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Complete reform since June 2024 — StARModG
The Citizenship Modernization Act (Staatsangehörigkeitsmodernisierungsgesetz — StARModG) entered into force on June 27, 2024. It reduced the minimum residence from 8 to 5 years and explicitly introduced the right to dual citizenship for all naturalized persons.
| Requirement | Before June 2024 | From June 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum residence | 8 years | 5 years |
| Dual citizenship | Generally prohibited | Explicitly allowed |
| Fast track (special contribution) | Did not exist | Abolished Oct. 2025 |
| German level | B1 | B1 (unchanged) |
| Einbürgerungstest | Mandatory | Mandatory (unchanged) |
3-year fast track abolished in October 2025
Counted from the day of first lawful residence in Germany. Short absences (vacation, family visit — up to 6 months per year) do not interrupt continuity. Residence under a rejected asylum procedure does not count.
You must have a Niederlassungserlaubnis (unlimited residence permit), EU Blue Card, or certain types of limited permits compatible with the naturalization application. Temporary permits (e.g. student) generally do not meet the requirement.
B1 certificate or higher: Goethe-Institut, telc, ÖSD, DTZ. Alternative: completed German school, studies or Abitur in German, or working in German for a minimum of 7 years.
33 questions, passing at minimum 17. Register at oet.bamf.de. Cost 25 EUR. Note: § 10 Abs. 6 StAG exception for persons over 55 applies exclusively to the language requirement (B1) — not to the Einbürgerungstest itself. The test is mandatory for older applicants too. Only persons with proven special difficulties (e.g. serious illness or disability) are exempt.
You and your family must not receive Bürgergeld (formerly Hartz IV) or social assistance (Sozialhilfe), unless this occurred independently of your will (e.g. job loss due to illness or economic recession through no fault of your own).
Proof of pension insurance payments through employment, self-employment or voluntary contributions. Statement from Deutsche Rentenversicherung is the standard proof.
Minor traffic offenses are tolerated. Fines up to 90 daily rates (Tagessätze) generally do not prevent naturalization. Serious convictions or pending criminal proceedings automatically block the application.
Loyalty declaration to the Basic Law and democratic order. Active participation in extremist organizations or propaganda automatically disqualifies.
The list of documents may vary by federal state and personal situation. This is the standard list — the Ausländerbehörde may request additional documents.
Valid passport (Serbian and/or foreign)
Original. All passports you have had during your stay in Germany.
Registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung)
Current, not older than 3 months. Register before submitting the application.
Residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel)
Original or certified copy. All permit types since arrival in Germany.
B1 German certificate
Goethe, telc, ÖSD or DTZ. Alternative: German school certificates.
Einbürgerungstest certificate
BAMF certificate. No time limit — valid until the law changes.
Birth certificate
With apostille and certified translation. Or CIEC multilingual extract.
Marriage certificate (if applicable)
With apostille and translation. Or CIEC multilingual.
Pension contribution confirmation
Rentenauskunft from Deutsche Rentenversicherung. Free online or by mail.
Employment or income confirmation
Last 3 pay slips, employment contract or tax return for self-employed.
Criminal record certificate (Führungszeugnis)
From the German database — requested directly from Ausländerbehörde or online at bva.bund.de.
Biometric photograph
35×45 mm, per current German passport standards.
Tip: prepare the file in advance
255 EUR
State fee for adults
51 EUR
Fee for child (admission with parent)
Absence longer than 6 months in a year may interrupt residence continuity and reset the 5-year clock. Document all departures and arrivals.
Active receipt of social assistance at the time of application blocks the process. Exception: if it occurred through no fault of your own (e.g. illness, layoff without fault).
Convictions above 90 Tagessätze fine or 3 months imprisonment (in certain types of offenses even without probation) directly prevent naturalization.
Outstanding tax obligations, unpaid health or pension insurance contributions may be grounds for rejection or postponement.
Last updated: March 2026.