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South Africans in Germany

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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 modernize nationality law – this came into force from 27 June 2024. 

Acquiring German citizenship through naturalisation is the most common path for South Africans. Understanding the procedure is crucial to make 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)

Staatsangehörigkeitsgesetz (StAG)

Step 1. - Check if you qualify

To be eligible for naturalization, 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 (naturalization 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, as example here is one for Bayern

Below is a list of the minimum requirements.

RequirementNormal pathWell integrated pathSpouse of a German citizen
Right of permanent residence at time of naturalization.5 Years3 Years3 Years
Oral and written German language skillsEquivalent to level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for LanguagesPsoosible the equivalent to level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for LanguagesEquivalent 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.

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:

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 legalization 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

Leben in Deutschland The Leben in Deutschland tests your knowledge of the legal and social order and the living conditions in Germany. If you apply for Permanent residence, you must use the test to demonstrate knowledge of Germany’s legal and social system and living conditions. You do not necessarily need to attend the course to write the

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Translators

When seeking translation services in Germany, it’s crucial to understand the different types of translators, each specializing 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.

Translating documents

When seeking translation services in Germany, it’s crucial to understand the different types of translators, each specializing 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 of Translators

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Step 4. Retention of South African citizenship

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 Documentation on the South African Embassy in Berlin’s Website.

Infromation from the South African Embassy in Berlin

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 depends on the particular office. 
This is an example from an DHA office in the Western Cape:

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

The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) has ruled that the automatic loss of South African citizenship after gaining citizenship of another country is unconstitutional. See more information here. Our advice is to still apply for retention to cover all your bases. The SCA ruled it unconstitutional to withdraw someone’s citizenship, the Constitutional Court will have a hearing about this on 5 November 2024. More information on the Concourt website or their Twitter

 You may apply to have your South African citizenship reinstated if you are a former citizen by birth or descent and you have returned to South Africa permanently.

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 naturalization 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

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 naturalized 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 naturalization 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 naturalization.
  • Expanded naturalization test: In response to the increasing anti-Semitism in Germany, the list of questions in the naturalization 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 – Your stories

These are shared experiences by people who recently went through a German Citizenship application process. You can share yours with us via an easy-to-fill-in forms found on this page Application for Retention of SA Citizenship Nic shared in October 2024 Please indicate how you applied for retention  I made use

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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.

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

RSA DOCUMENTS

We are a document procumbent company assisting South Africans with the admin if dealing with Government Entities Divorce orders Foreign death registration Foreign divorce registration

Apostil

Get South African apostilles, police clearances, birth/marriage certificates, legalisations and much more quickly and efficiently through our legal service. We have helped thousands of people

Doc Assist

Embark on a hassle-free journey with our comprehensive document services. Whether you’re planning to travel, work abroad, or need vital documents, Doc Assist is here

Legalising Documents

Depending on the situation, you might need to have documentation authenticated, certified, or make certified copies thereof. Document authentication South Africa and Germany are both

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Official Information on the web

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

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 High Court

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 and levels

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)  

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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

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