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Naturalization in Germany
Germany reformed its citizenship law in 2024. Since then, the standard period of legal residence required before applying has been five years, and Germany generally accepts multiple citizenship, so applicants no longer have to give up their previous nationality under German law. Whether the other country allows dual citizenship depends on that country's own rules. The main requirements are: legal residence for the required period, German at level B1, passing the naturalization test, Einbürgerungstest, on the legal system, society and history, being able to support oneself and one's family without social benefits in most cases, and a commitment to the free democratic basic order. Periods spent abroad can interrupt the required residence. In Berlin, applications are handled by the Landesamt für Einwanderung, which also offers information on the process. Naturalization is a personal decision, and people weigh it differently. Some see it mainly as a practical step, giving the right to vote and freedom of movement; others see it as an expression of belonging; still others hesitate because of family ties or a sense of identity. Debates about how easy or difficult naturalization should be are part of German politics, and the rules have changed several times in recent decades.