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German citizenship

1 storyUpdated 7 October 2026, 15:07 UTC

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Where things stand

DevelopingGerman citizenship by naturalisation: how many years you need, and the three-year route that was removed
Naturalisation now requires five years of lawful residence. The three-year route for exceptional integration ended on 30 October 2025.

The Nationality Act entitles a foreign national to naturalisation on application after five years of lawful habitual residence in Germany, if identity and nationality are clear and the other conditions are met. Gesetze im Internet (Federal Ministry of Justice), Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF)
The 2024 reform cut the regular residence period for naturalisation from eight years to five, according to the Federal Government. Federal Government of Germany (Bundesregierung)
The amending law took effect on 30 October 2025, ending the option of naturalisation after three years, according to the Federal Government. Federal Government of Germany (Bundesregierung)

28 July 2026The consolidated Nationality Act on Gesetze im Internet was last amended by a law published in the Federal Law Gazette in July 2026. Gesetze im Internet (Federal Ministry of Justice), Bundesgesetzblatt (Federal Law Gazette)
30 October 2025The amending law took effect on 30 October 2025, ending the option of naturalisation after three years, according to the Federal Government. Federal Government of Germany (Bundesregierung)
29 October 2025The Act Amending the Nationality Act and Other Provisions was published in the Federal Law Gazette in October 2025. Bundesgesetzblatt (Federal Law Gazette)
26 March 2024The Act to Modernise Nationality Law was published in the Federal Law Gazette in March 2024. Bundesgesetzblatt (Federal Law Gazette)

DevelopingWork and study in Germany

Now Naturalisation now requires five years of lawful residence. The three-year route for exceptional integration ended on 30 October 2025.

Last changed 7 October 2026 · 1 version · Verified 7 October 2026