Free test for naturalization and settlement permit

** Your details **

1. Your residence status

Questions about your residence permit, asylum procedure and identity documents

What is your current residence status?

Residence permit** or freedom of movement
Temporary residence permit (during the asylum procedure) (✗)
Tolerated stay permit ("Duldung") (§ 60a/c/d) or no valid residence permit (✗)
I can't answer the question

(✗) no eligibility for citizenship/permanent residency

** Also fiction certificate according to §81 para. 4 ("Fortgeltungsfiktion") (in this case, please state the purpose of the last residence permit)

What residence permit do you have?

Permanent residence permit ("Niederlassungserlaubnis") (§9), EU freedom of movement**, EU permanent residence (§9a) (✓)
Employment residence permit (§§18-21)
Humanitarian residence permit (§§22-25b/104c)
Family reunion residence permit (§§28-36)
Training residence permit (§§16-17) (✗)

(✓) Eligibility for citizenship/permanent residency
(✗) No eligibility for citizenship/permanent residency

** EU citizens and persons from Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland and their family members

Which employment residence title do you have?

Qualified worker (§§18a/b/c/d) (✓)
Blue card (§18g) (✓)
Other employment (§19c) (✓)
Self-employed persons (§21) (✓)
Mobile researchers (§18f), ICT card/EFD (§§19/19b/e), job search/opportunity card (§20/20a) (✗)

(✓) Eligibility for citizenship/permanent residency
(✗) No eligibility for citizenship/permanent residency

Germany there to

Do you have a degree (studies/vocational training) from Germany?

Yes, German degree
No, foreign degree

What humanitarian residence permit do you have?

Entitlement to asylum (§25 Para.1) / recognized refugee (§25 Para.2 S.1 Alt.1) (✓)
Subsidiary protection (§25 para. 2 sentence 1 alt. 2) (✓)
deportation ban ("Abschiebungsverbot") (§25 para. 3) (✓)
Sustainable integration (§§25a/b) (✓)
Other humanitarian residence title (§§22/23 para.1/23a/24/25 para.4-5/104c) (✗)

(✓) Eligibility for citizenship/permanent residency
(✗) No eligibility for citizenship/permanent residency

Which family reunion residence permit do you have?

Family members of Germans (§28) (✓)
Family reunification with beneficiaries of protection (§29 para. 3-4) (✗)
Other family reunion residence permit (§30-36) (✓)

(✓) Eligibility for citizenship/permanent residency
(✗) No eligibility for citizenship/permanent residency

Are you married to a person with German citizenship?

Yes
No

The spouse must have been a German citizen for at least 2 years.

Did you apply for asylum or were you tolerated?

Yes, I have applied for asylum or was tolerated
No

The period of your asylum procedure can be credited under certain circumstances.

What kind of asylum decision did you receive?

Positive asylum decision (entitlement to asylum or refugee status)
Positive asylum decision (subsidiary protection)
Positive asylum decision (deportation ban) ("Abschiebungsverbot")
Negative or no asylum decision or periods with tolerated stay

Do you have identification documents that confirm your identity?

Yes
No

You will usually need a national passport to confirm your identity. If you can prove that it is impossible or unreasonable for you to obtain a passport, your identity can be confirmed with other official documents.

2. Your Length of stay

Certain periods of residence are required for the citizenship and permanent residency.

How long have you been living in Germany with a residence permit?

For over 5 years
For less than 5 years
I can't answer the question

Take the following periods into account:
● The period since you have been living in Germany with a visa or residence permit (excluding the period of the asylum procedure or toleration).
● For many people with protection status, this is roughly the time since receiving the asylum decision.
● For many people who have not applied for asylum or have been tolerated, this is the time since entry.
● If you have left Germany for more than 180 days in the meantime, only take into account the time after this absence. (Previous periods of residence can only be taken into account at the discretion of the authorities).

Have you been married for at least 2 years and have been living in Germany with a residence permit for more than 3 years?

Yes
No

Spouses of Germans can be naturalized with a shortened residence period.

Do any of these conditions apply to you? (entitlement to asylum or refugee status)

I applied for asylum more than 3 years ago (less than 5 years) AND I have German C1
I applied for asylum more than 5 years ago.
Requirements do not apply.

This is about the time since you applied for asylum and have been living in Germany (time of the asylum procedure and time with a residence permit). For many people, this is roughly the time since they have been in Germany.

German C1 can be proven by an examination with certificate, Abitur or by studying in German.

