How can I apply for German citizenship?
July 12, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Friedhelm Wagner
Dear lawyer,
My name is Leonie Weinert and I have been residing in Germany for over ten years. I have a stable job, pay my taxes, and am well integrated. Now I would like to apply for German citizenship in order to solidify my belonging to this country.
Currently, I hold citizenship of another country and I have already researched that I must meet certain requirements for naturalization. For example, I have heard that I must take a naturalization test and prove sufficient knowledge of German.
However, my concern is that I do not know exactly how to approach this process. What documents are required? Are there specific deadlines I must meet? And how long does it usually take for my application to be decided upon?
I would greatly appreciate your support and advice in realizing my desire for German citizenship. Could you please explain to me the best way to proceed in successfully submitting my application for naturalization?
Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Leonie Weinert
Dear Mrs. Weinert,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding naturalization in Germany. I am pleased to hear that you are interested in obtaining German citizenship and have the desire to solidify your affiliation with this country. I will be happy to assist you in understanding and successfully navigating the naturalization process.
To apply for German citizenship, you generally need to meet the following requirements:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must have lived legally and regularly in Germany for at least eight years.
- You must have sufficient knowledge of the German language.
- You must be able to support yourself financially.
- You must not have committed any serious crimes.
Additionally, you will need to pass a naturalization test, which includes questions on German history, politics, and society. You will also need to apply for a naturalization certificate and submit various documents, such as your passport, a certified copy of your birth certificate, and possibly evidence of your professional and family background.
There are no fixed deadlines to meet, but it is advisable to submit your naturalization application as early as possible to avoid delays. The processing time can vary depending on the authority and individual case, but usually takes several months to a year before a decision is made on your application.
To successfully submit your application, I recommend seeking assistance from a naturalization advisory center or an immigration law attorney. They can help you compile the necessary documents, prepare for the naturalization test, and support you throughout the entire process.
I hope this information is helpful to you and I am available for any further questions you may have. I wish you success in your endeavor to obtain German citizenship.
Sincerely,
Friedhelm Wagner
Attorney at Law
