993, to a German father out of wedlock, where paternity was acknowledged before the child turned 23.
• Descendants of Germans persecuted under the Nazi regime (1933–1945) who lost citizenship due to discriminatory laws or were forced to flee Germany.

Recent reforms have eliminated gender discrimination in older laws, allowing children of German mothers (who previously lost citizenship due to marriage with foreigners) to reclaim their rights.

Application Process:

Applicants typically submit historical documentation such as:

• Birth and marriage certificates tracing direct lineage.
• Evidence of German citizenship (passports, national IDs) of the ancestor.
• Prove the ancestor did not voluntarily renounce German citizenship.
• Legal documents supporting Nazi-era claims (where applicable).

Unlike naturalization, this pathway does not require residency in Germany or language proficiency.

Anyhow, legal consultation is often recommended due to the complexity and variability of individual cases.

How to get German citizenship by naturalization

This is the most common route for long-term residents without German ancestry or marriage ties.

As of the 2024 reforms, Germany has eased some conditions to encourage integration.

General Eligibility:

• Five years of legal residence in Germany (reduced from eight years).
• Permanent residence permit or a comparable long-term visa status.
• Proof of financial independence (no reliance on welfare).
• B1-level German language proficiency.
• Pass the naturalization test covering German law, society, and history.
• No serious criminal offenses.
• Commitment to Germany’s constitutional principles and historical accountability (e.g., Holocaust remembrance).

How to get German citizenship by investment

Germany does not offer direct economic citizenship or a Golden Visa like some EU countries.

However, foreign investors can pursue naturalization through the entrepreneurial residency route.

Steps Involved:

1. Invest significantly in a German business, typically in sectors addressing local economic needs.
2. Obtain a self-employment residence permit under Section 21 of the German Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz).
3. Maintain residency for at least five years.
4. Apply for permanent residency, followed by naturalization under regular criteria.

Requirements for Investors:

• Sound business plan aligned with local economic interests.
• Proof of professional qualifications or industry experience.
• Sufficient capital and financial planning.
• Clean criminal record and health insurance.

This path involves thorough vetting by local chambers of commerce and immigration authorities.

The goal is to promote sustainable economic contribution rather than passive investment.

The easiest way to get German citizenship

The easiest and fastest way to obtain German citizenship used to be through exceptional integration or marriage to a German citizen.

But starting since June 2024, the 3-year fast-track residency for spouses or exceptional cases has been eliminated.

The rule is now 5 years across the board.

German Citizenship Process

The process for acquiring German citizenship generally follows these steps:

1. Determine eligibility:

Identify the most suitable route:

• Naturalization: For long-term residents.
• Marriage: For spouses of German citizens.
• Descent: For individuals with German ancestry.
• Investment: For entrepreneurs contributing to Germany’s economy.

2. Meet residency and integration requirements:

Depending on your route, meet the required years of residence (typically 5) and demonstrate integration into German society, often by completing language and civic courses.

3. Gather documentation:

Required documents usually include:

• Valid passport and current residence permit
• Proof of residence and income
• Language proficiency certificate (B1 or higher)
• Evidence of lawful stay and integration (e.g., certificates, employment contracts)
• Birth or marriage certificates (for descent or marriage-based claims)

4. Submit application:

File your application at the local Einbürgerungsamt (naturalization office). Applications may also be accepted at district administrations or city councils, depending on the federal state.

The applications cost €255 for adults and € 55 for children under 18 years.

5. Attend an interview or test:

Most applicants must pass the Einbürgerungstest, which includes questions on Germany’s legal system, history, and cultural values.

An interview may be scheduled to verify identity, intent, and integration.

6. Take the oath of allegiance:

Once approved, attend a citizenship ceremony and swear allegiance to Germany’s Basic Law (Grundgesetz), confirming your commitment to democratic values.

7. Receive your certificate:

You will then receive the official citizenship certificate (Einbürgerungsurkunde), which legally grants you German nationality and EU citizenship rights.

German Citizenship Requirements

• Minimum Residence:

5 years for standard naturalization (reduced from 8 as of 2024)

• Financial Self-Sufficiency:

Ability to support yourself and dependents without relying on state welfare.

• German Language Proficiency:

At least B1 level on the CEFR scale (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

• Civic Knowledge:

Basic understanding of German law, culture, and democratic principles, proven through the Einbürgerungstest.

• Good Character:

No serious criminal record or security risk.

• Constitutional Loyalty:

A formal declaration to uphold Germany’s Basic Law and values, including historical responsibility (e.g., Holocaust remembrance).

German Citizenship Rules

As of January 2024, Germany allows most new citizens to retain their previous nationality. This marks a significant shift from its earlier single-citizenship principle.

Children born in Germany to non-German parents may acquire citizenship at birth if at least one parent has legally resided in Germany for five years or more.

Special provisions apply to:

• Descendants of individuals who lost German citizenship under Nazi persecution
• Children born before discriminatory citizenship laws were corrected (e.g., before 1975 to German mothers)

Applicants who have committed serious crimes or are deemed security threats are ineligible for citizenship, regardless of residence or integration status.

FAQs

How to get a PR in Germany?

To obtain permanent residency (PR), live in Germany for several years on a valid residence permit, demonstrate financial self-sufficiency, and show integration into German society.

PR is usually granted after five years, or less for highly skilled workers and investors.

Is a child born in Germany automatically a citizen?

A child born in Germany to at least one parent with five years of legal residence can acquire German citizenship at birth.

Otherwise, citizenship is not automatically granted by birth alone.

What is the fastest way to get German citizenship?

The fastest route used to be through exceptional integration or marriage to a German citizen, allowing for citizenship after three years of residence.

Now, it has been reverted back to five years.

So, any chosen pathway between naturalization and marriage takes the same amount of time.

What is the 10-year rule for German citizenship?

The 10-year rule no longer applies.

The new law reduced the standard residency requirement to five years.

Is Germany easy to get citizenship?

Germany has made citizenship more accessible, but applicants must still meet strict requirements.

The process is easier than before, especially with the new dual citizenship allowance and shorter residency period.

Conclusion

Germany’s reformed citizenship laws have opened new pathways for millions of foreign residents and skilled workers.

The process is now faster and more flexible, with dual citizenship widely permitted and the residency requirement reduced.

Whether through marriage, descent, naturalization, or investment, applicants must demonstrate integration, financial stability, and a commitment to German values.

Germany’s citizenship reforms mark a significant shift, reflecting the country’s openness and need for skilled immigrants.

For many, the dream of becoming a German citizen is now more achievable than ever.

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Adam is an internationally recognised author on financial matters with over 830million answer views on Quora, a widely sold book on Amazon, and a contributor on Forbes.