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Papers · Germany
Updated September 2026

🏳️ How do I apply for citizenship, and who helps with the application?

Direct answer

Naturalisation has conditions (years of lawful residence, language level, integration test, income, no serious record), a procedure (application at Ausländerbehörde / BAMF (bamf.de), fee, interview, a decision within a legal deadline that is often exceeded), and consequences you should check first — whether you may keep your current nationality. Bürgeramt / Einwohnermeldeamt (bmi.bund.de) confirms your registration history, which is the proof of residence years. Amtsgericht — Beratungshilfe / Prozesskostenhilfe (bmj.de) advises for free if the case is complicated (gaps, a refusal, a criminal record).

Call firstAusländerbehörde / BAMF
Report toBürgeramt / Einwohnermeldeamt
If that failsAmtsgericht — Beratungshilfe / Prozesskostenhilfe

🗣️ What to say

"I have lived lawfully in Germany since [date] and hold [permit]. I would like to apply for naturalisation. Which conditions apply to my case, which documents do you need, what is the fee and the expected processing time?"

🪜 Step by step

  1. Check the conditionsYears, language level, test, income. Ausländerbehörde / BAMF's site has a checklist; migrant-support organisations run free info sessions.
  2. Collect proofRegistration history from Bürgeramt / Einwohnermeldeamt, permits, language certificate, tax and income records, birth certificate with apostille and translation.
  3. Dual nationality?Check both countries' rules before applying; some require renunciation, some do not.
  4. Apply at Ausländerbehörde / BAMFFee is due at filing. Ask for the legal decision deadline and note it.
  5. Refused: objectWithin the deadline, with reasons; Amtsgericht — Beratungshilfe / Prozesskostenhilfe helps. Many refusals are about missing documents, not eligibility.

📇 All contacts

Ausländerbehörde / BAMFResidence permits, naturalisation, pending-application certificatesFor residence and citizenship🔗 www.bamf.de
Bürgeramt / EinwohnermeldeamtRegistration, certificates, tax ID, ID cardsWithin 14 days of moving in🔗 www.bmi.bund.de
Amtsgericht — Beratungshilfe / ProzesskostenhilfeFree legal advice and court costs on low incomeWhen you cannot afford a lawyer🔗 www.bmj.de/DE/themen/gerichtsverfahren/beratungshilfe_prozesskostenhilfe/beratungshilfe_prozesskostenhilfe_node.html
Petitionsausschuss / Bürgerbeauftragte der LänderComplaints about authorities, inaction, unfair treatmentWhen the authority does not answer or acts unfairly🔗 epetitionen.bundestag.de

❓ Frequently asked

Do my children get citizenship too?

Usually included in the parent's application if minors and living with you; ask to add them explicitly.

I was abroad for a year in between

Long absences can break the residence count; check the rule for Germany before you apply, and explain the reason if allowed.

How long does it take?

From several months to a couple of years. The legal deadline gives you a lever (notice of default) if it is exceeded.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

  • “apply citizenship Germany”
  • “naturalisation requirements Germany”
  • “citizenship test language level”
  • “dual nationality allowed Germany”
  • “naturalisation refused appeal”

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

⏳Residence permit delay→🔢National ID number→📜Apostille→🎓Diploma recognition→

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