Germany Germany Citizenship by Marriage — Citizenship Program

📋 Digital Nomad 🏠 Residency 🏆 Citizenship 🎓 Student

🏆 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 & COSTS

Application Fee $275

📋 ELIGIBILITY & REQUIREMENTS

Min 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 & 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 & 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.

🔗 ALSO IN GERMANY

Freiberufler Visa (digital nomad visa)
Germany Freelance Visa (freelancer)

Source

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