The naturalisation process
Application
Even if you have already lived in Germany for at least eight years, naturalisation does not take place automatically. Instead you must submit a written application to the competent Einbürgerungsbehörde (naturalisation authority). There you will receive individual advice and an application form, which you must complete and submit with the necessary documents. Persons aged 16 and over can apply for naturalisation themselves, while parents or other persons with parental responsibility can apply for children.
Paying fees
As a rule, a fee of 255 euros is payable when applying for naturalisation. If children are naturalised together with their parents, the fee is 51 euros per child. If a child is naturalised alone, a fee of 255 euros is also charged. However, a fee reduction or exemption is possible in exceptional cases, for example for applicants on a low income or when several children are naturalised.
Certificate of naturalisation
Once your application has been examined and accepted, the Einbürgerungsbehörde (naturalisation authority) will give you instructions on what to do next. Depending on the federal state, you may have to arrange the renunciation of your previous nationality yourself by obtaining an Einbürgerungszusicherung (assurance of naturalisation), which can be presented at the consulate of your country of origin. If acquiring German nationality means that your previous nationality is lost automatically, or if renouncing it is not possible or not reasonable, nothing further should stand in the way of your naturalisation. Finally you receive an Einbürgerungsurkunde (certificate of naturalisation), which is usually handed to you in person or at a naturalisation ceremony and confers German nationality.
The duration of the overall process varies from case to case and can in some cases take several months. It is best to contact your Einbürgerungsbehörde (naturalisation authority) to obtain a more precise estimate.
Applying for a German identity card and passport
After you have received the certificate of naturalisation, you can apply at the Einwohnermeldeamt (residents’ registration office) of your place of residence for a German identity card and/or passport, so that you can identify yourself if required. You must hold at least one of these documents when you are staying in Germany. Issuing the identity documents usually takes several weeks before they are ready for collection.