How to Become a German Citizen Through Marriage?

Gaining citizenship in Germany through marriage can be faster or easier than naturalizing on your own. If you decide to settle with your spouse in Germany, you’ll have a straightforward path to citizenship. However, there are some important requirements and steps to follow. Here’s what you need to know.

Requirements for Citizenship

If you marry a German citizen, you have a good chance of becoming a citizen yourself. Until 1970, marrying a German made you an automatic citizen, but today there are additional requirements. Given recent changes to Germany’s citizenship law, even those with no family ties can qualify for citizenship in five years (or three in some cases). The process for citizenship through marriage, however, can be a bit quicker.

The basic requirements include:

• • Being married to a German citizen for at least two years.
  • Having lived in Germany for at least three years.
  • Being financially secure.
  • Having basic German language skills (B1 level).
  • Understanding the German legal and social order.
  • Not being convicted of a serious crime in Germany.

What Kind of Proof is Required?

To qualify, you must have been married to a German national for at least two years at the time of application, and your marriage must be registered in Germany. If you were married abroad, you will need to go through a formal recognition process in Germany. You’ll need to provide a copy of your marriage certificate, along with proof of residence in Germany (e.g., visas, address registrations).

If your partner is a native-born German citizen, you must have lived in Germany for at least three years. If your partner naturalized, the residency requirement is extended to four years. At least two consecutive years of residency leading up to the application is mandatory.

To prove financial stability, you’ll need to show bank statements or payslips. If your partner financially supports you, joint-bank statements may be required. Additionally, you will need to pass a B1 level German language proficiency test. Finally, you must demonstrate an understanding of the German social, legal, and political system by passing a citizenship test.

The Process

Once you meet the above requirements, the process typically takes at least three years. For example, if you moved to Germany three years ago and married a citizen in your first year, you could be eligible for citizenship today.

The next step is to gather all necessary documents and verify them with your local immigration or naturalization office. Some requirements may vary depending on the region, so it’s important to check with local authorities. Afterward, you can submit your application along with a €255 application fee.

Once approved, you’ll attend a citizenship ceremony where you take the Oath of Allegiance to Germany, officially becoming a citizen.

Other Noteworthy Details

Since 2017, same-sex marriages have been recognized in Germany, allowing same-sex couples to pursue citizenship through marriage as well. It is also possible to apply for citizenship from abroad, but you must have lived in Germany for at least two consecutive years prior to applying. The process is similar for both EU and non-EU spouses, but non-EU spouses may need to provide additional documents, such as a passport, to prove their legal entry to Germany.

In the event of a divorce, your citizenship status is generally not affected, though exceptions may apply if the divorce occurs shortly after gaining citizenship.