Prerequisites for naturalization
Would you like to become a naturalized citizen? Here you will find all the requirements you need to meet for this procedure.
If you are not German by birth, you can be naturalized if you meet the following requirements:
• You have been living in Germany legally for at least eight years.
• You have an indefinite right of residence in Germany (for example as an EU citizen with freedom of movement, or as the holder of a settlement permit), or a limited residence permit that can be converted to an indefinite residence title. However, a residence permit for studying is insufficient.
• You are able to support yourself and your dependents without social welfare benefits and unemployment benefit: you fulfil this requirement, especially if you are in adequately paid employment at the time you apply for naturalization.
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