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Naturalisation and citizenship law
We check whether you meet the requirements, file the application with you and represent you if the naturalisation authority does not decide or refuses the application.
Typical situations
We can help you if you
- want to know whether you meet the requirements,
- want to keep your current citizenship,
- have been waiting a long time for a decision,
- have received a refusal or a letter inviting you to comment,
- have a previous conviction or gaps in your income,
- want to find out whether you are already a German citizen.
Services
Advice and representation in detail
Naturalisation
- § 10 StAGNaturalisation as of right
Checking the requirements, compiling the documents and filing the application.
- § 8 StAGDiscretionary naturalisation
Naturalisation if not all the requirements for an entitlement are met, for example if your income does not fully cover your living costs.
- § 10 Abs. 2 StAGJoint naturalisation
Naturalisation of spouses and minor children together with the applicant.
Procedure and legal protection
- § 75 VwGOAction for failure to act
Action before the administrative court if no decision is made on the application without sufficient reason.
- § 42 VwGOAction against a refusal
Judicial review of a refusal, for example because of doubts about identity, income or criminal convictions.
- § 12a StAGConvictions and penalty orders
Assessment of which convictions stand in the way of naturalisation.
Citizenship
- § 30 StAGDetermination of German citizenship
Certificate of citizenship, for example for descendants of German parents or grandparents.
- § 4 StAGAcquisition by birth
German citizenship of children born in Germany to foreign parents.
- §§ 13, 15 StAGRestoration of citizenship
For former Germans and descendants of persons persecuted under National Socialism.
FAQ
Questions about naturalisation
Do I have to give up my current citizenship?
Under German law, as a rule, no longer: since 27 June 2024, dual citizenship has generally been permitted on naturalisation. Whether you keep your current citizenship, however, also depends on the law of your country of origin.
My naturalisation is taking a very long time. What can I do?
First, ask in writing about the status of your application. Naturalisation procedures currently often take well over a year because of the large number of applications and the security checks. An action for failure to act before the administrative court (Section 75 VwGO) is generally possible after three months, but the courts often allow the authorities more time. We will be happy to assess whether an action makes sense in your case.
Which requirements do I have to meet?
These include in particular a certain period of lawful residence, a suitable residence status, the ability to support yourself, knowledge of German, knowledge of the legal and social order and a commitment to the free democratic basic order. The requirements have changed several times in recent years and depend on the individual case.
Can my spouse and children be naturalised as well?
Yes, spouses and minor children can, under certain conditions, be naturalised together with the applicant, even if they do not yet fully meet individual requirements.
Tell us about your matter.Arrange an initial consultation by email or phone. Please send us the decisions and letters from the authority in advance and tell us about any running deadlines.
rechtsanwalt@elwing.de