What requirements must be met to apply for German citizenship?
April 9, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Friedhelm Wagner
Dear lawyer,
My name is Erwin Fritsche and I have been living in Germany as a foreigner with a residence permit for 10 years. I have studied here, been working in a German company for 5 years, and feel very comfortable in Germany. Now I am considering applying for German citizenship to demonstrate my connection to this country and to take advantage of the benefits associated with it.
Therefore, my question to you is: What are the requirements that must be met in order to apply for German citizenship? I am concerned whether I fulfill all the necessary criteria and whether my previous residence permits and work experiences are sufficient to successfully file the application.
I have heard that one must, among other things, prove a certain length of stay in Germany, demonstrate knowledge of German at a specific level, and pass a naturalization test. Additionally, I am wondering if my previous experiences and contributions to German society will be considered sufficient to obtain German citizenship.
I would greatly appreciate your professional assessment and advice on this matter. Could you please explain to me the specific requirements that must be met in order to apply for German citizenship, and what steps I should take for this? Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Erwin Fritsche
Dear Mr. Fritsche,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding German citizenship. I am pleased to hear that you feel comfortable here in Germany and are considering applying for German citizenship to show your connection to the country.
To obtain German citizenship, various requirements must be met. Firstly, you must be able to demonstrate a certain length of stay in Germany. Typically, this is at least 8 years, although exceptions may apply for certain groups of people, such as those with special integration achievements. Since you have been living in Germany with a residence permit for 10 years already, you already meet this requirement.
Furthermore, you must be able to demonstrate German language skills at a certain level. Usually, the B1 language level is considered the minimum requirement. Since you have studied here and have been working in a German company for 5 years, I assume that you have sufficient German language skills. If you are unsure, you can take a language test to prove your language level.
Another important point is the naturalization test that you must pass. This test assesses your knowledge of Germany, its history, society, politics, and legal system. You can prepare for this test by reading relevant literature or taking online courses.
In addition to these formal requirements, your integration into German society and your contribution to society will also be evaluated. Your previous residence permits and work experiences in Germany will certainly be positively considered. It is important that you can demonstrate that you actively participate in society and acknowledge that the German constitution and legal system are binding for you.
To apply for German citizenship, you should contact the naturalization office responsible for you. There, you will receive all necessary information and forms for the application. I recommend that you inform yourself early about the requirements and, if necessary, seek assistance from a lawyer or advisor.
I hope that this information was helpful to you. If you have any further questions or need assistance, I am happy to help.
Best regards,
Friedhelm Wagner
Lawyer
