German Citizenship (Naturalization) — Germany

This application process determines whether you acquire, confirm, or re‑acquire German citizenship. You use it to request naturalization, clarify existing citizenship status, or pursue recognition based on family or historical ties.

Purpose of the form

You use the Form Einbürgerungsantrag to formally request German citizenship or to establish whether you already hold it. The form creates an official record of your claim and triggers a legal review by the competent authority.

It serves several core functions:

• Apply for naturalization
• Request re-naturalization
• Establish whether you are or are not a German citizen
• Assert citizenship based on family history or historical circumstances

If you rely on Citizenship by Descent (Article 116), you use this process to document your lineage and show how your claim connects to German law. This often applies where historical events affected your or your family’s citizenship status.

The form does not grant citizenship automatically. It starts a formal determination process in which the authority evaluates your eligibility based on the facts and documents you provide.

Types of cases handled

This process covers several distinct legal situations. You must select the category that matches your circumstances.

Common case types include:

• Standard naturalization applications
• Re-naturalization after prior loss of citizenship
• Claims connected to historical or familial events
• Formal clarification of citizenship status

If your family experienced displacement or loss of nationality due to historical events, you may assert a claim under Article 116. In that case, you must document the family connection and explain how the historical facts relate to your eligibility.

You may also use this procedure if uncertainty exists about your citizenship. The authority will review your documentation and issue a determination confirming whether you are legally considered a German citizen.

Each case requires precise documentation. Incomplete or unclear submissions delay the review.

Who files with federal authorities

You file this application with the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge) (BAMF) when your case falls under federal handling.

BAMF processes applications that:

• Seek naturalization at the federal level
• Request re-naturalization
• Establish or confirm German citizenship
• Involve claims connected to historical or descent-based grounds

You, as the applicant, submit the required forms and supporting documents directly to the responsible authority. BAMF evaluates your submission and determines whether you meet the legal criteria for citizenship or recognition.

You must ensure that your information is accurate and complete before filing. The authority bases its decision strictly on the documentation and legal grounds you present.

You must pay government fees when you submit your application and when the authority issues your certificate. processing times depend on the legal basis of your claim and the authority handling your case.

Application and certificate fees

When you file an Form Einbürgerungsantrag (naturalization application), you must pay a statutory application fee. As of March 2026, the standard fee is:

You pay the €255 when you submit your application to the competent authority. If your application succeeds, you pay an additional €51 for issuance of the Einbürgerungsurkunde (naturalization certificate).

Authorities will not finalize your case without payment of the required fee. If you apply from abroad or under a special category such as Citizenship by Descent (Article 116), confirm the current fee with the responsible authority before submitting documents.

Always verify the latest amounts directly with the issuing authority, as fee regulations can change.

Standard processing timeline

Standard naturalization cases currently take 12 to 24 months to process.

This timeframe begins once the authority receives your complete application and required documents. Incomplete filings delay review and extend the timeline.

You should plan for:

1. Submission of the Einbürgerungsantrag

2. Document review and background checks

3. Final decision

4. Issuance of the Einbürgerungsurkunde

The 12–24 month range reflects typical cases processed under standard procedures as of March

1. Complex cases, missing documents, or high local workloads can extend processing beyond this range.

You should request updated timelines directly from the authority handling your case before making travel or relocation decisions.

Variations by category and location

Processing times vary significantly depending on:

• Your legal basis (e.g., standard naturalization vs. Article 116 claims)
• Where you apply (inside or outside Germany)
• Which authority processes your case

Applications filed inside Germany are handled by the competent local authority. Applications submitted from abroad may involve German diplomatic missions and federal authorities.

The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge – BAMF) has responsibilities in migration matters, but citizenship processing times depend on the authority legally responsible for your category.

Local workload strongly affects timing. Large urban authorities often process higher volumes, which can increase waiting periods.

Because timelines differ by location and legal category, you must confirm current processing estimates directly with the authority reviewing your file before submitting your application.

You must document your identity, family history, and any events that affect your nationality. Your Form Einbürgerungsantrag must include complete, signed information and supporting evidence for each statement you make.

The authorities review your file based on written proof, not assumptions. Missing records delay processing.

Identity, birth and family records

You must prove who you are and how your family relationships connect to your claim. Provide official records that confirm your identity and personal history.

Key documents typically include:

• Proof of identity (showing your full legal name and date of birth)
• Birth record confirming place and date of birth
• Family records showing parent–child relationships
• Documents confirming your current and previous names, if applicable

If you apply under Citizenship by Descent (Article 116), you must clearly document the lineage that forms the basis of your claim. Each generational link must be supported by official records.

