§ 9 of the Nationality Act (StAG) governs the naturalization of spouses and registered civil partners of German nationals. It allows a shorter residence period than the general naturalization as of right under § 10, but ties this to additional conditions. This article names the statutory key points in general terms. Whether they are met in a specific case is determined solely by the competent naturalization authority.
The two central requirements
Under § 9 Abs. 1 Satz 1 StAG, two conditions must be met at the same time:
- Three years of lawful and habitual residence in Germany, and
- a marriage or registered civil partnership with a German national that has existed for at least two years.
Both are mandatory. If the two-year duration of the marriage is lacking, the shortened residence period alone does not suffice; the general five-year standard period of § 10 StAG then applies. It is also a requirement that the marriage or civil partnership still exists at the time of naturalization.
Relationship to § 10 StAG
Compared with § 10, § 9 shortens only the residence period — from five to three years. The remaining requirements correspond to those of naturalization as of right. For these, the law refers to the catalog of § 10 Abs. 1 StAG:
- commitment to the free democratic basic order,
- an existing right of residence,
- a secured livelihood without ongoing benefits under SGB II or SGB XII,
- sufficient knowledge of German, generally at level B1,
- a passed naturalization test,
- as a rule, no relevant criminal record within the scope of § 12a StAG.
The new provisions in force since 27 June 2024 also apply here: giving up one's previous nationality is generally no longer required, so that multiple nationality is also the standard case in the naturalization of spouses.
A standalone route
Since the reform, § 9 is the only remaining route with a shortened residence period below the five-year limit. The former "fast-track" route via special integration achievements was abolished as of 30 October 2025.
Who decides on the application
This article describes the statutory requirements in the abstract. Whether they are met in a specific case — such as the existence of the marriage or the calculation of the periods — is assessed and decided solely by the competent nationality authority.
No legal advice in individual cases: This article reflects the general legal situation and is not legal advice in an individual case. Whether the requirements named apply in your case is determined solely by the competent naturalization authority. For a non-binding initial assessment, use the eligibility check; for legal questions about your case, please contact a law firm.