{"id":7313,"date":"2025-11-05T11:08:14","date_gmt":"2025-11-05T10:08:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/draft-tips-for-applying-for-naturalization-with-example\/"},"modified":"2026-01-09T10:30:44","modified_gmt":"2026-01-09T09:30:44","slug":"tipps-einbuergerung","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/en\/tipps-einbuergerung\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips on applying for naturalization with an example"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>On this page you will find <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>helpful tips<\/strong><\/span> <\/span>on how to apply for citizenship as well as a <strong>checklist <\/strong>and an exemplary <strong>application sample <\/strong>with all documents.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Online application<\/strong>: In some cities or districts, you can submit the application online <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(check the website of your responsible authority). Make sure you submit your application online if your authority provides this option.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Application by post<\/strong>: If an online application is not possible, send the application by post <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(registered letter). Sometimes you can also submit the application in person<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Book an appointment and bring <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>all documents<\/strong><\/span> with you.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Complete application<\/strong>: Do not send the application until you have double-checked<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>everything is complete<\/strong><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><b><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Applications with missing documents are often processed very late. You may not be informed for a long time that something is missing. You can use our checklist to check whether you have all the necessary documents.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>See also: <a href=\"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/test-einbuergerung-niederlassungserlaubnis\/\">Test for naturalization and settlement permit<\/a><\/p>\n<details>\n<summary><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-weight: bold; font-size: 22px;\">Checklist: All necessary documents<br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 22px;\"><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 22px;\">(click to open)<\/span><\/span><\/summary>\n<p>You can go to the website of your <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>city or district<\/strong><\/span> to check which documents you need. Gather them all together.<br \/>\n<strong>Note:<\/strong> This checklist is based on unmarried adults without children (special circumstances are not taken into account in this example).<\/p>\n<style id=\"wpforms-css-vars-7079\">\n\t\t\t\t#wpforms-7079 {\n\t\t\t\t--wpforms-field-size-input-height: 43px;\n--wpforms-field-size-input-spacing: 15px;\n--wpforms-field-size-font-size: 16px;\n--wpforms-field-size-line-height: 19px;\n--wpforms-field-size-padding-h: 14px;\n--wpforms-field-size-checkbox-size: 16px;\n--wpforms-field-size-sublabel-spacing: 5px;\n--wpforms-field-size-icon-size: 1;\n--wpforms-label-size-font-size: 16px;\n--wpforms-label-size-line-height: 19px;\n--wpforms-label-size-sublabel-font-size: 14px;\n--wpforms-label-size-sublabel-line-height: 17px;\n--wpforms-button-size-font-size: 17px;\n--wpforms-button-size-height: 41px;\n--wpforms-button-size-padding-h: 15px;\n--wpforms-button-size-margin-top: 10px;\n--wpforms-container-shadow-size-box-shadow: none;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t<\/style><div class=\"wpforms-container wpforms-container-full wpforms-render-modern\" id=\"wpforms-7079\"><form id=\"wpforms-form-7079\" class=\"wpforms-validate wpforms-form wpforms-ajax-form\" data-formid=\"7079\" method=\"post\" enctype=\"multipart\/form-data\" action=\"\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7313\" data-token=\"d8972bf11cd8c4679dea9ab667a426c6\" data-token-time=\"1775526457\"><noscript class=\"wpforms-error-noscript\">Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.<\/noscript><div id=\"wpforms-error-noscript\" style=\"display: none;\">Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.<\/div><div class=\"wpforms-field-container\">\t\t<div id=\"wpforms-7079-field_1-container\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"wpforms-field wpforms-field-text\"\n\t\t\tdata-field-type=\"text\"\n\t\t\tdata-field-id=\"1\"\n\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<label class=\"wpforms-field-label\" for=\"wpforms-7079-field_1\" >need: You usually<\/label>\n\t\t\t<input type=\"text\" id=\"wpforms-7079-field_1\" class=\"wpforms-field-medium\" name=\"wpforms[fields][1]\" >\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"wpforms-7079-field_3-container\" class=\"wpforms-field wpforms-field-checkbox\" data-field-id=\"3\"><fieldset><legend class=\"wpforms-field-label\">You will usually need:<\/legend><ul id=\"wpforms-7079-field_3\"><li class=\"choice-19 depth-1\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"wpforms-7079-field_3_19\" name=\"wpforms[fields][3][]\" value=\"&lt;b&gt;Application letter&lt;\/b&gt; (only required for application by post)\" aria-errormessage=\"wpforms-7079-field_3_19-error\" aria-describedby=\"wpforms-7079-field_3-description\"  ><label class=\"wpforms-field-label-inline\" for=\"wpforms-7079-field_3_19\"><b>Application letter<\/b> (only required for application by post)<\/label><\/li><li class=\"choice-1 depth-1\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"wpforms-7079-field_3_1\" name=\"wpforms[fields][3][]\" value=\"&lt;b&gt;Application form from the city or district&lt;\/b&gt; (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).