Question 1

What are the benefits of naturalization?

Accepted Answer

The benefits of naturalization are that you have the same rights as any other German citizen. You can freely choose where and for whom you want to work. As a German citizen, you have the same rights as all EU citizens. Additionally, all basic rights under the German constitution protect you. You can also vote in the German Bundestag elections. Importantly, you can travel to all countries worldwide with a German national passport. Moreover, if you have sufficient creditworthiness, you can now easily obtain a loan, for example, to buy a property.

Question 2

What documents do I typically need for naturalization?

Accepted Answer

You should generally be aware that each case is individual. Typically, you will need the following documents: residence permit, national passport, employer’s certificate, employment contract, proof of income, pension insurance record, language certificate, integration certificate, health insurance certificate, rental agreement, proof of rent payments, passport photo, and a signed declaration of loyalty.

Question 3

What requirements must I meet for naturalization?

Accepted Answer

Every case has a different background. It also depends on which legal regulation you are applying for naturalization under (§ 8, § 9, or § 10 StAG). Take the free test and find out in a few minutes if you meet all the requirements.

Question 4

What conditions do I generally need to fulfill for naturalization?

Accepted Answer

This always depends on the individual case. Generally, you need a legal residence of 3-5 years. Your livelihood must be secure, meaning you should not receive money from the Jobcenter. Contributions to pension insurance are not necessarily required for naturalization. You must generally not have a criminal record, although there are some exceptions. Usually, a German language certificate, at least a B1 level, is required. An integration certificate, such as a naturalization test, is also generally required. Additionally, a valid national passport from your country of origin is typically needed, with many exceptions. The signed declaration of loyalty is also important, and the form is available from the naturalization or immigration authority.

Question 5

Do I need to visit the authorities if I have hired you for naturalization?

Accepted Answer

Before completing the naturalization process, you will receive an appointment at the authorities to personally confirm your loyalty to the constitution. By then, we will have handled all the legal tasks for you.

Question 6

When do I need different or additional documents for naturalization?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your individual case. For example, students, trainees, self-employed individuals, disabled people, and retirees are exempt from some documents or need different ones.

Question 7

What is the process like on the way to naturalization if I have hired the law firm?

Accepted Answer

Click on the link for naturalization to see our step-by-step plan for both applications. However, you will be informed by email about every single step of the procedure during the mandate.

Question 8

Are the periods during the asylum procedure counted towards naturalization?

Accepted Answer

If you have received a positive asylum decision, all periods from the time of your asylum application will be counted towards your residence time for naturalization.

Question 9

When will dual citizenship be available to everyone in Germany?

Accepted Answer

As of November 2023, it is planned that the new naturalization law will be passed in 2024. If this happens, no one will have to give up their old citizenship, automatically granting dual citizenship.

Question 10

What is the naturalization assurance?

Accepted Answer

In cases where I must renounce my old citizenship, I first receive a naturalization assurance. Once I provide proof that I have given up my old citizenship, the assurance is converted into a naturalization certificate, making me a German citizen from that point.

Question 11

How long is the naturalization assurance valid?

Accepted Answer

The naturalization assurance is generally valid for two years. If the new naturalization law is introduced in 2024, this step will be eliminated as it will no longer be necessary to renounce the old citizenship.

Question 12

Do I have to give up my old citizenship?

Accepted Answer

No, dual citizenship is possible if the country of origin allows it.

Question 13

Do I need a permanent employment contract for naturalization?

Accepted Answer

No, a permanent employment contract is not mandatory for naturalization. However, if you have frequently relied on job center assistance in the past, a permanent contract may help with the prognosis decision. The idea that naturalization is only possible with a permanent contract is incorrect.

Question 14

Can I receive housing benefits and still apply for naturalization?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can receive housing benefits and still apply for naturalization. Receiving housing benefits does not affect your naturalization process.

Question 15

Is it a problem if I don’t have an employment contract for naturalization?

Accepted Answer

It is generally better to have an employment contract for naturalization, as it simplifies proving your means of support. Without a contract, you should not be receiving money from the job center. If you are only briefly receiving unemployment benefits (Unemployment Benefit I), this usually does not pose an issue for naturalization.

