Naturalization of Foreign Spouses of German Citizens in Germany: Conditions Under the New Law

In Germany, foreign spouses of German citizens can apply for German citizenship after a specified period, in accordance with the new citizenship law that entered into force on 27 June 2024.

Core Requirements for the Naturalization of the Spouse

1. Period of Residence in Germany
The applicant must have lived in Germany for at least 3 years on a lawful basis.

2. Duration of the Marriage
The marriage must have existed for at least 2 years.

3. Family Stability
The couple must be in a state of family stability, meaning no actual separation and no concrete intention to divorce.

4. Proof of Income
The applicant must prove that they are able to support themselves financially, without permanent reliance on state benefits or social assistance.

5. German Language Proficiency
The applicant must have successfully completed an integration course or hold a German language certificate at level B1 or higher.

6. Commitment to the Democratic Constitutional Order
The applicant must declare their commitment to the free democratic basic order of the Federal Republic of Germany, including the recognition of Germany’s responsibility for the Holocaust and the protection of Jewish life. (handbookgermany.de)

Additional Notes

Polygamy
The applicant must have only one spouse; polygamous marriages are not accepted in the context of naturalization. (handbookgermany.de)

Exceptions
There may be exceptions in certain special cases, for example where partners live together and have a joint child, in which case some conditions may be waived or applied more flexibly, depending on the assessment of the competent authority.

Application Procedure
The naturalization application must be submitted to the local naturalization office (Einbürgerungsbehörde) in the city or federal state where the applicant is officially residing. (handbookgermany.de)

For more detailed and case-specific information on the naturalization process, it is advisable to visit the official website of the competent naturalization office or to consult a lawyer specializing in migration and citizenship law.

— The website’s team of writers and editors strives to provide accurate information through intensive research and consultation of multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors may occur or some information may remain unconfirmed. Therefore, please regard the information contained in the articles as an initial reference and always contact the relevant authorities for binding and up-to-date information.