German citizenship through naturalisation

Naturalisation refers to the legal process of attaining citizenship of a foreign country. The requirements for becoming a naturalised German citizen are governed by Section 10, para. 1 of the Nationality Act.

On January 19, 2024, the German Bundestag passed the law to modernise nationality law – this came into force on 27 June 2024.

Acquiring German citizenship through naturalisation is the most common path for South Africans. Understanding the procedure is crucial to making an informed decision.
This article does not apply to the so-called “Gastarbeitergeneration“.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this webpage is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as legal advice. While we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date, and reliable information on obtaining German citizenship, immigration laws and requirements may change frequently. Therefore, users are encouraged to verify information with official German government sources or consult with a qualified immigration lawyer or legal advisor for guidance tailored to their specific circumstances.

This website and its authors are not liable for any errors or omissions, nor for any actions taken based on the information provided. Use of this website constitutes an understanding and acceptance of this disclaimer.

Per the German law governing legal advice and services (RDG, section 2 subsection 1), this page does not include any legal advice.
For official information, please refer to the Staatsangehörigkeitsgesetz (StAG)

Step 1. - Check if you qualify

To be eligible for naturalisation, a person has to have lived legally in Germany for at least 5 years and possess the appropriate residence permit.
For people who have integrated particularly well, naturalisation is possible after 3 years. For example, if you achieve outstanding performance at work or do voluntary work, speak German very well and can independently support yourself and your family.
Persons wishing to become naturalised citizens must declare their allegiance to the German constitution and have a sufficient command of the German language.
Candidates for naturalisation must be familiar with the legal system, society and living conditions in the Federal Republic of Germany (naturalisation test) and be able to support themselves without recourse to social assistance unless this is due to circumstances beyond their control; nor can they have committed any serious criminal offences.
Some departments have an online Quick Check option available. For example, here is one for Bayern

Below is a list of the minimum requirements.

UPDATE ON THE “WELL-INTEGRATED PATH” (Turbo Naturalisation)
The new government has agreed to scrap the option for naturalisation after just three years
It’s still unclear when this change will take effect. Until we receive official updates, we’ll continue to keep the current information on this page.

Requirement	Normal path	Well-integrated path	Spouse of a German citizen
Right of permanent residence at the time of naturalisation.	5 Years	3 Years	3 Years
Oral and written German language skills	Equivalent to level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages	Possibly the equivalent of level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages	Equivalent to level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

Further requirements

Your identity and nationality have been clarified.
Familiarity with the legal system, society and living conditions in the Federal Republic of Germany
Ability to support oneself without recourse to social assistance
Criminal convictions – No criminal convictions
Commitment to the constitutional principles of freedom and democracy – You accept the Basic Law (Grundgesetz)

Naturalisation is not the only option to obtain German citizenship; more information is on the link below.

Ways of obtaining German citizenship

Ways of obtaining German citizenship Please note: The information provided on this page regarding German citizenship is intended for general informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the content, it is important to note that laws and regulations can change. We strongly recommend consulting with a legal professional or the appropriate authorities (such as the German embassy, consulate, or local immigration office) for the most up-to-date and personalized advice. The South Africans in Germany website is not responsible for any actions taken based on the information presented here. Table of Contents Pathways to German Citizenship

Step 2. - Pre-check

It is a good idea to start preparing well in advance for your application. The naturalisation authority responsible for you may request additional documents from you, other than those listed.
It is therefore advisable to make an appointment (Beratungsgespräch) with your local authority to find out what documentation they might need, and if they need any documents translated.
During this appointment, they will also check your general eligibility.
Unfortunately, due to the high demand, some offices are not offering this service anymore. Most offices now have detailed information on their respective websites.
Here are some examples:

Quick Check BayernPortal
Einbürgerungsanspruch Service Portal Baden-Württemberg

Step 3. - Prepare for your German Citizenship application

Check with your local Ausländerbehörde to confirm the specific documents required for your citizenship application. Be sure to ask which documents need to be translated into German, as requirements for apostilles and translations can vary significantly between offices. Applicants have noted that each Ausländerbehörde may have unique document requirements, so verifying these details in advance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses. You can also search online using “Einbürgerung” along with your town or Landkreis name to find relevant local information.

Here is an example from Landkreis Esslingen.

