Germany · Register, cost, result
You apply for German citizenship at the naturalisation office (Einbürgerungsbehörde) where you live. You usually need 5 years of residence, German at B1, a passed Einbürgerungstest (at least 17 of 33), enough income without Jobcenter or social benefits, and a commitment to the constitution. The fee is €255 per adult; you may keep your current nationality.
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From the official BAMF catalogue. You see the official answer after each question.
5 years in Germany, a long-term residence permit, B1 German, the Einbürgerungstest, income without Jobcenter or social benefits (with exceptions), commitment to the free democratic basic order and to Germany’s historical responsibility, and no relevant criminal conviction. publikationen-bundesregierung.de ↗
For example with the DTZ at B1 from the integration course, a Goethe or telc B1 certificate, or a German school or university degree. Ask your office which certificate it accepts before you book an exam. publikationen-bundesregierung.de ↗
Your Einbürgerungsbehörde names test centres near you (often adult education centres); you book a date there and pay €25. Exempt: anyone who passed “Leben in Deutschland” in the integration course with at least 17 correct answers, or has a German school-leaving certificate (ask your office about a German degree). bamf.de ↗
All questions come from the official BAMF catalogue: 300 general questions plus 10 for your state. Practise all of them; the BAMF Online-Testcenter and EUpassway both show the official answers. bamf.de ↗
Ask your office for its checklist (identity papers, residence history, proof of income, B1 certificate, test result) and submit the application there. The fee is €255 per adult. publikationen-bundesregierung.de ↗
There is no national decision period; it depends on your office. Plan extra time for the test result: in September 2026 BAMF was still evaluating tests taken up to 9 July 2026. bamf.de ↗
Usually 5 years of residence, a long-term residence permit, German at B1, a passed Einbürgerungstest, income without Jobcenter or social benefits, commitment to the constitution and no relevant criminal conviction.
Source: publikationen-bundesregierung.de · checked 2026-09-29
At the local Staatsangehörigkeitsbehörde (Einbürgerungsbehörde). The city or district administration, the Ausländerbehörde, a migration counselling service or the phone number 115 can tell you which office is yours.
Source: publikationen-bundesregierung.de · checked 2026-09-29
€255 per person and €51 per minor child naturalised with a parent. The Einbürgerungstest (€25), identity documents and the language certificate cost extra. Ask about a reduction or instalments if your income is very low.
Source: publikationen-bundesregierung.de · checked 2026-09-29
There are no national dates. Your Einbürgerungsbehörde names test centres near you; you book a date there and pay €25.
Source: bamf.de · checked 2026-09-29
33 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes: 30 on democracy, history and society and 3 on your federal state. You pass with at least 17 correct answers.
Source: bamf.de · checked 2026-09-29
BAMF sends a certificate. In September 2026 it was evaluating tests taken up to 9 July 2026, so expect several weeks.
Source: bamf.de · checked 2026-09-29
No. Since 27 June 2024 Germany allows multiple citizenship. Your other country may have its own rules; check with its embassy.
Source: auswaertiges-amt.de · checked 2026-09-29
No. The Bundestag abolished the 3-year route on 8 October 2025; the normal minimum is 5 years.
Source: bundestag.de · checked 2026-09-29
Plain text for AI assistants: einbuergerung.md
EUpassway is independent and not affiliated with DUO, BAMF or any exam organisation. Rules, fees and dates change; the official source always prevails.