What requirements do I have to meet to apply for German citizenship?
December 21, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Leonie Eiserfelder
Dear lawyer,
my name is Dora Mühlberg and I have been registered in Germany as a foreign national for several years. I have my main residence here and feel very comfortable in Germany. Now I am considering applying for German citizenship in order to strengthen my ties to this country and to have more rights and opportunities in the future.
Therefore, my question to you is: What requirements do I need to meet in order to apply for German citizenship? I have heard that there are certain criteria that need to be met, such as a certain length of stay, language skills, and integration measures. However, I am unsure if I meet all these criteria and how best to proceed in order to successfully submit the application for citizenship.
Currently, I hold a permanent residence permit in Germany and am firmly rooted here. I speak German at a good level and have also attended some integration courses. Nevertheless, I am unsure if this is enough to obtain German citizenship.
My concerns are that I do not know exactly what documents I need for the application, how long the process will take, and if there may be any possible obstacles or difficulties that I need to be aware of. Therefore, it would be very helpful for me to receive specific information and support from you in order to pursue my desire for a German passport.
I would greatly appreciate your help and advice in order to see things more clearly and realistically assess my chances of obtaining German citizenship.
Thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
Dora Mühlberg
Dear Ms. Mühlberg,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding obtaining German citizenship. I am pleased to hear that you feel comfortable in Germany and have made it your home. I would be happy to provide you with detailed information regarding the requirements and process of the naturalization procedure.
To apply for German citizenship, certain criteria must be met. Firstly, a certain period of residence in Germany is required. For most foreign nationals, this is usually at least eight years. However, there are exceptions for certain groups of people, such as spouses of German citizens, who can apply for naturalization after three years.
Furthermore, good language skills at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, as well as knowledge of the legal and social system in Germany, are required. These can be proven by attending integration courses. If you have already attended integration courses and speak German at a good level, you have already taken an important step towards naturalization.
For the application for German citizenship, you will need various documents, such as your passport, birth certificate, residence permit, proof of means of subsistence, records of your previous stays abroad, and any criminal records. It is important that all documents are submitted fully and correctly to avoid delays in the naturalization process.
The naturalization process can vary in length depending on the federal state and individual case. It usually takes several months to a year for a decision to be made on your application. During the process, there may be inquiries or further evidence requirements from the authorities. It is important that you remain cooperative and patient throughout the entire process.
If you are unsure if you meet all the requirements for naturalization, I recommend seeking advice from an experienced immigration lawyer. A lawyer can help you assess your chances realistically and assist you in preparing and submitting the application.
I hope this information has been helpful to you. If you have any further questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact me.
Best regards,
Leonie Eiserfelder, Attorney
