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Naturalization; application for the granting of German citizenship to foreigners without a claim to naturalization (discretionary naturalization)

Naturalization - online application
Naturalization - Quick-Check
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  • Brief description

    Foreigners who do not or do not yet meet the requirements for naturalization can be naturalized at their discretion, provided certain conditions are met.

  • Description

    Naturalization is the granting of German citizenship to a foreigner. It must be applied for and is carried out by issuing a special naturalization certificate.

    A foreigner whose identity and nationality have been clarified, who is legally resident in Germany at the time of naturalization but does not meet the requirements for naturalization, can be naturalized at their own discretion upon application. The foreigner must be able to support themselves and their dependent family members from their own resources and must not have a criminal record.

    If he or she meets these requirements, the citizenship authority will check whether there is a public (state) interest in naturalization.

    In principle, legal residence in Germany should have existed for five years. For German married couples, the period of residence can be reduced to three years.

    Special information for - District of Bad Tölz Wolfratshausen

    We kindly ask you to use the link "Naturalization - Online Application" above.

    Please note and use the following documents in the "Forms" section:

    • Application for the issue of a citizenship card.
    • Application for naturalization.

  • Prerequisites

    Discretionary naturalization can be considered if the following conditions are met:

    • permanent right of residence at the time of naturalization
    • Proof of knowledge of the legal and social system and living conditions in Germany. This proof is not required for former guest workers or contract workers from the former GDR or their spouses who have joined them in the meantime.
    • legal residence in Germany for five years. For German spouses who have been married for two years, the period is reduced to three years.
    • In principle, independent means of subsistence (also for dependent family members) without recourse to public benefits (exceptions are possible in the case of receipt of benefits for which the person is not responsible).
    • Proof of sufficient oral and written knowledge of German: https://www.stmi.bayern.de/media/_bayernportal/positivliste-stmi-2024.docx In the case of former guest workers or contract workers from the former GDR and their spouses who joined them in the same period, it is sufficient if they can make themselves understood orally in German without any significant problems in everyday life.
    • No conviction for a criminal offense
    • Commitment to the free democratic basic order of the Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany and to Germany's special historical responsibility
    • no polygamous marriages and no evidence of disregard for equal rights for men and women

  • Required documents

    Application for naturalization

    The application can be submitted online or alternatively in paper form. Forms are available from the district administrative authority.



    Passport

    Proof of knowledge of the legal and social order and living conditions in Germany by means of a certificate of successful naturalization test or graduation from a general education school in Germany

    Proof of sufficient oral and written knowledge of German (school reports, certificates, etc.) Proof of income, old-age provision, health and long-term care insurance, if applicable for family members.)

    Proof of income, old-age provision, health and long-term care insurance, including for family members if applicable

    Proof of marital status (e.g. birth certificate, marriage certificate if applicable, divorce decree if applicable)

    Further documents and certificates may be required. Foreign certificates and documents must be translated at the request of the competent authority.

  • Forms

    Special information for - District of Bad Tölz Wolfratshausen

  • Costs

    Basically: 255,00 Euro

    Minor children without their own income who are naturalized together with their parents: 51.00 euros

    Additional costs may arise

    • for the submission of civil status documents
    • for proof of civic knowledge or language skills
    • for translations of foreign documents by sworn translators and certification fees

  • Legal basis

  • Legal remedy

    An appeal against a negative decision by the authority can be brought before the competent administrative court.

  • Procedure

    You can apply for naturalization at your district office or, if you live in an independent city, at the city administration online or in paper form.

    The decision on the application is made by the respective government of your administrative district.

  • Notes

    For individual advice and application - also with regard to the required documents - please contact the district administrative authority responsible for your place of residence.

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