Germany: obtaining citizenship
Citizenship of Germany opens the door to a full life in one of the most developed countries in Europe. It gives you the right to permanent residence, employment without additional permits, participation in elections, as well as access to social security and education.
In addition to rights, citizenship in Germany also imposes certain obligations: compliance with the laws of the country, participation in the tax system and, in some cases, military duty. That is why the process of obtaining a German passport requires careful preparation and legal accuracy.
Main grounds for acquiring German citizenship
There are several legal ways to obtain German citizenship. Each of them has its own conditions, terms and peculiarities. Legal assistance will help you choose the most appropriate way according to your situation. The most common grounds:
- Birth in Germany. If at least one of the parents has been a permanent resident of Germany for at least 8 years and has the right to stay indefinitely.
- Marriage to a German citizen. After 3 years of marriage and at least 2 years of residence in Germany.
- Naturalisation (Einbürgerung). After 5 or 8 years of legal residence in the country, German language proficiency, financial independence and integration into society.
- Citizenship for children of foreigners. Subject to meeting the criteria for parental residence.
- German citizenship for refugees. Under an accelerated procedure, possibly in 5 years with a high level of integration.
- By descent (ethnic Germans). A simplified path for people of German descent.
- Citizenship for investment. There is no official programme, but business activity and significant investments can influence the authorities' decision on residence permit and, subsequently, citizenship.
Who can obtain German citizenship: general requirements
Obtaining German citizenship requires compliance with a number of mandatory criteria. Even if a person falls into a certain category, this is not enough - they must also meet the basic requirements. Before submitting documents, you should make sure that you meet these criteria:
- Legal residence in Germany for at least 5 or 8 years without interruption
- German language proficiency at B1 level or higher
- Financial self-sufficiency - having a stable income without dependence on social assistance
- No criminal record and no threats to the security of the country
- Knowledge of the basics of the constitution and passing the citizenship test
- Renunciation of previous citizenship (with exceptions)
These requirements may vary depending on the individual case. That is why legal support is important for the correct procedure.
Is dual citizenship allowed in Germany?
Until 2024, Germany generally did not allow all residents to have a second citizenship. However, changes in legislation have opened up new opportunities. Now Germany recognises dual citizenship, in particular for
- Refugees from Ukraine
- Citizens of EU countries and Switzerland
- Children born in mixed marriages
- Persons who cannot renounce their previous citizenship for objective legal reasons
If you want to retain your Ukrainian citizenship and acquire German citizenship, you should consult a lawyer about the current rules and exceptions.
Germany: how to obtain citizenship step by step
The naturalisation procedure has a clear sequence of actions. Below, we present it in the form of a step-by-step guide for easy comprehension.
Step-by-step algorithm:
- Checking eligibility. Before you start the naturalisation process, you need to make sure that you meet all the conditions: from the length of residence (usually at least 5 or 8 years) to the level of German language proficiency (at least B1) and financial independence.
- Collection of documents. The standard package of documents includes a passport, residence permit, income documents, criminal record certificates, a language certificate (e.g. Goethe-Zertifikat) and proof of integration. Some Länder may require additional papers, so it is important to take regional specifics into account.
- Passing the citizenship test. The test consists of questions covering the basics of democracy, history, human rights, and knowledge of regional specifics (e.g. your federal state).
- Submission of the application to the citizenship office (Einbürgerungsbehörde). The collected documents are submitted to the local naturalisation office. In most cases, this can be done in person after an appointment, less often - online or by mail. It is important to fill out the application form without errors and provide translations of all foreign documents.
- Payment of the administrative fee. The standard fee is 255 euros for adults and 51 euros for children. In case of low income, partial or full exemption from payment is possible. The fee is paid once upon submission of the application or after a preliminary review of the case.
- Waiting for a decision. The application processing time depends on the region, the workload of the office and the completeness of the submitted documents. On average, it takes from 6 to 18 months, but in complicated cases, the procedure can take up to 2 years.
- Obtaining a certificate of citizenship. In case of a positive decision, you will receive a certificate. After that, the person acquires full civil rights in Germany.
- Applying for a German passport. The last step is to apply for an internal passport (Personalausweis) and a foreign passport (Reisepass). This can be done at the local Bürgeramt. This process usually takes from several days to several weeks.
Each step is accompanied by specific bureaucratic nuances. A legal advisor will help you avoid mistakes, speed up the process and reduce the risk of rejection.
Benefits of contacting a lawyer
Even in typical situations, the process of acquiring citizenship can be complicated. Involving a lawyer ensures that the procedure is followed strictly, reduces risks and facilitates communication with government agencies. Here is a list of the key benefits of professional support:
Correct execution of documents without inaccuracies
Communication with German authorities and translation of official letters
Reduced timeframe due to competent application
Analysis of previous citizenship and obtaining a residence permit
Preparation for the interview and citizenship test
Support in case of refusal or appeal
Your lawyer will be a reliable intermediary between you and the complex German administrative system.
Frequently asked questions about German citizenship
Question
Is it possible to apply online?
Answer
In most cases, the application must be made in person. However, some Länder allow you to pre-fill out the form online, after which you still need to come to the appointment with the original documents.
Question
What if I fail the citizenship test the first time?
Answer
You can retake the test an unlimited number of times. Some time should pass between attempts. It is important to prepare better, use online platforms or take mock tests with a consultant.
Question
What documents need to be translated and who should do it?
Answer
All documents in Ukrainian or another foreign language must be translated by a sworn translator. Otherwise, the Einbürgerungsbehörde may refuse to consider the application.
ConclusionGerman citizenship is not only a new opportunity, but also a responsibility. Citizenship in Germany for Ukrainians is an important step towards seeking stability, integration and confidence in the future. However, legal nuances, changes in legislation and individual circumstances require a professional approach. Consulting a lawyer guarantees accuracy, time savings and a higher probability of a favourable decision. Don't delay the process - get a consultation today to move confidently towards your new civil status in Germany.
