Naturalization as a student

General requirements

You can also apply for and obtain German citizenship as a school pupil. In principle, the same rules apply as for adults, but there are many important and helpful special features and simplifications that are specifically tailored to the situation of young people in training.

Application and capacity to act

Act independently from the age of 16

If you have reached the age of 16, you can apply for naturalization yourself and carry out the entire procedure independently. You do not need the consent of your parents or legal representatives.

Under 16 years of age by the parents

If you are under the age of 16, your parents or legal representatives must submit the application on your behalf.

Special features of the naturalization requirements

Many of the strict requirements for naturalization are handled differently and often more simply for students.

Livelihood

No need to worry about student status

In principle, applicants must be able to support themselves. However, there is an important exception for school pupils. If you go to school, do an apprenticeship or study, it is recognized that you generally do not have your own income during this time. The receipt of state benefits such as BAföG or other support therefore does not stand in the way of your naturalization.

Duration of stay in Germany

Reduction through good performance

A longer period of residence in Germany is normally required for naturalization. However, there is a special option for students to shorten this period.

Special integration services

If you can provide evidence of special integration achievements, the required period of residence can be shortened to up to three years. Such achievements for you include in particular

• particularly good academic performance
• a very good language level (C1 level)

Language skills and knowledge about Germany

Proof by the school

As a student, you can easily prove that you have the language skills and knowledge of the German legal and social system required for naturalization.

Sufficient language skills

As a rule, proof of sufficient German language skills is provided:

• successfully attending a German-speaking school for four years (promotion to the next grade)
• the acquisition of a German secondary school leaving certificate or a higher qualification
• promotion to the 10th grade of a German-speaking secondary school (e.g. Realschule or Gymnasium)

Knowledge about Germany (naturalization test)

You do not have to take the so-called naturalization test if you have a degree from a German Hauptschule or a comparable or higher school-leaving qualification from a German general school.

No criminal record

What is harmless for young people

Naturalization is also subject to the condition that you do not have a significant criminal record. However, many things are assessed differently for juveniles than for adults. The following measures under the Juvenile Courts Act do not prevent naturalization:

• Educational measures
• Disciplinary measures (e.g. warnings, conditions or youth detention)

Housing situation

Accommodation with parents or in a hall of residence

The requirement to have your own accommodation is not a problem for students. It is sufficient if you have so-called accommodation. This means that it is sufficient if you live with your parents or in a hall of residence.

Simplified naturalization with the family

Co-naturalization with the parents

If your parents apply for naturalization, you can often be naturalized as a minor child in a simplified way. In this case, you do not have to have lived in Germany for the required length of time. It is sufficient if you have lived in Germany for three years. If you are not yet six years old when you apply for naturalization, it is even sufficient if you have spent half of your life in Germany.

Naturalization as the child of a German spouse

If one parent is married or partnered with a German citizen, naturalization may also be easier for you as a minor child. Here too, shorter periods of residence are generally required.