In the naturalization procedure, you must prove your identity and your current nationality. The most important documents for this are your valid passport and your residence title.
Why the authority needs this evidence
The passport fulfills several functions in the procedure:
- Proof of identity – your passport data must match the details in the birth certificate and residence title.
- Proof of current nationality – since the reform, multiple nationality is generally possible; the passport documents your current nationality.
- Reconciliation of foreign data – documents and certificates from abroad are reconciled with the passport data. Discrepancies in spelling or date of birth frequently lead to queries.
The residence title additionally evidences your lawful residence in Germany.
What the passport should fulfill
- Valid at the time of application; some authorities expect a remaining validity of at least six months.
- Biometric and issued to you personally.
- If several passports exist, submit them chronologically, in particular earlier passports with residence titles.
The passport itself does not need an apostille – it is an identity document, not a document within the meaning of the Hague Convention.
Submission in the procedure
As a rule, you present the passport in person; the authority makes a copy, and the original stays with you. Some portals allow the upload of a certified copy instead.
If your passport is about to expire, have it renewed if possible before the application.
When no passport is available
Recognized refugees or stateless persons may present a corresponding travel document instead of a national passport – such as the travel document for refugees or the travel document for stateless persons. In such cases, special rules apply.
Note: How your authority handles the proof of identity 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 for naturalization in the eligibility check.