[Draft] Tips for the Citizenship Application with Example

You can go to the website of your city or district to check which documents you need. Gather them all together.
Note: This checklist is based on unmarried adults without children (special circumstances are not taken into account in this example).

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need: usually will

You will usually need:

• Application letter (only required for application by post)
• Application form from the city or district (If there is no online form, you can also submit the application without a form. In this case, be sure to write down how long you have been living in Germany and have a residence permit).
• Certificate of the B1 exam (or alternatively proof of a German school-leaving certificate, a completed apprenticeship or a course of study completed in German).
• Naturalization test (or alternatively proof of a German school-leaving certificate, completed training or studies in law, social, social, political or administrative sciences).
• Copy of the employment contract
• Letter from your company confirming that you have not been dismissed (use either the "Employer Confirmation" form from your relevant authority or our template)
• Salary statements for the last 6 months and proof of other income (e.g. child benefit ("Kindergeld"), if you are self-employed, you will need other documents. Check with your city or district. IMPORTANT: Proof of all household income (including that of your partner) is required.
• Copy of rental agreement and heating bill (only required if the rental agreement does not include a flat rate for heating costs or similar) and proof of the current rent in form of a bank transfer receipt
• Copy of passport
• Copy of residence permit
• Copy of extended registration certificate ("Meldebescheinigung")*
• Membership certificate from your health insurance company
• Proof of transfer of the fee of 255 euros (for underage children in the same application: 51 euros) (not necessary for online applications)
• A signed commitment to the Free Democratic Basic Order ("Freie Demokratische Grundordnung")
• Tip: Attach a screenshot of an online "Bürgergeld" calculator

* You can apply for an extended registration certificate ("erweiterte Meldebescheinigung") at your local registration office ("Meldebehörde" also called "Bürgerbüro" or "Bürgeramt"). You can directly submit the application in person to the local authority, in writing by post (not possible in all authorities) or online via the service portal (not available in all federal states). It is best to check the website of your responsible authority to see how you can submit the application - if in doubt, you can always submit it in person.

Checklist as PDF

Click here to download a complete sample application for citizenship with all required documents.

Complete sample application as PDF

Some cities or districts offer an online form for submitting applications (e.g. Berlin, Hamburg, Magdeburg, Hannover Region, Essen). If available, use the official platform of your federal state or city.

• The “Quick-Check”: Genereally, you will find the “quick check” right before the actual online application on the website of your local municipality or the relevant state portal. The quick check is a short, non-binding online self-testthat checks whether you meet the basic requirements for citizenship. After a successful quick check, the actual citizenship application is usually called up.
• The “online application”: The online form, which usually follows the quick check, is used to apply for citizenship and is a formal procedure with uploading the documents, payment of fees and subsequent examination by the authorities.

Pay attention to the following when completing the online application:

• Read the instructions and notes on the online application carefully.
• If you are also applying for naturalization for your child (under the age of 16), you can do this together with your application. (See illustration)
• Keep all documents ready in digital form (ideally as a PDF, cleanly scanned and clearly legible). If you are applying together with your partner or children, make sure that all documents are submitted at the same time (e.g. all language certificates, residence documents, school certificates).
• In an emergency (only absolute exceptions!) you can insert a placeholder if one of the documents requested does not fit your case. Make sure to submit an additional explanation as a PDF if there are special features to your case or if you have ticked something that you were not sure about.
• Use your online ID card to identify yourself if you have one: e.g. electronic residence permit or EU citizen card. (You need the “AusweisApp2” on your device).
• Among other things, you will be asked the following question: “Can you demonstrate knowledge of the legal and social order and living conditions in Germany?” (“Können Sie Kenntnisse der Rechts- und Gesellschaftsordnung und der Lebensverhältnisse in Deutschland nachweisen?”) You should answer this question with “Yes” if you have taken a naturalization test (“Living in Germany”).
• Pay attention to correct and complete information – incorrect or missing information can delay the application or lead to rejection.
• After submitting the online application, you will often receive a confirmation of receiptan automatic e-mail or PDF confirmation. Save them immediately or print it as a PDF – this is your proof that the application has been submitted. Sometimes you will also receive a request to submit further documents or to attend an appointment

Depending on the authority, there are different procedures for paying the fee (usually € 255 / € 51 for children):

• By bank transfer: You submit the (online) application and later receive a letter or an e-mail from the authority. This will contain the fee notice with request for payment. You transfer the money to the specified account (your case reference number as reason for payment).
• Directly when applying online via e-payment: With some online portals you can directly pay at the end of the application by credit card, “SEPA-Lastschrift”, “giropay”, “PayPal” or online bank transfer. You will receive a payment confirmation immediately.
• Payment at the personal appointment: If your authority does not offer online payment, you can usually pay the fee at an appointment in person (often by EC card or cash).