Spousal Naturalization (Section 9 StAG)

Applying for German citizenship through marriage is a process of accelerated naturalization under Section 9 of the Nationality Act (Staatsangehörigkeitsgesetz - StAG). While you do not need to wait as long as other residents, you must still prove your integration and the stability of your marriage.

Step 1: Preliminary Consultation

Before submitting your paperwork, contact your local Einbürgerungsbehörde (Citizenship Authority). This office is usually located in your Rathaus (City Hall) or Landratsamt (District Office). Many offices offer a preliminary consultation to review your specific situation and provide a checklist of required documents.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

You must collect and translate all necessary evidence. Any document not in German must be translated by a sworn translator in Germany and may require an Apostille (a form of international authentication).

• Identity: Your valid passport and current residence permit.
• Marriage: Your marriage certificate and your spouse's German passport or Personalausweis (ID card). You must have been married for at least two years.
• Residency: Proof you have lived legally in Germany for at least three years.
• Language: A B1 level German certificate.
• Knowledge: Your results from the Leben in Deutschland (Living in Germany) test.
• Finances: Your last three months of pay slips, employment contract, or tax assessments if self-employed.

Step 3: Submit the Application

You can submit your application once you have lived in Germany for three years and been married for two. Some authorities allow you to "pre-file" a few months before you hit the three-year mark, but the certificate will not be issued until the time requirement is met.

• In-Person: Submit your folder at your local citizenship office.
• Online: Many regions now use online portals. For example, if you live in Berlin, you will apply through the Landesamt für Einwanderung (LEA).

Step 4: The Review Period

The authority will verify your criminal record, financial stability, and the validity of your marriage. They will also check that you and your spouse are not relying on Bürgergeld (citizen’s benefit/social security). You must remain living together in a "genuine marital community" throughout this entire stage.

Step 5: The Naturalization Ceremony

If approved, you will be invited to an Einbürgerungsfeier (naturalization ceremony). You will make a formal declaration of loyalty to the German Constitution and receive your Einbürgerungsurkunde (Naturalization Certificate). Since June 2024, you are not required to renounce your original citizenship; Germany now fully allows dual nationality.

Step 6: Apply for German ID

With your certificate in hand, you are officially a citizen. You can now visit your local Bürgeramt (Citizens' Office) to apply for your German passport and national ID card.

Item	Cost
Naturalization Fee (Adult)	€255
Naturalization Fee (Minor child applying with parent)	€51
Naturalization Test (Leben in Deutschland)	~€25
B1 Language Exam	€150 – €250

Total Estimate: Approximately €430 – €530 for a single adult applicant. Note: This does not include costs for professional translations, Apostilles, or the fees for your new German passport and ID card.

Processing times vary significantly depending on your place of residence and the current backlog of the local office.

• Standard Processing: Expect 6 to 12 months in smaller towns or efficient districts.
• Major Cities (Berlin, Munich, Hamburg): Due to high demand following recent law changes, wait times can range from 18 to 36 months.
• Document Validity: Ensure your passport and residence permit remain valid throughout the entire processing period. If they are set to expire, you must renew them while your citizenship application is pending.
• Marriage Requirement: You must remain legally married and living together for the entire duration of the processing time until the moment you receive your certificate.