Your path to German citizenship: Rely on our expertise
The German passport opens up new opportunities. You can vote in Germany and travel to many countries worldwide. However, naturalization procedures can take a long time and also raise difficult legal questions – we will be happy to advise you!
Your path to naturalization
- Individual initial consultation and strategy development
- Compilation of documents and application
- Communication and follow-up with the authorities
- Advice on and implementation of the acceleration of the procedure
Understand the naturalization requirements
In order to be naturalized, you must generally have lived in Germany for five years. In special cases, the required period can be reduced to up to three years. However, not every residence permit entitles you to naturalization. Let us advise you whether a change of status to another residence permit is necessary and possible.
Naturalization no longer requires you to give up your previous citizenship. Conversely, you will no longer lose your German citizenship by accepting a foreign citizenship.
Speed up your naturalization process
Naturalization procedures can take a frustratingly long time. Deadlines for submitting naturalization documents are often far in the future. An action for failure to act can help to speed up the procedure. Sometimes the threat of such an action is enough to get a faster appointment.
Are you already in the naturalization process and the authorities are not making a decision?
Let us advise you on how to speed up your procedure.
Status determination procedure
Is the existence of your German citizenship being questioned by the German authorities? An application for declaratory judgment can help. These applications can be submitted to German embassies abroad. The Federal Office of Administration in Cologne is responsible. We will be happy to advise and represent you in these proceedings.
German citizenship is acquired by birth if one parent is German. Do you usually live abroad and have questions about the possible acquisition of German citizenship for your child? We offer digital consultation appointments to help you.
Why CWR Rechtsanwälte?
Our broad experience and in-depth understanding of the legal framework make us your ideal partner on the path to German citizenship. Contact us today and start a successful future together with us!
Our dedicated team of lawyers will work hard to represent your interests in the best possible way and will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about the complex issue of migration.
Our expertise
We are a professionally trained team with a focus on migration law that supports you in all matters relating to residence law, advising you, submitting applications and representing you before the authorities and courts.
We get the authorities on your side!
We know how best to approach the various offices, authorities and government agencies that are responsible for you. We have experience of which documents and information are relevant and always keep you up to date
»Fast processing and flexible communication. Thank you very much.«
»I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Anna Börger and I couldn't be more pleased! From the very beginning, she took the time to thoroughly understand my concerns and present me with a clear strategy. Communication was always transparent and professional. Thanks to her expertise and commitment, my matter was resolved quickly and to my complete satisfaction. I can only warmly recommend Dr. Börger! Thank you very much for your support!«
Among other things, we support you with
Representation before the naturalization authorities and courts
Representation in front of the German Embassy
Representation before the Federal Office of Administration
Our team of experienced lawyers
Dr. Anna Börger
Moritz Cuber
Jonas Weßling
Eva Reichert
Sophie Dittmeyer
FAQs - Frequently asked questions about citizenship
Citizenship law regulates who has German citizenship and under what conditions it can be acquired or lost.
There are several ways to obtain German citizenship:
- Descent: Children of German parents automatically receive citizenship
- Birth: Children of foreign parents can acquire citizenship if at least one parent has lived in Germany for five years and has a permanent right of residence.
- Naturalization: Non-German nationals can acquire citizenship through a naturalization procedure.</li
The naturalization procedure is the process by which a non-German person can obtain German citizenship. It comprises several steps and requirements.
The general requirements are:
- A minimum of five years legal residence in Germany (shorter period possible under certain conditions, e.g. for spouses:in German nationals)
- Proof of sufficient knowledge of German (at least level B1)
- Proof of knowledge of the German legal and social order (naturalization test)
- Secure means of subsistence without social assistance
- No serious criminal offenses
- Cleared identity and citizenship
There are exceptions to these requirements. Seek advice on whether you are eligible for such exceptions.
The application for naturalization must be submitted to the responsible foreigners authority or the naturalization authority. Various documents must be submitted with the application.
Important documents include
- Valid passport or identity card
- Proof of residence (e.g. registration certificate)
- Proof of German language skills
- Proof of livelihood (e.g. proof of income)
- Proof of knowledge of the legal and social order
- Certificate of naturalization test
After successful naturalization, you will receive a naturalization certificate confirming your German citizenship. You are then entitled to apply for a German passport.
Yes, this will be possible after a change in the law in 2024.
Your path to naturalization
The path to naturalization doesn't have to be complicated. Let's overcome the hurdles together - we will support you with our expertise and experience.