Do these conditions apply to you? (subsidiary protection)

I applied for asylum more than 5 years ago.
Requirement does not apply.

This is about the time since you applied for asylum and have been living in Germany (time of the asylum procedure and time with a residence permit). For many people, this is roughly the time since they have been in Germany.

Do any of these conditions apply to you? (deportation ban) ("Abschiebungsverbot")

I applied for asylum more than 5 years ago AND have had a residence permit for more than 3 years
Requirement does not apply.

You need 5 years since you applied for asylum and have been living in Germany (time of the asylum procedure and time with a residence permit). For many people, this is roughly the time since they have been in Germany.
You also need 3 years since you have been living in Germany with a residence permit (excluding the time of the asylum procedure). For many people, this is roughly the time since they received their asylum decision.

Do you fulfill the shortened residence period of 3 years for the permanent residency (for skilled workers, self-employed persons and family members of Germans)?

Yes
No

Shortened residence period (and working hours, if applicable) of 3 years applies to: ● Skilled worker with qualification abroad (§§18a/b/c/d) (working as a skilled worker for 3 years)
● Self-employed person (§21) (with successful business activity; freelancers require 5 years)

● Family members of Germans (§28) (married or cohabiting with a German citizen for 3 years)

Do you meet one of the shorter residence periods and German language requirements for the permanent residency for Blue Card holders?

Yes
No

Reduced residence/working time and German language skills for holders of the Blue Card (§18g):
● 21 months for German B1
● 27 months for German A1
The time during which you have worked in accordance with the requirements of the Blue Card counts.

Do you meet the shortened residence and working time requirements of 2 years for the permanent residency (for skilled workers with a degree in Germany)?

Yes
No

For a skilled worker with a qualification in Germany (§§18a/b/c/d), a shortened residence period applies for the permanent residency. You must have been working as a skilled worker for 2 years.

3. Your pension insurance contributions ("Rentenversicherung")

Pension insurance periods are usually required for the permanent residency. (Not required for persons with asylum entitlement, refugee status or family members of Germans).

For how long have you paid pension insurance contributions?

More than 5 years (60 months)
Less than 5 years (60 months)
I can't answer the question at the moment

This is often the period in which you worked. The months of pension contributions do not have to be consecutive. The contributions can come from different jobs. You are covered by pension insurance while receiving unemployment benefit. You are not covered by pension insurance while receiving citizen's allowance. To be sure, ask the pension insurance company for your insurance history.

Do you meet the reduced pension insurance period for the permanent residency for skilled workers?

Yes
No

Shortened pension insurance period for skilled workers (§§18a/b/c/d ): ● 2 years (24 months) with a degree in Germany
● 3 years (36 months) with a degree abroad

(If you meet the shortened residence period, you probably also meet this critera).

Do you meet one of the pension insurance criteria for the permanent residency for Blue Card holders or self-employed persons?

Yes
No

Shortened pension insurance period for Blue Card holders (§18g): ● 21 months for German B1
● 27 months for German A1

(If you meet the shortened residence period, you probably also meet this criteria.)

Self-employed persons (§21): Proof of adequate pension provision

Do you meet one of the criteria for exemption from pension insurance periods for the permanent residency?

Yes
No

Criteria for exemption from pension insurance period:
● Pupils, students, trainees ("Auszubildende")
● Having received your first residence permit before your 18th birthday (§35)
● Permanent incapacity to work due to illness or disability (with a certificate from a specialist)
● Family members of Germans (§28) (married or cohabiting with a German citizen for 3 years).

4. Your income

A minimum income is usually required for the citizenship and permanent residency.

Do you receive money from the "Jobcenter" (Bürgergeld) or social welfare office ("Sozialamt")?

Yes
No

If you receive Bürgergeld from the Jobcenter or money from the Sozialamt, your livelihood is usually not guaranteed.
These benefits are not included: Arbeitslosengeld I, Wohngeld, Kindergeld, Kinderzuschlag, BAföG.

Do you currently work full-time (approx. 40 hours/week) and have you done so in the last 2 years?

Yes
No

You must currently have worked full-time for at least 20 months within the last 2 years in order to be eligible for citizenship despite receiving social benefits. You can also select "yes" if your spouse fulfills this requirement and you live together with children.

Your income: Do you fulfill the condition of a secure livelihood? (You, spouse and children in the same household)

Yes
No
I can't answer the question

Exact calculation: Enter your net income, rent, heating costs and the number of household members in an online "Bürgergeld" calculator. If the expected Bürgergeld is €0, your income is probably sufficient.

