Path to citizenship
- Residency3 years · any
- Apply180-545 days
- Citizenshipafter the oath
Overview
- Country
- Germany
- Program
- Germany Citizenship by Marriage
- Local name
- Einbürgerung durch Ehepartner
- Type
- Marriage Fast-Track
- Status
- Active
- Residency required
- 3 years
- Processing time
- 180-545 days
- Dual citizenship
- Allowed
- Visa-free countries
- 185 destinations
- Passport rank
- #4 (Henley Index)
Spouses of German citizens can apply for naturalization after 3 years of legal residence in Germany and at least 2 years of marriage. Requires B1 German language proficiency and passing the Einbürgerungstest (33 questions, 17 correct to pass). The 2024 reform reduced standard naturalization from 8 to 5 years, but the October 2025 amendment reversed the 3-year fast-track for exceptional integration.
Fees and costs
- Application fee
- $275
Eligibility and requirements
- Minimum age 18+
- Police clearance required
- Medical exam not required
- Interview required
- Language B1 (Goethe-Zertifikat B1, telc Deutsch B1, or equivalent)
- Language exemptions German school diploma holders; certain disability exemptions
- Civics test Einbürgerungstest (33 questions, 17 correct to pass)
- Oath required
- Renunciation required (not enforced)
Residency requirements
- Residency required
- 3 years
- Residency type
- Any
- Continuous
- Must be unbroken
- Cohabitation
- Must live with spouse
- Income required
- Must not receive benefits from Jobcentre or Social Welfare Office; must be self-supporting
Family
- Dependents
- Allowed
- Spouse
- Not included
- Max child age
- 18
Passport and mobility
- Passport rank
- #4 (Henley Index)
- Visa-free access
- 185 countries
- Passport validity
- 10 years
- EU citizenship
- Yes
- Schengen access
- Yes
- US E-2 treaty
- Yes — eligible for US investor visa
Physical presence
- Must visit country
- Yes
How to apply
- Method
- In person
- Apply from abroad
- Must apply in-country
- Application type
- Open
- Official website
- www.bamf.de
- Legal basis
- Staatsangehörigkeitsgesetz (StAG) § 9; 2024 Reform (June 27, 2024); October 2025 Amendment
Notes and caveats
Fee is EUR 255 per adult, EUR 51 per child. Einbürgerungstest costs EUR 25 per attempt. 2024 reform (June 27, 2024) reduced standard naturalization from 8 to 5 years and enabled dual citizenship for all. October 2025 amendment reversed the 3-year fast-track for exceptional integration. Marriage route: 3 years residence + 2 years married. Must not receive state benefits. German school-leaving certificate can substitute for civics test.