How Much Does German Naturalization Cost?

You want to become a German citizen. But before you apply, you want to know: how much money do you need?

The answer is not just one number. There are several fees to plan for. Some costs depend on your personal situation. This guide breaks down every cost clearly.

The Official Application Fee

The main cost is the application fee. It is set by law in § 38 of the Staatsangehörigkeitsgesetz (StAG) — the German Nationality Act.

Adults pay €255 per person.

You pay this fee after the authority approves your application. Not at the start.

Children who apply together with a parent pay €51 each.

Family Example

A family with two adults and two children pays:

Person	Fee
Adult 1	€255
Adult 2	€255
Child 1	€51
Child 2	€51
Total	€612

This is only the application fee. Other costs come on top.

The Citizenship Test Fee

To become a German citizen, you must pass the Einbürgerungstest. This is a test about life in Germany.

Each test attempt costs €25.

The test has 33 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 17 correctly to pass. The questions cover German history, politics, the constitution (Grundgesetz), and everyday life in Germany.

For example, Question 213 asks: "How many people live in Germany?" The correct answer is 84 million. The test checks that you know basic facts about your future home country.

You take the test at an authorized test center. BAMF — the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees — manages the test system.

If you fail, you can take the test again. Each attempt costs another €25.

Who Is Exempt from the Test?

Some people do not have to take the citizenship test:

• Children under 16 years old
• People with certain physical or mental conditions that prevent them from taking the test

Ask your local Einbürgerungsbehörde (naturalization authority) if an exemption applies to you.

Language Test Costs

§ 10 StAG requires you to prove B1 German language skills. If you already have a recognized certificate, you do not need to pay for a new test.

Recognized certificates include:

• Goethe-Institut B1 or higher
• telc Deutsch B1 or higher
• School certificates from a German school (German-language instruction)

If you do not have a certificate, you must take a language test. Approximate costs:

Test Provider	Approximate Cost
Goethe-Institut (B1)	€150 – €200
telc Deutsch B1	€130 – €180
ÖSD B1	€130 – €180

Prices vary by city and test center. Always check directly with the provider.

Document Costs

Your application requires several official documents. Some of these cost money.

Certified translations: Documents not in German need a sworn translator. Expect €50 – €200 per document, depending on length and language.

Official copies: Some documents must be official certified copies. Getting these from your home country can cost €20 – €100, depending on the country.

Biometric passport photos: Around €10 – €15 at a photo shop.

Postage and administrative fees: Minor costs, but worth budgeting €10 – €20.

Can You Get a Fee Reduction?

Yes, in some cases. If you have a very low income or receive certain social benefits, the application fee can be reduced.

The authority decides this based on your situation. Ask your local Einbürgerungsbehörde about a reduction before you apply.

Total Cost: What to Realistically Budget

Here is a realistic total estimate for one adult:

Cost Item	Amount
Application fee	€255
Citizenship test	€25
Language test (if needed)	€0 – €200
Document translations	€0 – €400
Official document copies	€20 – €100
Passport photos	€15
Estimated Total	€315 – €995

Most applicants pay between €315 and €600 in total. If you already have your language certificate and your documents are in German, you stay at the lower end.

What You Get in Return

After naturalization, you receive the Einbürgerungsurkunde — your German citizenship certificate. You can then apply for a German passport.

With German citizenship you can:

• Travel visa-free to over 180 countries
• Live and work in all EU member states
• Vote in German federal and state elections
• Pass citizenship on to your children

Since June 2024, Germany also allows dual citizenship in most cases (Staatsangehörigkeitsreformgesetz). You may be able to keep your original citizenship.

Quick Checklist Before You Apply

• Check your German language certificate (B1 or higher)
• Gather all required documents
• Budget at least €315 for fees
• Register for the citizenship test (€25)
• Ask your Einbürgerungsbehörde about fee reductions

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Dieser Artikel ist Information, keine Rechtsberatung. Für individuelle Fragen wende dich an deine zuständige Einbürgerungsbehörde oder einen Rechtsanwalt.