Documents You Need for German Naturalization

You want to apply for German citizenship. But you don't know which documents to collect. This is one of the most common problems at the start of the process.

This guide shows you exactly what to prepare. With the right documents, your application will go much smoother.

The Legal Basis

The requirements for naturalization come from the Staatsangehörigkeitsgesetz (StAG). The main rule is § 10 StAG. This law tells you what you need to qualify — and what documents prove it.

Basic Documents for Every Applicant

These documents are required for almost every application.

Identity

• Valid national passport or recognized travel document
• Current residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) or settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis)
• 2–3 current biometric passport photos

Proof of Address

• Current registration confirmation (Meldebestätigung) — not older than 3 months
• Documents showing you have lived in Germany for at least 5 years (§ 10 Abs. 1 StAG)

Your previous residence permits can help prove your time in Germany.

Financial Documents

You must show that you can support yourself. You must not receive Bürgergeld or Sozialhilfe (§ 10 Abs. 1 Nr. 3 StAG).

If you are employed:

• Your last 3 salary statements (Gehaltsabrechnungen)
• A current employment contract (optional, but helpful)

If you are self-employed:

• Your last 3 tax assessment notices (Steuerbescheide)
• Business registration document (Gewerbeanmeldung), if applicable

If you have other income:

• Pension documents, rental income proof, or similar statements

Personal and Family Documents

• Birth certificate — with a certified German translation if it is not in German
• Marriage certificate, if you are married
• Divorce decree, if you are divorced
• Birth certificates of your children, if they are part of the application

Proof of German Language Skills

You need to show that you speak German at B1 level or higher (§ 10 Abs. 1 Nr. 6 StAG).

Accepted documents include:

• A recognized language certificate (Goethe-Institut, telc, ÖSD, or similar)
• A German school or university degree
• Proof that you attended a German school for at least 4 years

If you completed a full degree in German, this usually counts automatically.

The Citizenship Test Certificate

Most applicants must pass the Einbürgerungstest. This test has 33 multiple-choice questions. You need at least 17 correct answers to pass.

After you pass, you receive an official certificate. You must include this certificate in your application.

The test covers German history, law, and society. Here are some example topics:

• Article 1 of the Basic Law guarantees the inviolability of human dignity (Menschenwürde). This is the highest value in the German constitution (Grundgesetz Art. 1).
• Freedom of expression (Meinungsfreiheit) is a fundamental right in Germany.
• The right to freedom of belief and conscience is guaranteed by the German constitution.
• The right to asylum exists in Germany — but it only applies to foreigners, not to German citizens (Grundgesetz Art. 16a).
• The coat of arms animal of Germany is the eagle (Bundesadler). It stands for strength and sovereignty.

These topics come directly from the official BAMF test. Knowing them shows that you understand German democratic values.

Criminal Record Check

You must have no serious criminal convictions (§ 10 Abs. 1 Nr. 5 StAG). The authority usually requests your Führungszeugnis (certificate of good conduct) directly from the federal registry.

Ask your local Einbürgerungsbehörde whether you need to bring this document yourself.

Minor traffic offenses or very small fines usually do not disqualify you. Serious criminal convictions do.

Renunciation of Previous Citizenship

Germany generally requires you to give up your previous citizenship (§ 10 Abs. 1 Nr. 4 StAG). You must show proof that you have applied for renunciation.

Exceptions apply in several cases:

• Citizens of EU member states can keep their citizenship
• Citizens of countries that do not allow renunciation may receive an exemption
• People over 60 years old may also receive an exception under certain conditions

Ask the authority about your specific situation before you apply.

Document Checklist

Document	Required for	Notes
Valid passport	Everyone	Must be current
Residence permit	Everyone	Current document
Meldebestätigung	Everyone	Max. 3 months old
Biometric passport photos	Everyone	Usually 2–3 photos
Birth certificate	Everyone	Certified translation if needed
Language certificate (B1+)	Most applicants	Or other accepted proof
Citizenship test certificate	Most applicants	From official BAMF test
Salary statements (3 months)	Employees	—
Tax assessments (3 years)	Self-employed	—
Marriage or divorce documents	If applicable	Certified translation if needed
Children's birth certificates	If applicable	—

Where to Submit Your Application

You submit your documents at the Einbürgerungsbehörde in your city or district. This is often part of the Ausländerbehörde or Bürgeramt.

Always bring both originals and copies. The office keeps the copies and returns the originals to you.

Important: Call the office before your appointment. Ask for their specific document checklist. Requirements can differ slightly between cities and districts.

After you submit everything, the process takes several months. The timeline depends on your individual case and the workload of the authority.

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Are you ready for the citizenship test? Practice all 460 questions with explanations in your language — start practicing now.

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Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.