Those who plan to live in Germany or wish to obtain German citizenship often ask questions such as how to become a German citizen and what the application requirements are. Below is a clear guide to the main points and procedures.
How to Apply for German Citizenship
Applicants should be aware of several important steps and required documents. Key information for the German citizenship application is listed below:
- The applicant must go in person to the relevant Citizenship Office (Einbürgerungsbehörde) in their place of residence.
- From the Citizenship Office, applicants must obtain and complete the “Antrag auf Einbürgerung” application form in person.
- Applicants aged 16 or older must submit the application themselves.
- For applicants under 16, the application must be submitted by a parent or legal guardian.
- A birth certificate is required.
- Employed applicants must provide payslips and copies for the last three months.
- If unemployed, applicants must provide documentation of unemployment benefits and copies.
- A passport issued within the last 10 years is required; at least two blank pages must be available.
- A marriage certificate and a copy must be provided if applicable.
- If divorced, a certified court decision and its German translation must be provided.
- Proof of German language proficiency, such as a diploma or school certificate, is required.
- If the applicant has children, school reports for the children should be submitted.
Citizenship Assurance Certificate (Bescheinigung über die Einbürgerungsvoraussetzungen):
This certificate is issued by German authorities to confirm that an applicant meets language proficiency and other requirements for naturalization. The certificate is usually valid for two years and may be extended when necessary.
Certificate of Release from Turkish Citizenship:
If applicable, the original Turkish-language document indicating release from Turkish citizenship, together with identity card and passport, must be submitted. Translations may be required.
Certificate of Naturalization in Germany:
A German translation of the release from the previous citizenship should be included when requested.
After verification of the documents, the applicant must personally sign a declaration affirming loyalty to the German constitution. Certificates proving sufficient German language skills must also be provided.
If no language certificate is presented, the Citizenship Office may require the applicant to take a language test.
An official at the Citizenship Office may ask questions in German and assess the applicant’s ability to understand a daily newspaper text. If language skills are not deemed sufficient, the application may be deferred until the applicant reaches the required level.
If the applicant’s German is found sufficient, naturalization procedures are typically completed within 10–12 weeks. Once approved, a Citizenship Assurance Certificate is issued, usually valid for two years.
What Are the Requirements to Apply for German Citizenship?
There are several criteria for applying for German citizenship. These requirements vary depending on the applicant’s circumstances. The main rules are as follows:
By descent (jus sanguinis):
- A person with at least one German parent is generally considered a German citizen by descent. Since 1 January 2000, if a child is born in Germany, the parent must have lived in Germany for at least eight years or hold a permanent residence permit for at least three years for the child to automatically acquire German citizenship.
By birth in Germany (jus soli):
- If a child is born in Germany to parents who are citizens of another country, certain rules apply under German nationality law. Between ages 18 and 23, such individuals must decide whether to retain German citizenship or the foreign citizenship; failure to declare a choice by age 23 may result in loss of German citizenship.
Under immigration law:
- Under the Nationality Reform Act, a general requirement for naturalization is lawful residence in Germany for eight years. Applicants must have a residence permit or settlement permit, sufficient German language skills, and no serious criminal record.
Other common requirements include:
- Signing a declaration of loyalty to the German constitution.
- Demonstrating German language ability in writing and speaking according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
- Having lived in Germany for eight years (reduced periods may apply in specific cases, such as completion of integration courses).
- Basic knowledge of German social and legal order.
- Being financially self-sufficient through employment and not receiving social assistance.
- For applicants older than 60, residence of 12 years may be considered in certain cases.
- Children adopted by a German citizen may obtain residency rights after three years.
- Clean criminal record.
- No ongoing receipt of social welfare or unemployment benefits.
- Renunciation of previous citizenship(s) is generally required, although exceptions exist.
Anyone over 16 who meets these conditions may apply for German citizenship.
Are People Born in Germany Granted German Citizenship?
Children born in Germany to at least one German parent are generally eligible for German citizenship. Conditions include:
- One parent has lived in Germany for at least eight years,
- The child holds German citizenship until age 16 but must decide between nationalities by age 23 if eligible for dual citizenship.
Can You Obtain German Citizenship by Marrying a German Citizen?
Marriage to a German citizen can facilitate family reunification and residency, but specific conditions must be met to pursue citizenship by marriage.