\" aria-errormessage=\"wpforms-7079-field_3_1-error\" aria-describedby=\"wpforms-7079-field_3-description\"  ><label class=\"wpforms-field-label-inline\" for=\"wpforms-7079-field_3_1\"><b>Application form from the city or district<\/b> (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).<\/label><\/li><li class=\"choice-6 depth-1\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"wpforms-7079-field_3_6\" name=\"wpforms[fields][3][]\" value=\"&lt;b&gt;Certificate of the B1 exam&lt;\/b&gt; (or alternatively proof of a German school-leaving certificate, a completed apprenticeship or a course of study completed in German).\" aria-errormessage=\"wpforms-7079-field_3_6-error\" aria-describedby=\"wpforms-7079-field_3-description\"  ><label class=\"wpforms-field-label-inline\" for=\"wpforms-7079-field_3_6\"><b>Certificate of the B1 exam<\/b> (or alternatively proof of a German school-leaving certificate, a completed apprenticeship or a course of study completed in German).<\/label><\/li><li class=\"choice-7 depth-1\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"wpforms-7079-field_3_7\" name=\"wpforms[fields][3][]\" value=\"&lt;b&gt;Naturalization test&lt;\/b&gt; (or alternatively proof of a German school-leaving certificate, completed training or studies in law, social, social, political or administrative sciences).\" aria-errormessage=\"wpforms-7079-field_3_7-error\" aria-describedby=\"wpforms-7079-field_3-description\"  ><label class=\"wpforms-field-label-inline\" for=\"wpforms-7079-field_3_7\"><b>Naturalization test<\/b> (or alternatively proof of a German school-leaving certificate, completed training or studies in law, social, social, political or administrative sciences).<\/label><\/li><li class=\"choice-8 depth-1\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"wpforms-7079-field_3_8\" name=\"wpforms[fields][3][]\" value=\"&lt;b&gt;Copy of the employment contract&lt;\/b&gt;\" aria-errormessage=\"wpforms-7079-field_3_8-error\" aria-describedby=\"wpforms-7079-field_3-description\"  ><label class=\"wpforms-field-label-inline\" for=\"wpforms-7079-field_3_8\"><b>Copy of the employment contract<\/b><\/label><\/li><li class=\"choice-9 depth-1\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"wpforms-7079-field_3_9\" name=\"wpforms[fields][3][]\" value=\"&lt;b&gt;Letter&lt;\/b&gt; from your company confirming that you have &lt;b&gt;not been dismissed&lt;\/b&gt; (use either the &quot;Employer Confirmation&quot; form from your relevant authority or our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Positive-Prognose-.pdf&quot;&gt;template&lt;\/a&gt;)\" aria-errormessage=\"wpforms-7079-field_3_9-error\" aria-describedby=\"wpforms-7079-field_3-description\"  ><label class=\"wpforms-field-label-inline\" for=\"wpforms-7079-field_3_9\"><b>Letter<\/b> from your company confirming that you have <b>not been dismissed<\/b> (use either the \"Employer Confirmation\" form from your relevant authority or our <a href=\"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Positive-Prognose-.pdf\">template<\/a>)<\/label><\/li><li class=\"choice-11 depth-1\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"wpforms-7079-field_3_11\" name=\"wpforms[fields][3][]\" value=\"&lt;b&gt;Salary statements&lt;\/b&gt; for the last 6 months and proof of other income (e.g. child benefit (&quot;Kindergeld&quot;), if you are self-employed, you will need other documents. Check with your city or district. &lt;b&gt;IMPORTANT&lt;\/b&gt;: Proof of all household income (including that of your partner) is required. \" aria-errormessage=\"wpforms-7079-field_3_11-error\" aria-describedby=\"wpforms-7079-field_3-description\"  ><label class=\"wpforms-field-label-inline\" for=\"wpforms-7079-field_3_11\"><b>Salary statements<\/b> 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. <b>IMPORTANT<\/b>: Proof of all household income (including that of your partner) is required.<\/label><\/li><li class=\"choice-12 depth-1\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"wpforms-7079-field_3_12\" name=\"wpforms[fields][3][]\" value=\"Copy of &lt;b&gt;rental agreement&lt;\/b&gt; and &lt;b&gt;heating bill&lt;\/b&gt; (only required if the rental agreement does not include a flat rate for heating costs or similar) and &lt;b&gt;proof of the current rent&lt;\/b&gt; in form of a &lt;b&gt;bank transfer receipt&lt;\/b&gt;\" aria-errormessage=\"wpforms-7079-field_3_12-error\" aria-describedby=\"wpforms-7079-field_3-description\"  ><label class=\"wpforms-field-label-inline\" for=\"wpforms-7079-field_3_12\">Copy of <b>rental agreement<\/b> and <b>heating bill<\/b> (only required if the rental agreement does not include a flat rate for heating costs or similar) and <b>proof of the current rent<\/b> in form of a <b>bank transfer receipt<\/b><\/label><\/li><li class=\"choice-13 depth-1\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"wpforms-7079-field_3_13\" name=\"wpforms[fields][3][]\" value=\"Copy