Rough calculation: Your household should have at least the following net income (uncertain estimate):
● 1 adult: 1.500€ (rent under 589€)
● 2 adults (over 18 years): 2.100€ (rent under 740€)
● 2 persons (single parent): 2.250€ (rent under 740€)
● 3 persons: 2,600€ (rent under 850€)
● 4 persons: 3,100€ (rent under 950€)
● 5 persons: 3,600€ (rent under 1,050€)
(rent includes heating costs, higher rent requires correspondingly higher income)

Net income is the money that goes into your account after taxes and social security contributions have been deducted. It includes income from work, pension, self-employment, ALG1, Kindergeld, Kinderzuschlag, Erziehungsgeld, Elterngeld, BAföG, BAB and Unterhaltsvorschuss.

Is there a probationary period or time limit on your employment contract or your sources of income?

Yes
No

The following cases in particular constitute a time limit:
● You are currently in the probationary period ("Probezeit") (usually the first 6 months of an employment relationship)
● Fixed-term employment contract with a remaining term of less than 12 months
● Receiving Arbeitslosengeld, Elterngeld, Krankengeld
● Income during training or studies
● Irregular or low income in the case of self-employment

Do you have proof of a positive forecast for your income security?

Yes
No

The following evidence may be able to confirm your income security:
● Letter from your employer stating your specific intention to terminate the contract in the future
● Job offer following training, unemployment, parental leave or sick leave
● Studies or training in a professional field with high demand for skilled workers (if training is still ongoing: very good grades)
● High financial reserves or above-average income
The decision on the forecast of your income security is made by the authority on a case-by-case basis. Evidence is not always sufficient. If you are unsure, we recommend that you seek advice in advance.

Your income: Do you meet the 75% livelihood requirement? (You, spouse and children in the same household) (for permanent residence permit if you are entitled to asylum or refugee status and have been in Germany for 3 years and have C1 German)

Yes
No

Exact calculation: Enter your net income, rent, heating costs and the number of household members in an online "Bürgergeld" calculator. If the expected Bürgergeld is less than 25% of your monthly needs, your income is probably sufficient.

Rough calculation: Your household should have at least the following net income (uncertain estimate):
● 1 person: €1,225 (rent under €589)
● 2 persons (over 18 years): €1,675 (rent under €740)
● 2 persons (single parent): €1.790€ (rent under €740)
● 3 persons: €2,050 (rent under €850)
● 4 persons: €2,425 (rent under €950)
● 5 persons: €2,800 (rent under €1,050)
(rent includes heating costs in each case, higher rent requires correspondingly higher income)

Net income is the money that goes into your account after taxes and social security contributions have been deducted. It includes income from work, pension, self-employment, ALG1, Kindergeld, Kinderzuschlag, Erziehungsgeld, Elterngeld, BAföG, BAB and Unterhaltsvorschuss.

Your income: Do you meet the 50% livelihood requirement? (You, spouse and children in the same household) (for permanent residence permit if you are entitled to asylum or refugee status and have been in Germany for 5 years and German A2)

Yes
No

Exact calculation: Enter your net income, rent, heating costs and the number of household members in an online "Bürgergeld" calculator. If the expected Bürgergeld is less than 50% of your monthly needs, your income is probably sufficient.

Rough calculation: Your household should have at least the following net income (uncertain estimate):
● 1 person: 875€ (rent under 589 €)
● 2 persons (over 18 years): 1.225€ (rent under 740 €)
● 2 persons (single parent): 1.300 (rent under €740)
● 3 persons: €1,475 (rent under €850)
● 4 persons: €1,725 (rent under €950)
● 5 persons: €1,975 (rent under €1,050)
(rent includes heating costs in each case, higher rent requires correspondingly higher income)

Net income is the money that goes into your account after taxes and social security contributions have been deducted. It includes income from work, pension, self-employment, ALG1, Kindergeld, Kinderzuschlag, Erziehungsgeld, Elterngeld, BAföG, BAB and Unterhaltsvorschuss.

Do you meet one of the criteria for the permanent residency without proof of income?

Yes
No

Criteria for the permanent residency without proof of income: ● You are going to school, training or studying and receive BAföG or training salary + BAB ("Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe")

● You are unable to work due to illness or disability (you need a certificate from a specialist doctor confirming the illness or disability and a permanent inability to work).