Typical requirements include:
- Having sufficient income to support yourself in Germany.
- One spouse securing employment within five years after the marriage.
- The marriage must have lasted at least two years.
- A clean criminal record during the marriage period.
- For a permanent residence permit, at least B1 level German is generally required; A1 is not sufficient.
- Living space that meets local authority size requirements.
- Basic knowledge of the Federal Republic of Germany, often demonstrated by completing a 60-hour integration course as required by authorities.
Minor children of a person who acquires German citizenship by marriage may also benefit and obtain German citizenship under certain conditions.
Does Germany Allow Dual Citizenship?
Germany accepts dual citizenship in certain cases and evaluates applications on multiple grounds. Main scenarios for dual citizenship include:
Dual citizenship by birth:
- If a child’s parent is a German citizen, the child can hold both nationalities.
Dual citizenship by naturalization:
- Children born and raised in Germany may be eligible for dual citizenship under specific rules.
Before 1 January 2000:
- People who acquired German citizenship before this date often retained lifelong citizenship rights; rules were amended after 2000.
After 1 January 2000:
- Changes to the law require some persons aged 16–23 to choose which nationality to keep. Failure to take steps within the required period may result in loss of German citizenship.
How to Obtain a German Visa
Visa procedures vary depending on the purpose of travel. Common visa types include:
- Tourist Visa
- Business Visa
- Family Visit Visa
- Transit Visa
- Family Reunification Visa
- Erasmus/Student Exchange Visa
- Investor Visa
- Language Course Visa
- Work Visa
- Driver Visa
- Cultural and Sports Event Visa
- Long-term National Visa
Apply according to the visa category that matches your travel purpose.
How to Apply for a German Visa
Documents typically required for a German visa application include:
- Visa application form in Turkish and German,
- A cover letter explaining the purpose of travel,
- Passport valid for at least three months with at least two blank pages,
- Two biometric photographs (3.5 × 4.5 cm) taken within the last three months,
- Copy of ID card,
- Full population registry extract (vukuatlı nüfus kayıt örneği),
- Payslips,
- Three-month bank statements from your bank,
- Employment documents for employees,
- Tax registration and signature circular for business owners,
- Travel health insurance with coverage of at least €30,000,
- Travel itinerary and accommodation documents,
- Proof of intent to return to Turkey at the end of the visa period.
What Are the Visa Requirements?
Visa requirements may depend on passport type:
- Holders of regular (maroon) passports generally need a visa.
- Holders of diplomatic (black), service (gray), or special passports (green) may have visa-free access for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
How to Obtain a German Residence Permit
There are specific criteria for applying for a German residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis). Important conditions include:
- Ability to communicate orally in German,
- Living space that meets size requirements for the applicant and family,
- Attendance at integration courses when required,
- Possession of relevant educational diplomas where applicable,
- Health insurance coverage for the applicant and family,
- Work authorization and regular income from employment,
- Payment of social security contributions for domestic and international pension insurance where applicable,
- If the applicant supports their family financially, income must be sufficient to cover all family members,
- Knowledge of German law, society, and living conditions,
- Adequate housing space when responsible for dependents.
How to Apply for a Residence Permit
Applicants must submit complete documentation; incomplete applications are typically rejected. There are four main types of residence permits:
- Temporary Residence Permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis)
- Settlement Permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis)
- EU Permanent Residence Permit
- EU Blue Card
You should apply according to the purpose of your stay. Main application requirements for a residence permit include:
- Apply for a National Visa (D-type) when seeking a residence permit.
- National Visa applications must be submitted in person at the consulate.
- Children over 12 must provide fingerprints.
- A valid passport is required.
- Biometric photos (3.5 × 4.5 cm) valid and taken within the required timeframe.
- Travel health insurance with coverage of €30,000 is often required for visa applications.
- All requested documents and forms must be completed and submitted without omissions.
What Are the Conditions for a Residence Permit?
Conditions for obtaining a residence permit include:
- Applying for the appropriate National Visa category.
- Family reunification visas are accepted for family-based residence permits.
- Work permit holders can apply via a work visa to receive a residence permit.
- Students and those coming for education may receive residence permits for study purposes.
Other visas may grant short-term residence rights only.
This article has provided a detailed overview of how to become a German citizen and the application requirements. Applicants who follow these steps and prepare the required documents fully will be better positioned for a successful application.