Use consistent spelling of names and dates across all documents. If discrepancies appear, provide formal clarification or supporting evidence that explains the difference.

Incomplete identity documentation leads to requests for additional evidence.

Events affecting nationality (marriage, adoption, acquisition)

You must disclose and document any life event that could affect your nationality status. This includes changes through marriage, adoption, or acquisition of another nationality.

Provide official records for:

• Marriage or registered partnership
• Divorce or annulment
• Adoption orders
• Any formal acquisition of foreign nationality

Each event must include the date and the legal authority involved. If you obtained another nationality, state when and how it happened.

These records allow authorities to check whether your nationality status changed at any point. Omitting an event may result in delays or rejection.

If your claim relates to Article 116, include documentation linking relevant historical or family events to your eligibility.

Completing the form and submitting evidence

Complete every required section of the Einbürgerungsantrag. Leave fields blank only if the form specifically allows it.

Follow this sequence:

1. Fill in all personal and family details.

2. List every relevant life event affecting nationality.

3. Attach supporting documents for each statement.

4. Sign the form where required.

Unsigned forms are not processed.

Submit copies or originals as instructed by the competent authority handling your case. If you’re unsure about submission requirements, confirm with the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge) (BAMF) or the authority responsible for your application.

Documentation is the backbone of your application. Provide clear, consistent, and complete evidence.

At the end of your successful Form Einbürgerungsantrag or confirmation under Citizenship by Descent (Article 116), you receive your official naturalization certificate. This document proves your German citizenship and requires careful handling from the moment it is issued.

Receiving and safeguarding the certificate

You receive your naturalization certificate only once. The authority does not automatically issue replacements.

Store the original document in a secure place immediately after the ceremony. Do not laminate, alter, or mark it.

Any damage can complicate future administrative procedures. Your certificate serves as formal proof of citizenship when applying for a German passport or identity card.

You may need it for other official matters as well.

• The original certificate is issued one time only
• You are responsible for its safekeeping
• Authorities rely on this document as primary evidence of your citizenship status

If your case involved the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge) (BAMF), the certificate still functions as your central proof of status. The same applies if you obtained citizenship through Article 116 restoration.

Requesting certified copies

If you need additional documentation, you can request a certified copy of your naturalization certificate. Authorities accept an informal request submitted by email.

Your email should clearly state:

1. Your full name

2. Your date of birth

3. The date your certificate was issued

4. The issuing authority

A certified copy does not replace the original. It serves as an officially confirmed reproduction for administrative use.

Use certified copies when you must submit proof to an institution but prefer not to risk sending your original certificate. Always confirm with the requesting authority whether a certified copy is sufficient.

Who to contact if certificate was issued locally

The correct authority depends on who issued your certificate.

If a local German authority issued your certificate, you must contact that exact office for any certified copies or record inquiries. Another authority cannot access or reproduce it for you.

Act promptly if you misplace the document or require confirmation. Direct communication with the issuing office prevents delays.

German authorities deny applications when legal requirements are not met or when unresolved criminal issues exist. Submitting an Form Einbürgerungsantrag starts a formal review, but approval depends on strict compliance with the law.

Criminal convictions and pending proceedings

You must not have a criminal conviction if you want your naturalization approved. A past conviction can lead to denial, and an ongoing investigation can stop the process until authorities resolve the case.

If criminal proceedings are pending in Germany or abroad, the naturalization authority will not ignore them. You must disclose:

• Final criminal convictions
• Ongoing investigations
• Pending criminal court proceedings

Failure to report this information can harm your credibility and affect your application.

These rules apply to standard naturalization and can also affect cases involving Citizenship by Descent (Article 116) if authorities identify relevant legal issues during review.

Filing does not guarantee approval

Submitting an Einbürgerungsantrag does not create a right to citizenship. The authority reviews your file in detail before making a decision.

You must meet all legal requirements at the time of the decision, not just at the time of filing.

If you fall short on any mandatory condition, the authority can reject your application.

• An application triggers a legal review, not automatic approval.
• The authority evaluates the facts of your case individually.
• Incomplete or incorrect information can lead to refusal.

If you apply from abroad, the Federal Foreign Office handles consular matters. Within Germany, your local authority processes the application under the applicable citizenship rules.

You carry the burden of showing that you qualify. Filing alone is never enough.