For naturalization, you must prove that you can secure your livelihood. This article shows which evidence is customary for this and what the authority examines with it.
What this is about
Under § 10 Abs. 1 Nr. 3 StAG, you must secure your livelihood from your own means – that is, without ongoing benefits under SGB II (Bürgergeld) or SGB XII (social assistance). With the proof of income, you evidence to the authority that you and the dependents you support manage without such benefits.
Typical evidence
For employees, the following are usually relevant:
- Pay slips of the last few months
- Bank statements of the recent period
- Rental agreement and proof of the most recent rent payment
- Health insurance certificate
In the civitas. wizard, at the proof-of-income item you upload, for example, the pay slips of the last three months or a tax assessment.
Self-employed persons
Anyone who is self-employed proves their income differently – for example with:
- Business registration
- the most recent tax assessments
- health and pension insurance certificate as a self-employed person
When social benefits are received
If you receive social benefits in whole or in part, the authority examines in the individual case whether and how the receipt is to be taken into account. For cases of hardship, the law also provides for a reduction of the authority's fee under § 38 Abs. 2 StAG. In this case, include the current approval notice.
Note: Whether your livelihood is considered "secured" is assessed solely by the competent authority. Which evidence your authority requires in an individual case may vary; if you are unsure, contact your authority or a law firm.
You can see whether you meet the requirements of § 10 StAG in the eligibility check.