German Citizenship By Marriage or Civil Union
APPLYING FOR GERMAN CITIZENSHIP THROUGH MARRIAGE
Married to a German citizen? Have you lived in Germany for three years or more? You likely qualify for German citizenship.
German nationality through marriage is a popular route because the residency requirements are much shorter than what is typically required for general naturalization.
If you’ve settled in Germany and built a life together with your spouse, you could gain citizenship more quickly than others. It’s a wonderful opportunity to fully integrate into the society and enjoy all the benefits of being a German citizen.
What Is German Citizenship Through Marriage?
If you are currently married to a German citizen you may be qualified to apply for German citizenship through marriage. In order to apply for German citizenship by marriage you must have met the following requirements:
- You must have been married to a German citizen for at least 2 years
- You must have lived in Germany for at least 3 years (4 years if your spouse is a naturalized citizen)
- You can prove proficiency in the German language at the B1 level
- You can show financial stability
- You can demonstrate an understanding of Germany’s legal and social systems
- You have no serious criminal convictions
It’s important to understand that marrying a German citizen does not instantly grant you citizenship. You must satisfy specific requirements, including being married for a minimum of two years and residing continuously in Germany for three years.
If you feel you meet these requirements, you will need to take the following three steps:
- Take official tests for language and German culture
- Gather proper documentation for your German citizenship through marriage application
- Completing the required paperwork and paying fees
Your citizenship application will be assessed based on a range of factors. These criteria are clear-cut and objective, including your legal residency status, background checks, and compliance with immigration laws.
Eligibility for Citizenship in Germany by Marriage
To be eligible for German citizenship through marriage, you must meet the requirements below:
- Marriage Duration: You need to be married to a German citizen for a minimum of 2 years. This demonstrates some level of commitment and reduces the number of marriages of convenience—where two people get married merely for the legal benefits.
- Residency Requirement: Living in Germany for at least 3 years is a must (that extends to 4 if your spouse is a naturalized citizen). This gives you the chance to immerse yourself in the culture and lifestyle.
- Language Proficiency: You should be able to prove you can communicate at the B1 level in German using the European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) as determined by an official test. If you can’t meet this requirement, you can sometimes have it waived through a medical certificate showing illness or disability.
- Financial Stability: New citizens need to prove that they can financially take care of themselves. While they can take advantage of the country’s robust social safety net in the future, starting off on the right financial foot reduces the risk of this happening.
- Understanding Legal and Social Systems: It’s essential to know how Germany works—both legally and socially. This knowledge is proven during you German citizenship test (Einbürgerungstest).
- Clean Criminal Record: Serious criminal convictions will prevent you from citizenship in Germany by marriage. This shows you’re a responsible citizen who respects the laws of the land. It is about proving you’re ready to contribute to the safety and well-being of your community.
Do you meet these requirements and are ready to apply for German citizenship through marriage? Schedule a free consultation call with our experts. We can answer your question and make sure you are pointed in the right direction.
How do I Prove German Residency?
To become a citizen by marriage means being able to prove you’ve been living in Germany. This includes property and rental documentation.
Having a valid residence permit, such as an Aufenthaltstitel, will be essential.
How Long Does it Take to Apply for German Citizenship by Marriage?
Once you submit your application, results can take several months.
Where to File the Marriage Application
Once you have gathered all of your documents, your application for German citizenship through marriage will be submitted to your local immigration office (Einbürgerungsamt). You must also pay a €255 for the application.
Where to File the Marriage Application
Once you have gathered all your documents, your application will be submitted to your local immigration office (Einbürgerungsamt). You must also pay a €255 for the application.
Necessary Documents for German Citizenship by Marriage
All documents must be in German. If any are in another language, you must have them officially translated by a certified German translator. You will need the following:
- Certified copy of your passport
- Certified copies of both spouses’ birth certificates
- Marriage certificate
- Proof of residence: This could be a rental agreement or a letter from your local registration office (Anmeldung)
- Proof of income
- Citizenship test results
- Language test results
Additional supporting documents may be required to prove your identity and residency, depending on your situation.
Can I Pass the German Citizenship Test?
This is a key part of the process when applying for German citizenship through marriage. You must be proficient in the German language and have some understanding of the country’s laws and society. Because it’s an essential step for anyone looking for German nationality through marriage, there are many supporting resources we can point you to that will assist you with this requirement.
The German citizenship exam, known as the Einbürgerungstest, is a written test of 33 questions. Candidates must correctly answer at least 17 questions to pass.
30 questions will cover general knowledge about Germany, including its history, culture, government structure, and social norms. The last three questions focus on the state or region where you reside.
To prepare for the Einbürgerungstest, you can take classes at your local adult education center (Volkshochschule). These courses often provide valuable insights and study materials to help you understand the topics covered in the test.
You can find a list of testing centers and test times on the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees website. If you want to take the test in time for your application, plan ahead.
Looking for German Citizenship Through Marriage?
Getting your German citizenship by marriage can be a significant way to strengthen your bond with Germany and your spouse. It also opens many opportunities and benefits of being part of the European Union.
It’s a fulfilling journey, but requires you to pay very close attention to the legal requirements and follow each step carefully.
Even though this is a popular route to citizenship, the process can feel overwhelming as there are several requirements that must be met along with meticulous attention to detail regarding to avoid making mistakes or lacking essential documents. Don’t hesitate to seek help from our immigration experts—we can guide you through the complexities of the application process and make your path to German citizenship much smoother.
We are here to assist you with the citizenship process from start to finish. Soon you’ll be on your way to enjoying all that Germany has to offer!
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is German citizenship by marriage?
Citizenship by marriage is a process where a foreign individual becomes a naturalized citizen of a country that their spouse is a citizen of. The exact requirements vary country by country, but they usually include some minimum lengths of time to live in the country and be married.
Can you get German citizenship through marriage?
Yes, it’s possible to get German citizenship by marrying a German citizen, as long as you fulfill all the necessary requirements, including residency and character evaluations.
How long does it take to get German citizenship by marriage?
The process can take several months once you submit an application.
How long do you have to be in Germany before applying?
You must have at least 3 years of residence in Germany before applying. That number goes up to 4 years if your spouse is a naturalized rather than a natural citizen.
What happens if my partner and I divorce?
If you divorce before your application is approved, you are no longer eligible. But if you divorce after you’ve become a citizen, you are generally allowed to remain a citizen.
Can same-sex couples get German citizenship through marriage?
Absolutely! Same-sex couples have the same requirements as opposite-sex couples, and their marriage is given the same rights as any other.
