German Citizenship for Spouses of German Citizens

A non-German spouse of a German citizen can apply for German citizenship under an accelerated and simplified route. Rather than waiting five years, spouses need only three years of lawful residence.

Legal Basis

The right to naturalize as a spouse of a German citizen is codified in § 9 StAG (Nationality Act).

Core Conditions

• Three years of lawful residence in Germany, and a marriage that has existed for at least two years (instead of the standard five-year route)
• Valid marriage to a German citizen
• Secured livelihood
• German language proficiency, generally at B1 level (CEFR).
• No criminal record
• Commitment to the Constitution

Documentation (non-exhaustive)

• Valid passport and completed application form
• Marriage certificate (authenticated/certified copy)
• German spouse's proof of citizenship
• Proof of three years' residence
• B1 language certificate
• Citizenship test
• Proof of financial security

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my same-sex spouse sponsor my naturalization? Yes. Same-sex marriages are fully recognized under German law and have identical naturalization rights.

What if I divorce before my naturalization application is approved? If you divorce after application but before approval, your application will likely be assessed under the standard five-year route.

Related articles

• Citizenship After 5 Years
• Family Reunification
• Citizenship for Children

Last reviewed: August 2026 — RAin Fiona Macdonald