Anyone applying for German nationality via naturalization as of right under § 10 StAG must submit a range of documents to the nationality authority. They evidence your identity, your residence, your language skills, and that your livelihood is secured. This overview shows the typical document checklist as civitas. requests it in the wizard.
The typical checklist
- Passport – a valid identity document as proof of your identity and nationality. For the upload, photograph the data page with the photo.
- Residence title – evidences your lawful residence. As a rule, the front and back are required.
- Registration certificate – no more than six months old; proves your current place of residence.
- Proof of income – for example the pay slips of the last few months or a tax assessment; they evidence that your livelihood is secured.
- B1 language certificate (or higher) – a recognized proof of your German skills (such as telc, Goethe, ÖSD, or DTZ).
- Naturalization test certificate – your passed certificate from the naturalization test.
- Birth certificate – with a certified translation if it is in a foreign language.
- Optional: Marriage certificate – if you are married.
Depending on your life situation, further attachments may be added, such as a custody document or a divorce decree. Such documents can also still be added after the application has started.
Your authority-specific checklist from civitas.
From your details, civitas. creates a document checklist that contains the name and address of your competent naturalization authority. This way you know where to submit the application together with the documents. The checklist is produced bilingually – in German and in your chosen language.
Foreign-language documents
Foreign documents – above all the birth certificate – generally require a certified translation by a translator sworn in Germany. For documents from abroad, an apostille is also often required. You can read more about this under "Having documents certified and translated".
Good to know: Exactly which documents your authority requires in an individual case may vary by federal state and municipality. When in doubt, ask your authority or a law firm.
You can check whether you meet the requirements of § 10 StAG easily in the eligibility check.