Documents required for a German naturalisation application
Translated from the Arabic original. Read in Arabic
The exact list varies slightly between naturalisation offices (Einbürgerungsbehörde) in different cities and states, so the final reference is always the list your own office publishes. But the vast majority ask for roughly the same set, and preparing it early saves months. We have grouped the documents by purpose so you know why each one is requested.
Proof of identity and residence
A valid passport, your current residence permit (the electronic residence card, eAT), and a registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung) showing your current address. Some offices ask for an extended registration certificate showing your residence history since you arrived in Germany. Make sure your passport is valid for long enough, because some offices do not accept a passport close to expiry.
Civil status documents
Birth certificate, marriage certificate or divorce decree if applicable, and the birth certificates of any children being naturalised with you. These must be translated into German by a sworn translator (vereidigter Übersetzer). Depending on the issuing country, extra certification such as an apostille or legalisation by the German embassy may be required. Ask your office what is needed for documents from your country before you start, because certifying documents from some countries can take a long time.
Proof of income and self-sufficiency
This part shows that you support yourself and your family without Bürgergeld. Usually required: your employment contract, your last 3 to 6 payslips (Gehaltsabrechnungen), and a statement from your employer that the contract is ongoing and not in a probation period. You will also need your pension insurance record (Versicherungsverlauf) from the German Pension Insurance (Deutsche Rentenversicherung), which you can request free on its website. Self-employed people usually submit their latest tax assessments (Steuerbescheide) and a statement from their tax adviser.
Housing and insurance
Your tenancy agreement or proof of home ownership, sometimes with proof of rent payments, and proof of health insurance, statutory (GKV) or private (PKV), as a certificate from your insurer.
Language and test certificates
A German language certificate at level B1 from a recognised provider (Goethe, telc or the DTZ), and your naturalisation test certificate, or a "Leben in Deutschland" certificate if accepted instead. If you studied at a German school or university, your qualification may replace the language certificate or the test, so include it.
Other common documents
A CV in German in chronological order, a recent biometric photo, the signed application form, and the declaration of commitment to the constitutional order (often signed at the office). The fee is paid when you apply, and your municipality publishes the amount on its website.
Tips for a complete file
Arrange the documents in the same order as your office’s list and keep a copy of everything in your own folder. Do not hand in originals you will not need: submit clear copies and keep the originals to show on request. Note the expiry date of every document that has one, such as your passport and residence permit. If something in your file is unusual, such as a period of unemployment or a change of job, attach a short note explaining it rather than waiting for the officer to ask.
This article is general information, not legal or tax advice. Laws change, so check the official sources below or the competent authority for your situation. Found a mistake? Tell us.