Germany Naturalization Requirements: 5 Years, B1 German and €255 Fee
Verification date for all fees, thresholds and timing information below: 2026-08-31
For Germany’s naturalisation programme, the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) Naturalisation guidance identifies five years of habitual and regular residence as the standard route, while naturalisation may be possible after three years for applicants who demonstrate exceptional integration. BAMF also requires a qualifying residence status, financial self-sufficiency, no finding of guilt for a criminal act, B1 German, civic knowledge and payment of the €255 individual naturalisation fee; its naturalisation test requires at least 17 correct answers out of 33.
What distinguishes the standard route from the possible three-year route?
| Route | Residence condition | Central qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Standard entitlement route | Habitual and regular residence in Germany for the past five years | An applicant who meets the listed conditions is entitled to naturalisation |
| Possible exceptional-integration route | Naturalisation may be possible after three years | The applicant must demonstrate special aptitude toward integration, such as particularly good academic or professional performance and very good German skills |
The three-year route is possible, not automatic. The BAMF page does not publish a separate three-year checklist or state that the shorter residence period waives the other listed conditions. It separately lists the status, self-support, criminality, language and civic-knowledge requirements, while noting that exceptions or simplifications may be available in specific cases.
What residence status must I hold at naturalisation?
Under BAMF’s summary, an applicant must have one of the following at the time of naturalisation:
- A permanent right of residence;
- A residence permit under the Switzerland–EU agreement;
- An EU Blue Card; or
- A temporary residence permit whose purpose can lead to permanent residence.
Residence history and residence status are separate requirements. Time spent in Germany does not, by itself, establish that the applicant holds one of these statuses.
What other eligibility conditions apply?
| Condition | BAMF requirement |
|---|---|
| Identity and nationality | Provide the relevant information and prove it with an official identity document, such as a passport, or other appropriate official documents |
| Democratic order | Be committed to the free democratic basic order of Germany’s Basic Law |
| Historical responsibility | Acknowledge Germany’s special historical responsibility for National Socialist rule of injustice and its consequences, including the protection of Jewish life, peaceful coexistence of peoples and the prohibition of wars of aggression |
| Financial self-sufficiency | Support yourself and dependent family members without claiming citizens’ allowance or other social benefits under Social Code II or Social Code XII |
| Criminality | Not have been found guilty of a criminal act |
| German language | Demonstrate German knowledge at B1 under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages |
| Civic knowledge | Understand Germany’s legal and social systems and living conditions, usually demonstrated by successfully completing the naturalisation test |
BAMF states that failing one of the conditions means the applicant is not entitled to naturalisation under the standard route. Discretionary naturalisation may nevertheless be possible where there is a public interest and some minimum requirements are fulfilled. This is a case-specific decision for the competent naturalisation authority.
Does B1 German by itself qualify someone for the three-year route?
No. B1 German is the general language level listed in BAMF’s requirements. The description of the possible three-year route instead refers to special aptitude toward integration and very good German skills; it does not describe ordinary B1 certification alone as sufficient for that route.
For someone who has attended an integration course, BAMF says the Zertifikat Integrationskurs can be used as proof of sufficient German when the person reached B1 in the German test for immigrants (DTZ).
What does the naturalisation test involve?
| Test feature | BAMF rule |
|---|---|
| Questions | The test paper contains 33 questions |
| Passing score | At least 17 correct answers |
| Answer format | Each question has four possible answers |
| Time allowed | 60 minutes |
| General content | 30 questions cover living in a democracy, history and responsibility, and people and society |
| State-specific content | 3 questions concern the federal state of primary residence |
| Unsuccessful result | An applicant answering fewer than 17 questions correctly may repeat the test |
After passing, the applicant receives an individual result certificate from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees and can use it to demonstrate civic knowledge to the naturalisation authority. BAMF also states that at least 17 out of 33 points in the Life in Germany test can provide proof of the required knowledge.
The test may be waived for an applicant who:
- Holds a German school-leaving certificate; or
- Cannot meet the requirements because of a physical, mental or psychological illness or disability, or because of age.
What do naturalisation and the test cost?
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Naturalisation for each individual | €255 |
| Naturalisation for a minor travelling through the process with their parents | €51 |
| Naturalisation for a minor proceeding without their parents | €255 |
| Participation in the naturalisation test | €25 |
BAMF states that applicants with very low income, or applicants naturalising together with several children, may receive a reduced fee or agree to payment in instalments. The cited guidance lists the €255 naturalisation fee and €25 test fee separately and does not state that one includes the other.
How do I apply and prepare for the test?
- Seek an advice session: BAMF advises arranging an advice session with the competent authority before submitting the application so possible questions can be clarified in person.
- Find the responsible authority: Application forms are available from the competent naturalisation authority. BAMF directs applicants to the immigration office of their city or municipality, Youth Migration Services, Migration Counselling for Adult Immigrants, or the relevant city or district administration.
- Submit the application: From their 16th birthday, applicants may submit the application themselves. Applicants under 16 require their parents to submit it.
- Register for the test: Registration is available at BAMF test centres. The competent naturalisation authority can answer test questions and recommend local testing centres.
- Prepare with official materials: BAMF provides an interactive online test-centre questionnaire that displays the correct answer after each question, along with sample tests and downloadable PDFs. Some federal states also offer preparation courses; information is available from the local naturalisation authority.
- Attend with valid photo ID: Applicants must bring valid photo identification on the test day.
The cited BAMF guidance does not state a processing time for a naturalisation application. Acceptable evidence and individual circumstances should therefore be confirmed directly with the competent German naturalisation authority.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Can I naturalise after three years merely because I have lived in Germany for three years?
No. BAMF describes the three-year period as possible for applicants who demonstrate special aptitude toward integration, including particularly good academic or professional performance and very good German skills. The shorter period is not an automatic entitlement.
Does B1 German meet the exceptional-integration requirement?
B1 German meets the general German-language level listed in BAMF’s requirements, but it does not by itself demonstrate the special aptitude described for the possible three-year route.
Can I naturalise while holding a temporary residence permit?
A temporary residence permit can satisfy the status condition if its purpose can lead to permanent residence. Other naturalisation requirements still apply.
Does the €255 naturalisation fee include the test?
The cited BAMF guidance lists naturalisation at €255 for each individual and test participation at €25 separately. It does not state that the naturalisation fee includes the test fee.
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Consult a licensed immigration professional before making investment decisions. Requirements for the Spain Golden Visa are subject to change. Always verify with official government sources.