Language proficiency (B1 level or higher).
Familiarity with the legal system, society and living conditions in the Federal Republic of Germany. You can prove this by showing a German school-leaving certificate or by passing a naturalisation test.
Identity and Nationality. If you need an Unabridged Birth Certificate from South Africa, be sure to apply well in advance, as processing can take time.
According to guidance from the Bürgeramt in Esslingen, foreign birth certificates must include an apostille or legalisation mark and must be translated by a publicly appointed and sworn translator in Germany. – “Please note the following for foreign birth certificates: National birth certificates must have an apostille or legalisation mark and be translated by a publicly appointed and sworn translator.”
Depending on your personal circumstances, additional documents may be requested. Common examples include a marriage Certificate / Civil Partnership Certificate or a Copy from the Family Register. Divorce Decree or Death Certificate of a spouse/life partner, Custody Decision or Negative Certificate issued by the Youth Welfare Office (“Jugendamt”). Adoption Documents, if applicable.
Contact your local Ausländerbehörde for a complete list of documents relevant to your situation to ensure you have all necessary materials for your application.
Proof of Financial means.

You will also need:

a valid identification document (passport, travel document or similar).
Passport photo.
Valid residence permit.
Completed Application form.

Here is also an example of a “Merkblatt” from the Stuttgart Einbürgerungsbehörde

Einbürgerungstest and Leben in Deutschland

Einbürgerungstest and Leben in Deutschland Leben in Deutschland” test and the Einbürgerungstest — two tests that look like twins at first glance, but they’ve got different purposes and vibes. Let’s break it down properly Leben in Deutschland (LiD) The Leben in Deutschland tests your knowledge of the legal and social order and the living conditions in

Translators

When seeking translation services in Germany, it’s crucial to understand the different types of translators, each specialising in various fields, to ensure your documents meet specific requirements with precision and clarity. Before getting your documents translated, always check with the relevant institution to understand their specific requirements.

Step 4. Retention of South African citizenship

On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) of South Africa delivered a landmark judgment declaring Section 6(1)(a) of the South African Citizenship Act 88 of 1995 unconstitutional. This provision had previously stipulated that adult South African citizens would automatically lose their citizenship upon voluntarily acquiring citizenship of another country without first obtaining ministerial permission to retain their South African citizenship.
The primary beneficiaries are South African citizens who, since October 6, 1995, lost their citizenship automatically under Section 6(1)(a) after acquiring another nationality without prior ministerial consent. The SCA’s ruling deems that these individuals are considered never to have lost their South African citizenship.

More information on the Concourt website or their Twitter

You may also apply to have your South African citizenship reinstated (if, for example, you had to renounce it), you are a former citizen by birth or descent, and you have returned to South Africa permanently.

The information in this section will be kept on the website for the time being

If you want to keep your South African citizenship, you need to apply for retention of South African citizenship before submitting your German Citizenship application. The timeline is a bit grey at the moment. According to documentation on the SA Embassy website, you must do it before the acquisition of German citizenship, but we are getting feedback that you must do it before applying for Citizenship. So, rather play it safe and do it before submitting your Citizenship application.
You can apply for Retention in person in South Africa, via a Documentation company or via the South African Embassy/Consulate in Germany.

An adult South African citizen who intends to apply for foreign citizenship, but who does not want to lose his/ her South African citizenship, must first apply for the retention of South African citizenship, which must be done and approved before the acquisition of the other citizenship.

South African Embassy in Berlin

If you decide to make your application for Retention through the Embassy or Consulate, you must apply in person. For that, you must send an appointment request to the Embassy or the Consulate. According to the South African Embassy in Berlin, the following documents must be submitted when applying for the retention of South African citizenship:

Form BI-1664 to be fully completed in block letters and black ink
Form BI-529 to be fully completed in block letters and black ink (if you do not have an ID or passport)
South African ID and passport, as well as copies. The originals will be returned to you
Original South African unabridged birth certificate and copy. The original will be returned to you
Proof of permanent residency in Germany (this is not listed, but according to sources, they might ask for it)
Proof that you haven’t acquired citizenship in that country. According to our feedback, an Erweiterte Meldebescheinigung from your Bürgerbüro will not be accepted for this purpose. To our knowledge the document you need is called a “Bescheinigung nach § 30 of the Nationality Act zu Nichtbestehen der deutschen Staatsngehörigkeit”. This must be translated into English.
As an example for “Staatsangehörigkeit; Beantragung der Feststellung der deutschen Staatsangehörigkeit” – The Bayernportal has the option to request one online (relevant only for those living in their “Kreis”) .
Negativbescheinigung – There seems to be confusion about this document. You get one that, according to the Federal Office of Administration (BVA), is only relevant for people residing outside of Germany, and they can use this link to apply.