Question 16

How much money do I need to earn to be eligible for naturalization?

Accepted Answer

The calculation of sufficient income for naturalization is complex. It depends on your age, rent, marital status, and the number of children. The key is that you should not be receiving money from the job center. If you do not receive such assistance, it can be assumed that your means of support are secured, and you are earning enough.

Question 17

Can I be naturalized if I receive money from the job center?

Accepted Answer

Generally, receiving money from the job center makes naturalization impossible. However, there are strict and rare exceptions where you might be eligible if you are receiving benefits through no fault of your own.

Question 18

If I receive sickness benefits, can I still be naturalized?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can receive sickness benefits and still apply for naturalization. Receiving sickness benefits does not affect your eligibility for naturalization.

Question 19

What state benefits can I receive when being naturalized?

Accepted Answer

You can receive child benefits, child allowance, housing benefits, parental allowance, educational allowance, sickness benefits, advance maintenance payments, BAföG (student financial aid), and vocational training grants (BAB) when you are naturalized.

Question 20

Do I need 60 months of pension insurance contributions for naturalization?

Accepted Answer

The decisive factor is the prognosis decision by the naturalization authority, not the number of pension insurance contributions. Depending on the federal state, pension months may be considered differently in the prognosis evaluation, but there is no rule that dictates how many pension insurance months are required for naturalization.

Question 21

Can I be naturalized if I have an open criminal case?

Accepted Answer

The naturalization process can proceed, but the criminal case must be concluded. As long as the allowed penalty limit is not exceeded, open cases are not an issue but may delay the naturalization process.

Question 22

When are criminal records expunged in Germany, allowing me to be naturalized?

Accepted Answer

The expungement of criminal records is governed by § 46 BZRG. Depending on the offense, the expungement periods generally range from 5 to 15 years.

Question 23

Can I be naturalized if I have no entries in my criminal record?

Accepted Answer

This cannot be determined universally. It is always necessary to check whether your offenses have been expunged according to § 46 BZRG.

Question 24

Can I be naturalized with sentences exceeding 90 daily rates or 3 months imprisonment?

Accepted Answer

If the penalty exceeds the limit by approximately 10% (about 100 daily rates or 3.5 months imprisonment), naturalization is still possible.

Question 25

Can I be naturalized despite having a criminal record?

Accepted Answer

If your criminal record does not exceed a maximum of 90 daily rates or 3 months imprisonment, naturalization is generally possible without issue. The relevant legal regulation can be found in § 12a of the Nationality Act (StAG).

Question 26

Can I be naturalized without a language certificate?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are 5 exceptions:
1. If you have attended a German school for 4 years and were promoted to the next grade.
2. If you have a German school diploma (starting from the 9th grade).
3. If you have successfully completed vocational training in Germany.
4. If you have successfully completed a university degree in the German language.
5. If you obviously speak fluent German without a language certificate. However, the requirements are relatively high.

Question 27

What language certificate do I need for naturalization?

Accepted Answer

Normally, you need a B1 language certificate.

Question 28

With which language certificates can I be naturalized faster?

Accepted Answer

If you have at least a B2 language certificate, you can be naturalized after 6 years in Germany.

Question 29

Can I be naturalized without taking the citizenship test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are at least three exceptions:
– If you have a German school diploma.
– If you have a German vocational qualification, and subjects like politics, social studies, law, or similar were part of your training.
– If you have a German university degree, and subjects like politics, social studies, law, or similar were part of your studies.

Question 30

Do I need to take a citizenship test in Germany?

Accepted Answer

Generally, yes. But don’t worry, it’s one of the easiest tests you can take in Germany. You can find all the information about the German citizenship test.

Question 31

What is the Stufenmodell (step model) for naturalization without a national passport?

Accepted Answer

Since there are many different cases where people cannot obtain a valid national passport, Germany has developed the Stufenmodell (step model). This model defines when you can be naturalized without a passport and without documents.

Question 32

What are the different stages in the Stufenmodell?

