Leben in Deutschland Test

English Guide · Updated September 2026

German Citizenship
Requirements 2026

Everything you need to qualify for German citizenship under the modernised nationality law – explained in English.

Short answer: To become a German citizen in 2026 you need 5 years of lawful residence (3 with exceptional integration), German at level B1, a passed citizenship test (17 of 33 questions correct), a secured livelihood without welfare benefits, no relevant criminal record, and a commitment to the constitution. The fee is 255 euros. Since 27 June 2024 you may generally keep your original citizenship. You can read about the test in English and practice all 460 questions free.

The six requirements in detail

5 years of lawful residence

Reduced from 8 to 5 years by the 2024 reform, and to 3 years for exceptional integration (C1 German plus outstanding achievement at work, in education or volunteering). Spouses of German citizens: usually 3 years of residence and 2 years of marriage.

German at level B1

Proven by a recognised certificate (for example DTZ B1), a German school leaving certificate or a German degree. The accelerated three-year route requires C1. The citizenship test is separate and taken in German.

A passed citizenship test

33 questions in 60 minutes, 17 correct answers needed. All 460 questions are public. Holders of a German school leaving certificate are generally exempt.

Secured livelihood

You must be able to support yourself and your dependants without SGB II or SGB XII benefits. There are exceptions, notably for former guest workers and contract workers.

Commitment to the constitution

A declaration of commitment to the free democratic basic order. Antisemitic, racist or otherwise inhumane acts exclude naturalisation, as do relevant criminal convictions.

Permanent right of residence

At the time of naturalisation you need a settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis), an EU long-term residence permit, or a residence permit that can lead to permanent settlement.

What the 2024 reform changed – and why it matters

The Act to Modernise Nationality Law took effect on 27 June 2024 and changed two things that had blocked people for decades:

  • Residence requirement cut from 8 to 5 years, with a 3-year fast track for exceptional integration.
  • Multiple citizenship generally allowed. The old rule forcing you to renounce your previous nationality is gone. This is the single biggest change for people from countries that do not permit renunciation, and the reason application numbers rose sharply — 291,955 people were naturalised across Germany in 2024.

Children born in Germany to foreign parents acquire German citizenship at birth if one parent has lawfully lived in Germany for at least five years and holds a permanent right of residence.

The practical consequence of the surge: authorities are backlogged. See our processing times by city for what to expect where you live.

The application process, step by step

  1. Check you qualify against the six requirements above. Several cities publish a self-check tool before you apply.
  2. Get your B1 certificate if you do not already have a qualifying German school or university certificate.
  3. Pass the citizenship test. Register at a BAMF-approved test centre (usually the local Volkshochschule), 4–6 weeks ahead; the fee is 25 euros. Practice with the free exam simulator.
  4. Apply at your city's naturalisation authority — not at the BAMF. Many cities now accept the application online. Find the details for Cologne, Dortmund, Nuremberg and other cities.
  5. Submit complete documents. Incomplete applications are the main avoidable cause of delay.
  6. Attend your appointment when the authority invites you, and receive your naturalisation certificate (Einbürgerungsurkunde).

Frequently asked questions

What are the requirements for German citizenship in 2026?
The core requirements are: five years of lawful residence in Germany (reduced to three years for exceptional integration), a permanent right of residence, German language skills at level B1, a passed citizenship test (Einbürgerungstest), the ability to support yourself and your dependents without welfare benefits, no relevant criminal convictions, and a commitment to the free democratic basic order of the German constitution. Since 27 June 2024 you generally no longer have to give up your previous nationality.
How many years do I need to live in Germany before applying?
Five years of lawful habitual residence is the standard under the modernised nationality law (previously eight). It drops to three years for people who show special integration achievements — for example C1 German plus outstanding performance at work, in education or in volunteering. Spouses of German citizens can usually apply after three years of residence and two years of marriage.
What level of German do I need for citizenship?
B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference is the general requirement, proven with a certificate such as the Zertifikat Deutsch / DTZ B1, a German school leaving certificate, or a German degree. For the accelerated three-year route you need C1. Note that the citizenship test itself is separate from the language certificate and is taken in German.
Can I keep my original citizenship when becoming German?
Yes. Since the nationality law reform took effect on 27 June 2024, Germany generally permits multiple citizenship. You no longer have to renounce your previous nationality when you naturalise. Whether your country of origin allows you to keep its citizenship is a separate question governed by that country's own law.
How much does German citizenship cost?
The naturalisation fee is 255 euros per adult and 51 euros for each minor child naturalised together with a parent. The citizenship test costs 25 euros per attempt. Add the cost of documents, certified translations and language certificates, which vary by case.
Do I have to pass a test to become a German citizen?
Yes — the Einbürgerungstest. It has 33 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes and you need 17 correct answers to pass for citizenship purposes. All 460 possible questions are public (300 general plus 10 per federal state) and can be practiced free at leben-test.de. You are exempt if you hold a German school leaving certificate, and in some cases for reasons of age, illness or disability.
How long does the naturalisation process take?
Processing times vary enormously by city — roughly 6 months to over 2 years. Cities that expanded their staff, such as Bochum, roughly halved their times; others in North Rhine-Westphalia still report 18 months or more. The decisive factor you control is submitting a complete application with all documents on the first attempt.
Who is excluded from German citizenship?
Applicants who cannot support themselves without welfare benefits (with exceptions, for example for former guest workers), those with relevant criminal convictions, and anyone who does not accept the free democratic basic order. Antisemitic, racist or other inhumane acts rule out naturalisation.

Note: This guide is general information, not legal advice, and reflects the law as of September 2026. Individual cases are decided by your local naturalisation authority. leben-test.de is independent and not affiliated with the BAMF or any German authority. Sources: quellen.

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