The image below is from the Documentation on the South African Embassy in Berlin’s Website.

We recommend reaching out to the South African Embassy or Consulate to confirm which documentation they require. Ask whether they will accept a “Bescheinigung nach § 30 of the Nationality Act (StAG) zu Nichtbestehen der deutschen Staatsngehörigkeit” or if they prefer a formal letter from the Ausländerbehörde, or any other specific documentation. This will help ensure you meet their requirements and avoid potential delays.

The documentation requirements might differ slightly if you decide to do your application through a Documentation company or in person in South Africa. Some Documentation companies do not require proof that you have not acquired German citizenship yet. Please confirm with them beforehand. The requirements from the DHA in SA also depend on the particular office.
This is an example from a DHA office in the Western Cape:

DHA-1664
DHA-529
Birth Certificate
ID
Passport
Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
A letter from the Embassy of the country the client wishes to obtain citizenship from, on a official letterhead stating that they do allow dual citizenship and that no application for citizenship has been submitted or finalised yet. (Note – You can apply for this at the German Embassy in South Africa)

Step 5 - Apply for German citizenship

You must submit a written application (Antrag auf Einbügerung) for naturalisation. You can obtain application forms from the responsible naturalisation authorities. Some authorities (Einbürgerungsbehörde) allow you to apply online. This will depend on the individual Authority, and you will need an activated E-Residence card to use the service.

If all the naturalisation requirements are met, you will receive a temporary naturalisation guarantee.

Where to apply

You can find out which authority is responsible for your naturalisation from the city or district administration of your place of residence, from the immigration office, the migration advice for adult immigrants or the youth migration services.
In general, if you live in an urban district (Stadtkreis), the naturalisation authority is the city administration (Stadtverwaltung) and if you live in a rural district, the district office (Landratsamt).

As a rule, applications are handled by the Bürgerdienste or Standesamt, but confirm this with the authority responsible for you.
Tip – To search online, search for “Einbürgerung als Ausländer mit Einbürgerungsanspruch beantragen” + the city or district.
You can also make use of the BAMF Website

Step 6 - Prepare for your Naturalisation appointment (Einbürgerungstermin)

Procedure for the Naturalisation Appointment
The naturalisation appointment takes place after the naturalisation authority has processed your documents. They will arrange a personal appointment with you.
During this appointment, in addition to the authority checking your documents, there will be a personal naturalisation interview. During this interview, you may be asked additional questions.

For some tips on how to prepare for this interview, see this blog post from Migrado

Timeframe and costs

The process usually takes between 12 and 18 months.
The 2024 costs are €255 per adult and €51 per child

Children

All children born in Germany to foreign parents will now receive German citizenship without reservation and be able to retain the citizenship of their parents if at least one parent has lived legally in Germany for more than five years and has a permanent right of residence. The option to choose between citizenship no longer applies.

Important information

Anyone who wants to be naturalised in Germany must commit to the values of a free society. This particularly includes the dignity and equality of all people. Anyone who does not share these values or even acts contrary to them is not allowed to become a German citizen.
The following sentence is therefore expressly included in the Nationality Act: “Anti-Semitic, racist or other inhumanely motivated actions are incompatible with the human dignity guarantee of the Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany and violate the free democratic basic order within the meaning of this law.” Such actions preclude naturalisation.
In future, applicants for naturalisation must also commit to Germany’s special historical responsibility for the National Socialist rule of injustice and its consequences, in particular for the protection of Jewish life. An incorrect confession strictly excludes any naturalisation.
Expanded naturalisation test: In response to the increasing anti-Semitism in Germany, the list of questions in the naturalisation test has also been expanded. New test questions have been added on the topics of anti-Semitism, the right of the State of Israel to exist and Jewish life in Germany.
Specific reasons for exclusion: Naturalisation is excluded in the case of polygamy or if the foreigner’s behaviour shows that he disregards the equality of men and women laid down in the Basic Law.

