As of 11 November 2026
Residence and identity
At least five years of lawful habitual residence are generally required. Identity and nationality must be established; not every residence title qualifies. Special cases and creditable periods require individual review.
Language and other conditions
B1 German and knowledge of the legal and social order are generally required. Livelihood, constitutional commitments and criminal matters also matter. Statutory exceptions exist.
Prepare for review
Collect your passport, residence title, residence history, income and language evidence and, where relevant, the naturalisation test. A complete assessment depends on your individual case; this guide cannot replace it.
Official sources
Naturalisation: preparing your next stepNon-binding orientation, not legal advice or an eligibility guarantee. Further requirements, exceptions and your documents need individual review. Answers are not stored or sent.