The reform of the German Nationality Act (Staatsangehörigkeitsgesetz, StAG) fundamentally changed naturalisation. Dual citizenship is now generally allowed, and the required period of residence has been shortened.

A standard period of five years

The minimum period of lawful habitual residence required for naturalisation (Einbürgerung) was reduced from eight to five years. When you apply, you need a permanent right of residence or a residence permit that can lead to permanent residence, such as the Blue Card.

No more fast-track naturalisation after three years

The 2024 reform introduced naturalisation after three years for exceptional integration achievements. In October 2025, the Bundestag and Bundesrat abolished this route again, so the five-year period now applies to everyone. If you were counting on the fast-track procedure, ask the naturalisation authority how an application already submitted will be handled.

Dual citizenship is allowed

The requirement to give up your previous citizenship when becoming German has been abolished. You can keep your first citizenship without needing a permit or proving special hardship.

Strict requirements for financial independence

At the same time, the income requirements were tightened: as a rule, you must support yourself and your dependants without benefits under the German Social Code (SGB II or XII). Exceptions exist only in narrowly defined cases.

What to check

  • Show that you support yourself without social benefits.
  • Prepare a language certificate at B1 level or higher.
  • Pass the naturalisation test (at least 17 of 33 questions correct).
  • Gather complete records of taxes and pension contributions for your years in Germany.

Example situation

A professional who has lived in Berlin for five years with a Blue Card and then a settlement permit applies for naturalisation through the authority's online portal and keeps the citizenship of her country of origin.

Next step

The new law makes German citizenship more accessible; the focus is on supporting yourself independently.

Official information on this topic

Checklists and examples are organisational recommendations. Requirements depend on the procedure, the city and your situation; check them with the relevant office before you act. Please discuss legal and tax questions with an authorised professional.

This article was prepared with the help of AI. The example illustrates the approach and does not describe a client case.