Shared experiences from our community

To make it easier for others to understand the process and requirements we added forms that you can use to easily add your experience for us to share on our Shared Stories page

German Citizenship via Naturalisation: Share your experience with others

To help others understand the process and requirements more clearly, we have created 4 pages that allow you to share your experiences with us effortlessly. All these will be shared on the “German Citizenship – Your Stories” page

German Citizenship – Your stories

Here are firsthand experiences from individuals who have recently navigated the German citizenship application process. Each story provides valuable insights, practical tips, and lessons learned along the way. If you’ve gone through the process yourself, we’d love to hear about your journey! By sharing your experience, you can help others

Personal Experience - progress documentation

One of the admins is in the process of preparing to apply for German citizenship through Naturalisation. The progress will be shared via the page below.

Applying for German Citizenship – Personal experience

I am currently in the process of preparing my application for German Citizenship, and will share my progress to this page. I am applying at my local Bürgeramt, who will send it to the Landkreis Esslingen for further processing. Search online for Einbürgerung + your town or Landkreis Step Action Details Time Frame 1 Einbürgerungstest I made an appointment at the VHS Stuttgart. This was in July 2023. I had to enrol for the test in person and got a date for the test in September 2023. I used the apps listed on the website to prepare and I found

Assistance with documentation

A big thank you to the team at Apostil who provided us with information about the retention process. They can assist clients with obtaining documents from South Africa, as well as the application for retention of their South African citizenship

Docs4U

RSA DOCUMENTS

Apostil

Doc Assist

Legalising Documents

Legalising Documents When living, working, or studying in Germany, you may need to present official documents that are legally recognised by German authorities. Depending on your purpose, this could involve having documents authenticated, certified, or presented as certified copies. Document Authentication South Africa and Germany are both members of the Hague Apostille Convention. This simplifies the process of legalising documents for use between the two countries. If you need to authenticate a South African document for official use in Germany, it typically needs to be apostilled — a special certificate issued to confirm its authenticity. You can view the full

- Federal Ministry of Justice Gesetze-im-internet, Nationality Act. This is the English translation, see section 10. Attached is a downloadable PDF file of the English translations
- Bundesamt für Justiz Gesetze-im-internet – Staatsangehörigkeitsgesetz in German.
- Federal Foreign Office – German citizenship
- Bundesministerium des Innern und für Heimat – Becoming a German citizens by naturalisation
- § 30 Staatsangehörigkeitsgesetz (StAG)
- Verordnung über die Zuständigkeit der Staatsangehörigkeitsbehörden
- Allgemeine Verwaltungsvorschrift über Urkunden in Staatsangehörigkeitssachen (StAUrkVwV)

Certified Translators in South Africa

The German mission in South Africa has a list of certified translators. The list can be found here.

Translation services in on our Website

Chris Grosch – accredited interpreter – sworn translator – VO artist

Chris Grosch – accredited interpreter – sworn translator – VO artist Professional linguist in English, German and French having lived in Germany, Japan, the US, France and now South Africa. Accredited simultaneous interpreter

Birgit Böttner – Sworn Translator

Based in Johannesburg South Africa. I’m a qualified sworn translator for English & German, registered with the German Consulate in Pretoria Trained in Germany in German and English and sworn in by the

Linguistika

A Multifaceted Language Service founded by Stephanie Schaffrath TAILORED ONLINE LANGUAGE TUITION: With over 12 years of experience teaching languages, Linguistika is committed to providing high-quality language instruction to individuals of all ages

Helge Mayer translations services

Based in Germany. Helge Mayer (MA) – accredited/sworn translations German to English and English to German Masters Degree in Translations from the University of Heidelberg (Germany)

Translating documents

Translating Documents When seeking translation services in Germany, it’s crucial to understand the different types of translators, each specialising in various fields, to ensure your documents meet specific requirements with precision and clarity. Before getting your documents translated, always check with the relevant institution to understand their specific requirements. Types

Residence in Germany

A Visa allows you to enter Germany, and stay for no more than 90 days in a 180-day cycle.When you want to stay in Germany for longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for the correct visa in your home country and once you are in Germany, apply

SA Consular and Embassy services

Embassy Berlin Reach them through Tiergartenstraße. 18, 10785 Berlin +4930220730 +493022073190 berlin.consular@dirco.gov.za Social Networks SAEmbassyBerlin @SAEmbassyBerlin Website Consulate Munich Reach them through Sendlinger-Tor-Platz 5, 80336 Munich +49892311630 49 89 231 163 53 munich.consular@dirco.gov.za Social Networks Consulate in Munich Website Honorary Consuls The Honorary Consuls are tasked with the promotion of