Marriage to a German citizen does not grant automatic nationality, but it creates a faster route to permanent residency and, eventually, citizenship.
Under the 2025 law reforms, spouses of German nationals can qualify for citizenship in as little as three to five years if they meet residency, language, and integration requirements.
This article explores:
- What are the new rules for citizenship in Germany?
- What language level is needed for German citizenship?
- How long does it take to get German citizenship by marriage?
- Does Germany allow dual citizenship through marriage?
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What is the new law for German citizenship 2025?
As of June 2025, Germany implemented nationality law reforms. The most notable change reduced the residency requirement for naturalization from eight years to five years for most applicants.
For those who demonstrate exceptional integration, such as advanced German proficiency or strong community involvement, this may be shortened to three years.
For spouses of German citizens, the residency requirement is not waived; the pathway remains three years of residence and two years of marriage, which is already shorter than the general naturalization timeline.
How to get German residency through marriage?
Marriage to a German citizen does not directly give you citizenship, but it does entitle you to apply for a family reunification visa. This visa allows you to live and work in Germany as the spouse of a German national.
To qualify, you typically need:
- A valid marriage certificate recognized by German authorities
- Proof of sufficient living space and income by your spouse
- Basic German language knowledge (A1 level under CEFR)
Once approved, you receive a residence permit, which can later lead to permanent residency and eventually citizenship.
What are the steps to becoming a German citizen?
- Apply at the German embassy/consulate abroad
Submit your family reunification visa application, including a valid marriage certificate (legalized/translated if required), proof of identity, and health insurance. - Show proof of income and housing
The German spouse must demonstrate adequate financial means and sufficient living space to support both partners. - Meet the entry-level language requirement (A1)
In most cases, the foreign spouse must provide proof of basic German knowledge (A1 CEFR) at the visa stage. Exemptions exist for certain skilled workers, medical reasons, or where learning German before entry is not feasible. - Receive your residence permit
Once approved, you’ll be granted a residence permit that allows you to live and work in Germany as the spouse of a German citizen. - Progress to permanent residency and citizenship
- Permanent residency (settlement permit): Often possible after three years of marriage and two years of residence in Germany, provided integration and financial stability are proven.
- Citizenship: Requires at least B1 German proficiency and meeting the general naturalization criteria, typically after five years of residence under the 2025 reforms (or three years in exceptional cases).
What level of language is required for German citizenship by marriage?
For German naturalization through marriage, applicants must demonstrate at least B1 level German proficiency. This includes the ability to communicate effectively in everyday life, understand complex texts, and participate in civic life.
Higher proficiency (B2 or C1) may shorten the path to citizenship under the 2025 reform.
Can I get German citizenship without living there?
No, citizenship by marriage requires residency in Germany.
Simply marrying a German citizen abroad does not grant nationality.
To qualify, you must move to Germany, establish residency, and meet the integration and language requirements.
How long does it take to get German citizenship by marriage?
The path from marriage to citizenship in Germany follows a step-by-step process that usually takes three to five years under the 2025 nationality law reform.
The key stages are:
- Family reunification visa: lets you move to Germany after marriage and begin your legal residence.
- Residence permit: granted once you are living in Germany with your spouse, allowing you to work and integrate.
- Permanent residency: typically available after three years of marriage and at least two years of cohabitation in Germany.
- Citizenship (naturalization): normally possible after five years of residence, or in just three years with exceptional integration.
How long do you have to be married to get German citizenship?
There is no automatic citizenship based on marriage duration. What counts is how long you have legally lived in Germany with your spouse.
In most cases, spouses of German citizens can apply for citizenship after five years of residence, or in as little as three years with exceptional integration.
Do you get permanent residency if you marry a German?
Yes, but not immediately. After entering Germany with a family reunification visa, you typically qualify for permanent residency after three years of marriage, provided you have lived together in Germany for at least two years.
This permanent residency is a stepping stone to citizenship.
What is the fastest way to get German citizenship?
The fastest path to get citizenship in Germany is through exceptional integration, which allows naturalization after only three years of residence under the 2025 reform.
Marriage to a German citizen makes it easier to qualify for residency, but it is the combination of marriage with advanced German proficiency (C1) and strong civic participation that creates the fastest route.
Otherwise, the standard naturalization timeline is five years.
How strong is the German passport?
The German passport remains among the world’s most powerful travel documents, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a huge number of destinations.
- According to the Henley Passport Index, Germany ranks 4th globally in 2025, with holders able to travel visa-free or with visa-on-arrival to 188 destinations.
- In the Nomad Passport Index, Germany is ranked at 13th for global mobility, scoring competitively on their mobility index.
- The Arton Capital Passport Index frames global passport power by mobility, and Germany consistently features among the top passports, ranking 3rd.
Does Germany allow dual citizenship?
Yes. Since 27 June 2024, Germany permits dual citizenship in many more cases.
You are generally allowed to keep your original nationality when you become German, without needing to renounce it.
What are the benefits of marrying a German citizen?
The key benefits of marriage to a German citizen include:
- Eligibility for family reunification residency in Germany
- Faster access to permanent residency and citizenship compared to other foreigners
- Legal rights as the spouse of a German citizen, including family protections under German law
What are the benefits of German citizenship?
Holding German citizenship comes with significant advantages:
- The right to vote and participate in German and EU elections
- Freedom of movement and work across the entire European Union
- Strong consular protection abroad
- Access to high-quality healthcare, education, and social benefits
What are the disadvantages of citizenship in Germany?
The cons of German citizenship are relatively few but worth considering:
- Taxation obligations: German citizens may face worldwide tax reporting if they remain tied to Germany.
- Military service (historical): While compulsory service is suspended, political discussions occasionally revisit it.
- Legal obligations: Dual citizens must navigate differing rules between Germany and their other country.
Conclusion
Citizenship by marriage in Germany offers a structured but achievable path for expats who wish to settle in Europe’s largest economy.
While marriage alone does not automatically grant nationality, it significantly eases the residency and naturalization process.
With the 2025 reforms reducing residency timelines and allowing dual citizenship, the journey has become faster and more appealing than ever.
FAQs
Do babies born in Germany automatically get citizenship?
Not always. A child born in Germany automatically becomes a German citizen if at least one parent is German.
If both parents are foreign, the child may acquire citizenship at birth if at least one parent has lived in Germany legally for five years and holds permanent residency.
This rule applies only to children born on or after January 1, 2000.
Children born before that date to non-German parents did not receive German citizenship automatically and cannot retroactively apply under this rule.
What is the wife allowance in Germany?
Germany does not have a wife allowance, but couples benefit from income-splitting in tax law.
This allows spouses to file jointly and often reduces overall tax liability.
What is the minimum salary to bring your spouse to Germany?
While no fixed amount is published, in practice it is generally expected to be around €1,500–€2,200 net per month, plus housing costs.
The sponsoring spouse must demonstrate sufficient income to support both partners without relying on welfare.
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