Naturalization as a student

General requirements

The basic requirements for naturalization also apply to students. These include that your identity and nationality have been established and that you are legally and habitually resident in Germany. In addition, you must not have been convicted of any serious criminal offenses.

Duration of your stay

As a rule, a legal and habitual residence in Germany of five years is a prerequisite for naturalization.

Shortening the length of stay

Under certain circumstances, this period may be shortened.

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. Special integration achievements include, for example

• particularly good performance at school or university
• Particularly good professional qualifications or professional achievements
• Civic engagement

The prerequisite for this shortening is also that you can prove that you have very good German language skills at C1 level and can support yourself and your family.

Your residence permit as the key to naturalization

The type of residence permit you have is decisive for your entitlement to naturalization. A residence permit that was only issued for the purpose of studying is generally not sufficient for direct entitlement.

The path after graduation

After successfully completing their studies, students often change their residence title, for example to an EU Blue Card or another title for qualified employment. With such a residence permit, the path to naturalization is open to you.

Financing your living expenses

In order to be naturalized, you must be able to support yourself without being dependent on benefits from the basic income support for jobseekers (citizen's allowance) or social welfare.

Facilitation for students

There is an important exception for students. The receipt of state benefits during school, training or studies, such as BAföG, does not normally stand in the way of naturalization. It is recognized that you are generally not yet able to fully support yourself during your education.

Advantages of your studies

A degree completed in Germany can make the naturalization process much easier for you.

Proof of German language skills

Your German language skills are considered sufficient if you have successfully completed a course of study at a German-speaking university or university of applied sciences or a German vocational training program. A separate language test is then no longer necessary.

Proof of knowledge about Germany

As a rule, you must prove your knowledge of the legal and social order as well as living conditions in Germany by taking a naturalization test. Successful completion of a German secondary school or a higher German school leaving certificate can replace this test. A degree in subjects such as law or political science can also be recognized as proof.

Practical considerations

Naturalization and semester abroad

A period of study abroad does not have to delay your naturalization.

• Stays abroad of up to six months do not interrupt your habitual residence in Germany.
• For longer stays abroad, for example for one or two semesters abroad, you can obtain a permit for a longer period from the Foreigners' Registration Office in advance so that the period of your legal residence is not interrupted.