5. Further evidence and requirements

Questions about German certificate, naturalization test and convictions

Do you have a B1 German certificate (oral and written)?

Yes
No

Do you have an A2 German certificate (oral and written)?

Yes
No

People with asylum or refugee status need A2 for the permanent residency.

Do you have an A1 German certificate (oral and written)?

Yes
No

Blue Card holders who have worked for 27 months in accordance with the requirements of the Blue Card require A1 for the permanent residency.

Have you successfully completed the naturalization test or the "Leben in Deutschland" test?

Yes
No

The naturalization test and the integration test "Leben in Deutschland" have the same content. You can take the test at the end of the integration course or individually.
● At least 15 out of 33 correct answers are required for the permanent residency.
● At least 17 out of 33 correct answers are required for the citizenship.

Have you attended school in Germany (at least 4 years with transfer), completed a school-leaving certificate or a vocational training or have you completed a degree at a university in German?

Yes
No

Successful promotion to the 10th grade is also sufficient (German at least "ausreichend")

If you have studied: Have you successfully completed a degree in law, social, political or administrative sciences?

Yes
No
I did not complete a degree in Germany.

In Berlin, any course of study completed in Germany can replace the naturalization test.

In other authorities, usually only a successfully completed degree in the fields of law, social, political or administrative sciences is recognized as a substitute for the naturalization test (for other fields of study, it depends on the combination of subjects).

Are you unable to learn German or pass the naturalization test due to physical or mental limitations or old age (approx. 65+)?

Yes
No

In the case of a chronic illness or disability, a certificate from a specialist doctor is required confirming that the acquisition of B1 German and civic knowledge is permanently impossible.

Have you been convicted of a crime?

Yes
No

A conviction for a non-racist offense resulting in a fine of less than 90 daily rates or a prison sentence of less than three months is generally not an obstacle.

❗ Please answer all questions to receive a summary of your results.

** Requirements for the citizenship in detail **

1. Residence permit with eligibility (citizenship): fulfilled

1. Residence permit with eligibility (citizenship): unclear

1. Residence permit with eligibility (citizenship): missing

2. Identity documents (citizenship): fulfilled

2. Identity documents (citizenship): missing

3. Length of stay (citizenship): fulfilled

3. Lentgh of stay (citizenship): unclear

3. Length of stay (citizenship): missing

4. Livelihood (citizenship): fulfilled

4. Livelihood (citizenship): unclear

4. Livelihood (citizenship): not secured

5. Proof of German (citizenship): fulfilled

5. Proof of German (citizenship): not required

5. Proof of German (citizenship): missing

6. Naturalization test (citizenship): fulfilled

6. Naturalization test (citizenship): not required

6. Naturalization test (citizenship): missing

7. No crime (citizenship)

** Requirements for the permanent residency in detail **

1. Residence permit with eligibility (permanent residency): fulfilled

1. Residence permit with eligibility (permanent residency): unclear

1. Residence permit with eligibility (permanent residency): missing

2. Identity documents (permanent residency): fulfilled

2. Identity documents (permanent residency): missing

3. Length of stay (permanent residency): fulfilled

3. Length of stay (permanent residency): unclear

3. Length of stay (permanent residency): missing

3. Length of stay (permanent resideny): missing

4. Pension insurance period (permanent residency): fulfilled

4. Pension insurance period (permanent residency): unclear

4. Pension insurance period (permanent residency): missing

5. Livelihood (permanent residency): fulfilled

5. Livelihood (permanent residency): unclear

5. Livelihood (permanent residency): not secured

6. Proof of German (permanent residency): fulfilled

6. Proof of German (permanent residency): not required

6. Proof of German (permanent residency): missing

7. Naturalization test (permanent residency): fulfilled

7. Naturalization test (permanent residency): not required

7. Naturalization test (permanent residency): missing

8. No crime (permanent residency)

** Summary (based on your information) **

⇨ Citizenship requirements: fulfilled

⇨ Citizenship requirements: partially fulfilled

⇨ Permanent residency requirements: fulfilled

⇨ Permanent residency requirements: partially fulfilled

** E-mail dispatch **

Your result:

📧 Further down you have the option to have your result sent to you by email.

Summary

Here is your result based on your information:

✅ Citizenship: You seem to meet all the conditions.

❗ Citizenship: You fulfill the conditions partially.

✅ Permanent residency: You seem to meet all the conditions.

❗ Permanent residency: You fulfill the conditions partially.

