How To Apply for Naturalization In Germany
- Contact your local government or foreigners authority, or advice services for adults or young people to learn which places you can make an application. The Federal Office of Administration in Cologne (Bundesverwaltungsamt) is responsible for the naturalization of persons permanently living abroad. In these situations, the local German consular representation (embassy consulate general, consulate or another consular office) is able to be reached to inquire about the process.
- One of the requirements for making an application for naturalization includes passing an Naturalization Test
How To Apply for Naturalization In Germany - The children born in Germany to parents from abroad are granted German citizenship upon birth in the event that at least one parent was legally a residents from Germany during a minimum of 8 years and is a holder of an ongoing residence permit. The civil registry office in the local area will inform parents of their child’s attainment of German citizenship. From the time that the child were 18 years old, until their 23rd birthday they will have to decide between German citizenship and the citizenship the parents. If they decide to choose German citizenship, then they have to show evidence to the authority that regulates nationality that they have abdicated any other citizenship prior to the age of 23. To keep their other citizenship, they need to make the application required to the authority responsible for nationality before they turn 21. If there’s any doubt about whether the citizenship of the other can be given up by the time the child turns 23 years old the application must be made in the event of a need.
Documents Required Apply for Naturalization
- Evidence that you have renounced the citizenship you previously held
- Police certificates
- Evidence that you took and passed the test to naturalize
- Other documents will be requested from the person applying. You can contact your local authority, such as the foreigners authority , or immigration advisory services for teenagers or adults peopleto determine the documents required.
Office Locations and Contacts
Federal Ministry of InteriorPublic contact number Contact number: +49 228 99 681 0 or +4930 18 681 0
From Monday to Friday, from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm
Email: eID_buergerservice@bmi.bund.de
What Ar All The Eligibility
Foreign nationals who have resided in Germany continuously and legally for a period of eight years can be granted German citizenship by naturalization. The applicant must also meet the following fundamental requirements:
- Represents the right of permanent residence as of naturalization
- It is a good idea to renounce the previous citizenship
- Be familiar with the social system, legal system and lifestyle in Federal Republic of Germany (naturalization test)
- Self-sufficiency without relying on social aid
- Written and oral German language proficiency equivalent to the level B1 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
- No criminal convictions
- The commitment to the constitutional foundations of democracy and freedom
Note:
Certain exceptions to naturalization requirement may be made to certain groups.
Fees
- Naturalization fee: 255 euros per person
- Fee for naturalization of minor children who have been naturalized with their parents 51 euros for each child.
The document is needed
- Citizenship is the connection between an individual and a nation or an group of states. The right to be a citizen is usually connected with the ability to live and work in a nation and take part in the political system. One method by which foreigners is able to become a citizen of the country where he/she is living in is by naturalization.
- Following are the steps to apply to be naturalized.
Information that can be useful
The naturalization test is being taken.
- In essence, the test for naturalization can be used to determine if the applicant has a basic understanding about the German legal system and social conditions. The test comprises 33 questions, including three that are only applicable for the German state in which an applicant lives. Candidates must select the right answer from four different options. To passthe test, applicants must complete 17 questions correctly. In recent times more than 90 percent of applicants have been able to pass the test. People who are younger than 16 years old and those who don’t pass the test due to disability, illness or age are not required be tested. Anyone who completed their studies at an German school or has completed a German higher education in law , administrative, political, or social sciences do not need to pass the exam.
- The test can be downloaded at the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees website. Once you’ve answered all questions and you are able to determine the questions you answered correctly. After that, you can go through the correct answers, including some brief details about the background. You can also respond to an interactive set of questions on the internet. When each question has been answered your correct response will be shown.
- The online test is completely free. There are many private firms that offer assistance to applicants learn about the process of taking their naturalization test however, information regarding the cost of these services is usually not included within “small small print”. Make sure you review the conditions and terms carefully prior to signing up to anything.
Other uses for the document/certificate
Naturalization gives the citizen the following benefits:
- Right to vote
- Rights fundamental to the constitution (freedom of gathering and freedom of association; the freedom to move; and freedom of being employed)
- Inalienable right to reside
- Civil servants are eligible for the civil service.
- Mobility is free throughout the EU
- Consular protection abroad
- Visa exemption in a number of countries
External Links
- Federal Ministry of Interior:
- Federal Office for Migration and Refugees:
Notice: Some fees may be reduced or waived for specific groups.