of &lt;b&gt;passport&lt;\/b&gt;\" aria-errormessage=\"wpforms-7079-field_3_13-error\" aria-describedby=\"wpforms-7079-field_3-description\"  ><label class=\"wpforms-field-label-inline\" for=\"wpforms-7079-field_3_13\">Copy of <b>passport<\/b><\/label><\/li><li class=\"choice-14 depth-1\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"wpforms-7079-field_3_14\" name=\"wpforms[fields][3][]\" value=\"Copy of &lt;b&gt;residence permit&lt;\/b&gt;\" aria-errormessage=\"wpforms-7079-field_3_14-error\" aria-describedby=\"wpforms-7079-field_3-description\"  ><label class=\"wpforms-field-label-inline\" for=\"wpforms-7079-field_3_14\">Copy of <b>residence permit<\/b><\/label><\/li><li class=\"choice-15 depth-1\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"wpforms-7079-field_3_15\" name=\"wpforms[fields][3][]\" value=\"Copy of &lt;b&gt;extended registration certificate (&quot;Meldebescheinigung&quot;)*&lt;\/b&gt;\" aria-errormessage=\"wpforms-7079-field_3_15-error\" aria-describedby=\"wpforms-7079-field_3-description\"  ><label class=\"wpforms-field-label-inline\" for=\"wpforms-7079-field_3_15\">Copy of <b>extended registration certificate (\"Meldebescheinigung\")*<\/b><\/label><\/li><li class=\"choice-16 depth-1\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"wpforms-7079-field_3_16\" name=\"wpforms[fields][3][]\" value=\"&lt;b&gt;Membership certificate from your health insurance company&lt;\/b&gt;\" aria-errormessage=\"wpforms-7079-field_3_16-error\" aria-describedby=\"wpforms-7079-field_3-description\"  ><label class=\"wpforms-field-label-inline\" for=\"wpforms-7079-field_3_16\"><b>Membership certificate from your health insurance company<\/b><\/label><\/li><li class=\"choice-17 depth-1\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"wpforms-7079-field_3_17\" name=\"wpforms[fields][3][]\" value=\"&lt;b&gt;Proof of transfer of&lt;\/b&gt; the fee of 255 euros (for underage children in the same application: 51 euros) (not necessary for online applications)\" aria-errormessage=\"wpforms-7079-field_3_17-error\" aria-describedby=\"wpforms-7079-field_3-description\"  ><label class=\"wpforms-field-label-inline\" for=\"wpforms-7079-field_3_17\"><b>Proof of transfer of<\/b> the fee of 255 euros (for underage children in the same application: 51 euros) (not necessary for online applications)<\/label><\/li><li class=\"choice-20 depth-1\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"wpforms-7079-field_3_20\" name=\"wpforms[fields][3][]\" value=\"A &lt;b&gt; signed commitment to the Free Democratic Basic Order (&quot;Freie Demokratische Grundordnung&quot;)&lt;\/b&gt; \" aria-errormessage=\"wpforms-7079-field_3_20-error\" aria-describedby=\"wpforms-7079-field_3-description\"  ><label class=\"wpforms-field-label-inline\" for=\"wpforms-7079-field_3_20\">A <b> signed commitment to the Free Democratic Basic Order (\"Freie Demokratische Grundordnung\")<\/b><\/label><\/li><li class=\"choice-18 depth-1\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"wpforms-7079-field_3_18\" name=\"wpforms[fields][3][]\" value=\"&lt;b&gt;Tip&lt;\/b&gt;: Attach a screenshot of an &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.brutto-netto-rechner.info\/buergergeld-rechner.php&quot;&gt;online &quot;B\u00fcrgergeld&quot; calculator&lt;\/a&gt;\" aria-errormessage=\"wpforms-7079-field_3_18-error\" aria-describedby=\"wpforms-7079-field_3-description\"  ><label class=\"wpforms-field-label-inline\" for=\"wpforms-7079-field_3_18\"><b>Tip<\/b>: Attach a screenshot of an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brutto-netto-rechner.info\/buergergeld-rechner.php\">online \"B\u00fcrgergeld\" calculator<\/a><\/label><\/li><\/ul><div id=\"wpforms-7079-field_3-description\" class=\"wpforms-field-description\"><br>* You can <b>apply<\/b> for an <b>extended registration certificate<\/b> (\"erweiterte Meldebescheinigung\") at your local registration office (\"Meldebeh\u00f6rde\" also called \"B\u00fcrgerb\u00fcro\" or \"B\u00fcrgeramt\"). 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.  <\/div><\/fieldset><\/div><script>\n\t\t\t\t( function() {\n\t\t\t\t\tconst style = document.createElement( 'style' );\n\t\t\t\t\tstyle.appendChild( document.createTextNode( '#wpforms-7079-field_1-container { position: absolute !important; overflow: hidden !important; display: inline !important; height: 1px !important; width: 1px !important; z-index: -1000 !important; padding: 0 !important; } #wpforms-7079-field_1-container input { visibility: hidden; } #wpforms-conversational-form-page #wpforms-7079-field_1-container label { counter-increment: none; }' ) );\n\t\t\t\t\tdocument.head.appendChild( style );\n\t\t\t\t\tdocument.currentScript?.remove();\n\t\t\t\t} )();\n\t\t\t<\/script><\/div><!-- .wpforms-field-container --><div class=\"wpforms-submit-container\" ><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"wpforms[id]\" value=\"7079\"><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"page_title\" value=\"\"><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"page_url\" value=\"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7313\"><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"url_referer\" value=\"\"><button type=\"submit\" name=\"wpforms[submit]\" id=\"wpforms-submit-7079\" class=\"wpforms-submit\" data-alt-text=\"You will be redirected...