Citizenship: Your information in detail

Here you can see the requirements that you fulfill according to your information or that you still lack:

✅ Residence permit with eligibility for citizenship

❓ Residence permit unclear

❌ Residence permit with eligibility for citizenship is missing

✅ Identity documents

❌ Identity documents are missing

✅ Length of stay for the citizenship

❓ Length of stay unclear

❌ Length of stay is missing. Required for the citizenship for you: 5 years with a residence permit in Germany

❌ Length of stay is missing. Required for the citizenship: 5 years of residence in Germany (including time of asylum procedure)

❌ Length of stay is missing. Required for the citizenship for you: 5 years of residence in Germany (including time of asylum procedure), of which at least 3 years with a residence permit

❌ Length of stay is missing. Required for the citizenship for you: 3 years with a residence permit in Germany and at least 2 years married to a German citizen

✅ Livelihood secured

❓ Livelihood unclear

❌ Livelihood not secured (benefits from "Jobcenter" or "Sozialamt")

❌ Livelihood not secured (insufficient income)

❌ Livelihood not secured (no proof of positive income forecast)

✅ Proof of German

✅ Proof of German not required

❌ Proof of German missing

✅ Naturalization test

✅ Naturalization test not required

❌ Naturalization test is missing

✅ No crime

❌ No crime

Permanent residency: Your information in detail

Here you can see the requirements that you fulfill according to your information or that you still lack:

✅ Residence permit with eligibility for permanent residency

❓ Residence permit unclear

❌ Residence permit with eligibility for permanent residency is missing

✅ Identity documents

❌ Identity documents are missing

✅ Length of stay for the permanent residency

❓ Length of stay unclear

❌ Length of stay is missing. Required for the permanent residency for you: 5 years with a residence permit in Germany

❌ Length of stay is missing. Required for the permanent residency for you: 5 years residence in Germany (including the time of the asylum procedure) or 3 years (including the asylum procedure) as well as German C1 and 75% livelihood security

❌ Length of stay is missing. Required for the permanent residency for you: 5 years residence in Germany (including time of asylum procedure)

❌ Length of stay is missing. Required for the permanent residency for you: 5 years residence in Germany (including the time of the asylum procedure), of which at least 3 years with a residence permit

❌ Length of stay is missing. Required for the permanent residency for you: 3 years with a residence permit in Germany (for skilled workers, self-employed persons and family members of Germans)

❌ Length of stay is missing. Required for the permanent residency for you as a blue card holder: 21 months for German B1, 27 months for German A1

❌ Length of stay is missing. Required for the permanent residency for you: working as a skilled worker for 2 years (for skilled workers with a degree in Germany)

✅ Pension insurance period for the permanent residency

❓ Pension insurance period unclear

❌ Pension insurance period is missing. Required for you: 5 years (60 months)

❌ Pension insurance period is missing. Required for you as a skilled worker with a degree in Germany: 2 years (24 months)

❌ Pension insurance period is missing. Required for you as a skilled worker with a degree abroad: 3 years (36 months)

❌ Pension insurance period is missing. Required for you:
Blue Card 21 months for German B1, 27 months for German A1
Self-employed persons: Proof of adequate pension provision

✅ Livelihood secured

❓ Livelihood unclear

❌ Livelihood not secured

✅ Proof of German

✅ Proof of German not required

❌ Proof of German missing

✅ Naturalization test

✅ Naturalization test not required

❌ Naturalization test is missing

✅ No crime

❌ No crime

💡 If you can fulfill the missing requirements, you have a good chance for citizenship or permanent residency.

What can you do to fulfill missing requirements?

❌ Residence permit is unclear

Unfortunately, it is not clear from your details which residence permit you currently have. In order to obtain the most accurate test results possible, we recommend that you check which residence permit you have and take the test again.
Get in touch with us if you are unsure how to find out.

❌ Residence permit with eligibility missing

Check whether it is possible to change your residence title (e.g. as a skilled worker, Section 18 AufenthG). Here you can find information on whether and how you can change your residence title. Here you will find an extra overview of which residence titles you could theoretically change to if you meet the requirements.
Persons with humanitarian residence permits who are not eligible for citizenship may be able to apply for citizenship in a discretionary procedure (in accordance with § 8 StAG), e.g. in the case of exceptional integration achievements. Ask an advice center or a lawyer for more information.