Accepted Answer

Stage 1: National Passport - If you do not have a valid national passport from your home country and can prove that it is impossible to obtain one, you do not need a passport for naturalization. Stage 2: Biometric Documents - If you do not have biometric documents and can prove that obtaining them is impossible, you do not need these documents either. Stage 3: Other Documents - If you do not have other documents and can prove that obtaining them is impossible, you can still be naturalized. Stage 4: Alternative Proof of Identity - If you lack documents from the first three stages, your identity can be verified through witnesses, a DNA test, or your own statements.

Question 33

Why do people from Eritrea not need a national passport?

Accepted Answer

If you left Eritrea illegally and later apply for a national passport, the Eritrean government requires a declaration of remorse. Germany considers this declaration unacceptable, allowing you to be naturalized without a national passport, but you must meet requirements from Stage 2 onward of the Stufenmodell.

Question 34

When can I be naturalized without a valid national passport?

Accepted Answer

If you do not have a valid national passport, naturalization becomes complicated. First, your identity must be verified. You either need to obtain a valid national passport or qualify for an exception under the Stufenmodell.

Question 35

Are documents from Somalia recognized?

Accepted Answer

Documents issued in Somalia after 1991 are not accepted by Germany. However, naturalization is still possible if you have a national passport or meet the requirements of the Stufenmodell.

Question 36

Do I need a national passport from my country of origin for naturalization?

Accepted Answer

Generally, yes, but there are many exceptions.

Question 37

What is the difference between the settlement permit and naturalization?

Accepted Answer

The settlement permit provides permanent residence rights, while naturalization makes you a German citizen. Naturalization grants you the same rights as other German citizens, which the settlement permit does not.

Question 38

What does the new naturalization law entail?

Accepted Answer

The new law will remove Section 10, Paragraph 4 of the German Nationality Act (StAG), recognizing dual citizenship. It will also allow naturalization after 5 years instead of 8, with special integration achievements allowing naturalization in just 3 years.

Question 39

When will the new naturalization law be implemented?

Accepted Answer

The planned new naturalization law is expected to come into effect in 2024.

Question 40

What are the advantages of the new naturalization law?

Accepted Answer

The expected benefits include naturalization after 5 years instead of 8, naturalization after 3 years instead of 6, dual citizenship for everyone, and German citizenship at birth if one parent has had permanent residency in Germany for 5 years.

Question 41

How can I be naturalized after 5 years under the new law?

Accepted Answer

Naturalization will be possible after 5 years instead of 8, provided all requirements are met, including 5 years of lawful residence, secured livelihood, no significant criminal record, sufficient language skills (B1 certificate), the German naturalization test, and a valid national passport or verified identity.

Question 42

How can I be naturalized after 3 years under the new law?

Accepted Answer

To be naturalized after 3 years, you will need at least a C1 language certificate.

Question 43

Will dual citizenship be possible with all countries under the new law?

Accepted Answer

Yes, under the new law, dual citizenship will be possible with any country. The requirement to renounce your original citizenship when naturalizing in Germany will be removed.

Question 44

What changes are there for Turkish citizens under the new naturalization law?

Accepted Answer

Turkish citizens, like other foreign nationals, will be able to retain their Turkish citizenship when naturalizing in Germany. This new provision allows for dual citizenship without problems.

Question 45

Can I, as a German, regain my former citizenship under the new naturalization law?

Accepted Answer

With the new law, dual citizenship will be allowed. This means you can become a dual citizen if your home country recognizes dual citizenship and you apply for the citizenship you had previously given up.

Question 46

Will there be any changes to the integration course with the new naturalization law?

Accepted Answer

People who have lived in Germany for several decades will have certain facilitations under the new naturalization law, including the removal of the naturalization test for these individuals.

German Citizenship FAQ (Einbürgerung)

German Naturalization FAQ

Overview of the German Citizenship FAQ

Understanding Eligibility for German Citizenship

Dual Citizenship: Can You Keep Your Other Nationality?

Rights and Responsibilities of German Citizens

Staying Prepared for the Citizenship Process