\" data-submit-text=\"Checklist as PDF\" aria-live=\"assertive\" value=\"wpforms-submit\">Checklist as PDF<\/button><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/plugins\/wpforms\/assets\/images\/submit-spin.svg\" class=\"wpforms-submit-spinner\" style=\"display: none;\" width=\"26\" height=\"26\" alt=\"Loading\"><\/div><\/form><\/div>  <!-- .wpforms-container -->\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-weight: bold; font-size: 22px;\">Exemplary application sample <\/span><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 22px;\"><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 22px;\">(click to open)<\/span><\/span><\/summary>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Exemplary_Application_Sample.pdf\">Click here<\/a> to download a <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>complete sample application<\/strong><\/span> for citizenship with all required documents.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"button2\" href=\"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Exemplary_Application_Sample.pdf\">Complete sample application as PDF<\/a><\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-weight: bold; font-size: 22px;\"><b>Tips for the online application <\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 22px;\"><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 22px;\">(click to open)<\/span><\/span><\/summary>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some cities or districts offer an <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>online form<\/strong><\/span> for submitting applications (e.g. Berlin, Hamburg, Magdeburg, Hannover Region, Essen). If available, use the <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>official platform<\/strong><\/span> of your federal state or city. <\/span> <\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>&#8220;Quick-Check&#8221;<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Genereally, you will find the &#8220;quick check&#8221; right before <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the actual online application on the website of your local municipality or the relevant state portal. The quick check is a short, <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>non-binding online self-test<\/strong><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">that checks whether you meet the basic requirements for citizenship. After a successful quick check, the actual citizenship application is usually called up.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <b>&#8220;online application&#8221;<\/b>: <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The online form, which usually follows the quick check, is used to apply for citizenship and is a <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>formal<\/strong><\/span> procedure with <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>uploading the documents, <\/strong><\/span>payment of fees and subsequent examination by the authorities.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Pay attention to the following when completing the online application:<br \/>\n<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Read the instructions and notes on the online application <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>carefully<\/strong><\/span><\/span>.<\/li>\n<li>If you are also applying for naturalization for your <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>child<\/strong><\/span><\/span> (under the age of 16), you can do this together with your application. (See illustration) <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7088 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-19.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"791\" height=\"302\" srcset=\"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-19.png 791w, https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-19-300x115.png 300w, https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-19-768x293.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 791px) 100vw, 791px\" \/><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep all documents ready in <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>digital form <\/strong><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(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).<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>In an emergency<\/strong><\/span><\/span> (only absolute exceptions!) you can insert a placeholder if one of the documents requested does not fit your case. <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>Make sure<\/strong><\/span><\/span> to submit an additional explanation as a PDF if there are <strong>special features<\/strong> to your case or if you have ticked something that you were<strong> not sure<\/strong> about. <\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use your <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>online ID card<\/strong><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to identify yourself if you have one: e.g. electronic residence permit or EU citizen card. (You need the &#8220;AusweisApp2&#8221; on your device).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Among other things, you will be asked the following question: &#8220;Can you demonstrate knowledge of the legal and social order and living conditions in Germany?&#8221; (&#8220;K\u00f6nnen Sie Kenntnisse der Rechts- und Gesellschaftsordnung und der Lebensverh\u00e4ltnisse in Deutschland nachweisen?