❌ Identity documents are missing

For citizenship or permanent residency, identity must be proven beyond doubt, usually with a valid national passport or passport substitute.
If you do not have a passport, you must be able to prove that it is impossible or unreasonable for you to obtain a passport and require documents or evidence of your identity. For persons with refugee or asylum status, it may be considered unreasonable to obtain a passport. (See also here under the point "How can I prove that I have made an effort to obtain a passport?")
It may be possible to apply without identity documents and submit them later.

❌ Required Length of stay missing / unclear

Check whether other residence titles require shorter periods of residence (e.g. skilled worker or EU Blue Card) and whether it is possible to change your residence title.(Here you can find information on whether and how you can change your residence title).
If your period of residence has been interrupted by longer stays abroad, you can check whether the previous periods of residence can be taken into account at the discretion of the authorities (Section 12b (2) StAG). To do this, you must have lived in Germany for at least 3 years since the interruption.
For persons with humanitarian residence permits, periods of asylum proceedings (subsidiary protection, prohibition of deportation or rejection) are taken into account for a possible granting of a permanent residency in the discretionary procedure (according to § 26 para. 4). Ask an advice center or a lawyer for more information.
If you are only 3-6 months short of the required period of residence, you can ask the authorities whether you can submit the application in advance.

❌ Pension insurance period for the permanent residency is missing

Check your insurance history. Request your insurance history from the pension insurance company and check the months you have completed so far: Select "Versicherungsverlauf", enter your social security number and your first and last name. You will receive the information by post in a few days.
Check whether you can voluntarily pay additional pension insurance contributions for the current or previous year.
Work out exactly how many months you still need and when you will meet the requirement.

❌ Livelihood not secured / unclear

Check your income again: enter your net income, rent, heating costs and the number of household members in a citizen's allowance calculator. If the expected "Bürgergeld" is €0, your income is probably sufficient.
Search for another work, increase your working hours or start an additional mini-job to secure the missing income. The income of your partner can also be taken into account. Here you can find tips on looking for a job and applying.
Check whether you may be entitled to a child allowance ("Kinderzuschlag") or maintenance advance ("Unterhaltsvorschuss") to secure your income.
You can ask your employer to shorten the probationary period or ask for a letter that serves as proof of a positive prognosis (formulation that, from the employer's point of view, the employment relationship will continue indefinitely or that there are no indications of termination). If the income gap is small or the prognosis unclear, you may still be able to submit the application and provide further evidence later.
People who are unable to work or disabled, single parents, pupils, trainees and students, recipients of basic income support in old age and people who care for relatives can, under certain circumstances, apply for citizenship at the discretion of the authorities (in accordance with § 8 StAG), e.g. in the case of exceptional integration achievements. Ask an advice center or a lawyer for more information.

❌ Proof of German missing

You can take the B1 certificate at a language school. You can also take the exam without a course. You can do this at adult education centers ("Volkshochschulen"), the Goethe-Institut or TELC. If you only take the exam, it is very important to prepare well for it.
Get in touch early for the test. It is often difficult to get an appointment. Here you can find more information about learning German.

❌ Naturalization test is missing

The naturalization test and the integration test "Living in Germany" have the same content. At least 15 out of 33 correct answers are required for the permanent residency. At least 17 out of 33 correct answers are required for the citizenship.
Here you will find an overview of recognized test centres: go to "Kursorte", enter your city and zip code and select the following course under "Zulassung": "Test zum Orientierungskurs (Leben in Deutschland)".
Register early for the test. Here you can simulate the test in preparation and look at examples of questions.

❌ Crime

Seek advice to clarify whether you can obtain citizenship or permanent residency despite a criminal offence in the case of fines of less than 90 daily rates, suspended prison sentences of up to three months and educational measures, juvenile detention or conditions imposed by the juvenile court.
In the case of a higher conviction, citizenship or permanent residency is possible if the criminal offence has been erased from the Federal Central Criminal Register (often after 10 or 15 years).

How do you apply for citizenship and permanent residency?

Apply for citizenship or permanent residency as soon as you meet all the requirements:

Here you can find out the best way to submit your application for the permanent residency.
Check whether you can submit your application 1-3 months before you meet the necessary requirements or if some of the requirements are still unclear .

Seek help if you have questions about the process:

You can find more information on the application process here and in our step-by-step information on citizenship and permanent residency
Possible help from advice centers, lawyers' offices or the LIFE Initiative

Would you like to receive the test results by e-mail?

Yes
No

Alternatively, you can print and save this page as a PDF.

e-mail

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