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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 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“
    The information on this page is written with South Africans in mind who want to apply for German citizenship.  A great general resource to start with is the German Government – Naturalisation website

    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)

    On this page

    Step 1. - Check if you qualify

    To qualify for naturalisation in Germany, an applicant must have lived legally in the country for a minimum period — five years under the normal path, or three years if married to a German citizen — and, at the time of application, hold a valid residence status that allows long-term stay. To our knowledge, that includes a Niederlassungserlaubnis, an EU Blue Card and family reunification permits

    “..have a permanent right of residence or as a national of Switzerland or as a family member of a national of Switzerland have a residence permit on the basis of the Agreement of 21 June 1999 between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the Swiss Confederation, of the other, on the free movement of persons or have an EU Blue Card or a residence title for purposes other than those specified in sections 16a, 16b, 16d, 16e, 16f, 17, 18f, 19, 19b, 19e, 20, 22, 23a, 24, 25 (3) to (5) and section 104c of the Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz);”

    Applicants must also meet the following requirements:

    • Your identity and current nationality must be clearly established. 
    • You must hold a valid residence permit that qualifies for naturalisation
    • Declare loyalty to the Basic Law (Grundgesetz)
    • Confirm that you do not support any anti-constitutional or extremist activities
    • Acknowledge Germany’s historical responsibility, including the protection of Jewish life and peaceful coexistence
    • Demonstrate B1 level German of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
    • In some cases (e.g. age, illness), requirements may be reduced
    • Show understanding of:
      • The legal system
      • Society
      • Living conditions
    • Usually proven by passing the Einbürgerungstest

    You must be able to support yourself and your dependents without relying on Bürgergeld or Sozialhilfe. 
    Exceptions may apply if circumstances are beyond your control or if you meet specific employment criteria

    What if you were unemployed or received benefits?  

    A previous period of unemployment or receiving benefits does not automatically disqualify you. What matters most is your current financial situation. 
    According to §10(1) no. 3 of the German Nationality Act (Staatsangehörigkeitsgesetz), the requirement to be financially independent may be waived if:

    • Your reliance on benefits was beyond your control (for example, due to job loss), or
    • You have been employed full-time for at least 20 of the last 24 months, or
    • You are the spouse or registered partner of someone who meets this 20-month employment requirement and you live together as a family

    You must not have any serious criminal convictions

    Naturalisation is not the only option to obtain German citizenship; more information is on the page 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

    Read More »

    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 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 If you’re planning your future in Germany, you’ve probably come across the Leben in Deutschland (LiD) test and the Einbürgerungstest. At first glance, they seem almost identical—and in many ways, they are. Both tests assess your knowledge of Germany’s legal system, society, history, and values. However, they serve different

    Read More »

    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 - not needed anymore

    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 DHA Citizenship Reinstatement portal is now open. This is for those who lost their SA Citizenship because they did not apply for retention, not those who willingly renounced their citizenship

    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, but current time frames are a bit longer.
    The 2025 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 – 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

    Read More »

    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 in July 2023. I had to enrol for the test in person and received a test date in September 2023. I used the apps listed on the website to prepare, and I found they prepared me very

    Read More »

    Assistance with documentation
    Legalising Documents

    Legalising Documents Living, working, or studying in Germany often requires the submission of official documents that must be recognised as legally valid by German authorities.Depending on the context, this may involve notarisation, legalisation, or the presentation of certified copies. On this page Document Authentication South Africa and Germany are both members of the Hague Apostille Convention, which greatly 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 that confirms the authenticity of

    Read More »

    Untätigkeitsklage

    An Untätigkeitsklage (inactivity lawsuit) is a legal option under § 75 of the Verwaltungsgerichtsordnung (VwGO) and § 88 of the Sozialgerichtsgesetz (SGG) that allows individuals to take legal action if a government authority does not decide on an application or objection within a reasonable time.
    In administrative matters, the typical reference period is around three months (and six months in social law cases), provided the authority has no sufficient reason for the delay.
    The purpose of the lawsuit is not to decide the outcome of the application itself, but to require the authority to finally issue a decision. It is commonly used in areas such as citizenship applications (Einbürgerung), immigration matters, building permits, or social benefits.

    Before filing such a lawsuit, it is generally advisable to request a status update or set a final deadline in writing.
    If the case is successful, the authority usually bears the costs, although court fees depend on the value of the case (for example, cases related to citizenship applications may involve court costs in the region of several hundred euros). However, an Untätigkeitsklage should only be considered when the authority has truly remained inactive without a justified explanation, and not simply because processing times are long.

    🚨 Caution:
    • It involves legal costs (court fees, possibly lawyer fees).
    • It can strain relations with the office, so use it wisely, ideally with legal advice.
    • It is a last resort, not the first step.

    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
    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

    Helge Mayer (MA) – Accredited & Sworn Translator With a Master’s Degree in Translation Sciences and more than 25 years of professional experience, Helge Mayer provides accurate, reliable translations and interpreting services between

    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

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    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

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