&#8221;) You should answer this question with<\/span><b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>&#8220;Yes&#8221;<\/strong><\/span><\/span> <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">if you have taken a naturalization test (&#8220;Living in Germany&#8221;).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pay attention to <b><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>correct and complete<\/strong><\/span><\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> information &#8211; incorrect or missing information can delay the application or lead to rejection.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After submitting the online application, you will often receive a <b><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>confirmation of receipt<\/strong><\/span><\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">an <b><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>automatic e-mail<\/strong><\/span><\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <b><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>PDF confirmation<\/strong><\/span><\/b><\/span><b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>Save<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> them immediately or<\/span><b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>print<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> it as a PDF &#8211; this is your proof that the application has been submitted. Sometimes you will also receive a request <b><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>to submit further documents<\/strong><\/span><\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or to <b><strong>attend<\/strong><\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> an appointment<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-weight: bold; font-size: 22px;\">Payment of the fee <\/span><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 22px;\"><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 22px;\">(click to open)<\/span><\/span><\/summary>\n<p>Depending on the authority, there are different procedures for paying the fee (usually \u20ac 255 \/ \u20ac 51 for children):<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>By bank transfer: <\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You submit the (online) application and later receive a letter or an e-mail from the authority. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This will contain the<\/span><b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>fee notice with request for payment<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. You transfer the money to the specified account (your case reference number as reason for payment).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Directly when applying online via e-payment:<\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> With some online portals you can <b><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>directly pay at the end of the application<\/strong><\/span><\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by credit card, &#8220;SEPA-Lastschrift&#8221;, &#8220;giropay&#8221;, &#8220;PayPal&#8221; or online bank transfer. You will receive a payment confirmation immediately.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Payment at the personal appointment: <\/b>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). <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n<p>The procedure for applying for <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>permanent residency<\/strong> <\/span><\/span>is very similar in most cities. You can also use the checklist and the sample application for this. <\/p>\n<p><b>Processing time of your application: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some cities or districts currently take a <strong>very long<\/strong> time to process applications<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. After 3 months, you can send a letter to the authority to check the status of your application. If you do not receive an answer after 3 to 6 months<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you can talk to a lawyer about taking legal action for failure to act (&#8220;Unt\u00e4tigkeitsklage&#8221;).<\/span><\/p>\n<p>This information service of the LIFE Initiative was realized with the support of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.postcode-lotterie.de\/projekte\">Postcode Lottery<\/a> and <a href=\"http:\/\/legal-links.net\/en\/\">lawyer Matthias N\u00fcbold<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>On this page you will find helpful tips on how to apply for citizenship as well as a checklist and an exemplary application sample with all documents. Online application: In some cities or districts, you can submit the application online (check the website of your responsible authority). Make sure you submit your application online if [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-7313","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Tips on applying for naturalization with an example - LIFE Initiative<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/life-initiative.org\/en\/tipps-einbuergerung\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Tips on applying for naturalization with an example - LIFE Initiative\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"On this page you will find helpful tips on how to apply for citizenship as well as a checklist and an exemplary application sample with all documents. 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