# Einbürgerung 2026: requirements, application and the Einbürgerungstest > 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. Last checked: 2026-09-29 · Every fact links to its official source; the official source always prevails. ## Key facts - **Residence:** At least 5 years living in Germany, with a long-term residence right (e.g. Niederlassungserlaubnis) ([Source](https://www.publikationen-bundesregierung.de/resource/blob/2277952/2394732/2e5bc3b91eaeb66554819f98f22b6eda/mein-weg-zum-deutschen-pass-11-2025-download-ib-data.pdf?download=1)) - **Language:** German at B1 (from age 16) ([Source](https://www.publikationen-bundesregierung.de/resource/blob/2277952/2394732/2e5bc3b91eaeb66554819f98f22b6eda/mein-weg-zum-deutschen-pass-11-2025-download-ib-data.pdf?download=1)) - **Citizenship test:** 33 questions (30 general + 3 on your state), 60 minutes, pass with 17 correct; €25 ([Source](https://www.bamf.de/DE/Themen/Integration/ZugewanderteTeilnehmende/Einbuergerung/einbuergerung.html)) - **Fee:** €255 per person; €51 per minor child naturalised with a parent ([Source](https://www.publikationen-bundesregierung.de/resource/blob/2277952/2394732/2e5bc3b91eaeb66554819f98f22b6eda/mein-weg-zum-deutschen-pass-11-2025-download-ib-data.pdf?download=1)) - **Where to apply:** The Einbürgerungsbehörde (Staatsangehörigkeitsbehörde) where you live ([Source](https://www.publikationen-bundesregierung.de/resource/blob/2277952/2394732/2e5bc3b91eaeb66554819f98f22b6eda/mein-weg-zum-deutschen-pass-11-2025-download-ib-data.pdf?download=1)) - **Dual citizenship:** Allowed since 27 June 2024 (check your other country’s rules) ([Source](https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/-/2664214)) - **Decision time:** No national decision period is published; it depends on your office ([Source](https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/-/2664214)) ## Steps 1. **Check the requirements** 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. ([Source](https://www.publikationen-bundesregierung.de/resource/blob/2277952/2394732/2e5bc3b91eaeb66554819f98f22b6eda/mein-weg-zum-deutschen-pass-11-2025-download-ib-data.pdf?download=1)) 2. **Prove B1 German** 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. ([Source](https://www.publikationen-bundesregierung.de/resource/blob/2277952/2394732/2e5bc3b91eaeb66554819f98f22b6eda/mein-weg-zum-deutschen-pass-11-2025-download-ib-data.pdf?download=1)) 3. **Book the Einbürgerungstest** 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). ([Source](https://www.bamf.de/DE/Themen/Integration/ZugewanderteTeilnehmende/Einbuergerung/einbuergerung.html)) 4. **Practise the official questions** 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. ([Source](https://www.bamf.de/DE/Themen/Integration/ZugewanderteTeilnehmende/OnlineTestcenter/online-testcenter-node.html)) 5. **Submit the application** 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. ([Source](https://www.publikationen-bundesregierung.de/resource/blob/2277952/2394732/2e5bc3b91eaeb66554819f98f22b6eda/mein-weg-zum-deutschen-pass-11-2025-download-ib-data.pdf?download=1)) 6. **Wait for the decision** 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. ([Source](https://www.bamf.de/DE/Themen/Integration/ZugewanderteTeilnehmende/Einbuergerung/einbuergerung.html)) ## What are the requirements for German citizenship? 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](https://www.publikationen-bundesregierung.de/resource/blob/2277952/2394732/2e5bc3b91eaeb66554819f98f22b6eda/mein-weg-zum-deutschen-pass-11-2025-download-ib-data.pdf?download=1)) ## Where do I submit the application (Einbürgerungsantrag)? 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](https://www.publikationen-bundesregierung.de/resource/blob/2277952/2394732/2e5bc3b91eaeb66554819f98f22b6eda/mein-weg-zum-deutschen-pass-11-2025-download-ib-data.pdf?download=1)) ## How much does naturalisation cost? €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](https://www.publikationen-bundesregierung.de/resource/blob/2277952/2394732/2e5bc3b91eaeb66554819f98f22b6eda/mein-weg-zum-deutschen-pass-11-2025-download-ib-data.pdf?download=1)) ## How do I register for the Einbürgerungstest? There are no national dates. Your Einbürgerungsbehörde names test centres near you; you book a date there and pay €25. ([Source](https://www.bamf.de/DE/Themen/Integration/ZugewanderteTeilnehmende/Einbuergerung/einbuergerung.html)) ## What is in the Einbürgerungstest and when do I pass? 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](https://www.bamf.de/DE/Themen/Integration/ZugewanderteTeilnehmende/Integrationskurse/Abschlusspruefung/abschlusspruefung-node.html)) ## How long does the Einbürgerungstest result take? BAMF sends a certificate. In September 2026 it was evaluating tests taken up to 9 July 2026, so expect several weeks. ([Source](https://www.bamf.de/DE/Themen/Integration/ZugewanderteTeilnehmende/Einbuergerung/einbuergerung.html)) ## Do I have to give up my current nationality? No. Since 27 June 2024 Germany allows multiple citizenship. Your other country may have its own rules; check with its embassy. ([Source](https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/-/2664214)) ## Is there still a fast route after 3 years? No. The Bundestag abolished the 3-year route on 8 October 2025; the normal minimum is 5 years. ([Source](https://www.bundestag.de/dokumente/textarchiv/2025/kw41-de-staatsangehoerigkeit-1111756)) ## Free practice on EUpassway - [All official questions with answers](https://eupassway.com/en/ueben/fragenkatalog) - [Practice by topic](https://eupassway.com/en/ueben) ## Official sources - [Bundesregierung — Mein Weg zum deutschen Pass (11/2025)](https://www.publikationen-bundesregierung.de/resource/blob/2277952/2394732/2e5bc3b91eaeb66554819f98f22b6eda/mein-weg-zum-deutschen-pass-11-2025-download-ib-data.pdf?download=1) - [BAMF — Einbürgerung](https://www.bamf.de/DE/Themen/Integration/ZugewanderteTeilnehmende/Einbuergerung/einbuergerung.html) - [BAMF — Abschlussprüfung Leben in Deutschland](https://www.bamf.de/DE/Themen/Integration/ZugewanderteTeilnehmende/Integrationskurse/Abschlusspruefung/abschlusspruefung-node.html) - [BAMF — Online-Testcenter](https://www.bamf.de/DE/Themen/Integration/ZugewanderteTeilnehmende/OnlineTestcenter/online-testcenter-node.html) - [Auswärtiges Amt — Staatsangehörigkeitsrecht](https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/-/2664214) - [Deutscher Bundestag — Staatsangehörigkeit (8.10.2025)](https://www.bundestag.de/dokumente/textarchiv/2025/kw41-de-staatsangehoerigkeit-1111756) --- This page: https://eupassway.com/en/register/einbuergerung Cite as: EUpassway (2026). Einbürgerung 2026: requirements, application and the Einbürgerungstest. https://eupassway.com/en/register/einbuergerung EUpassway is independent and not affiliated with DUO, BAMF or any exam organisation. License: CC BY 4.0.