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Naturalization in Bielefeld

Apply for German citizenship

Progress0 of 4 steps completed

Naturalization in Bielefeld

Responsible authority

Bielefeld Immigration Office

Bielefeld has only one central immigration office for the entire city — unlike e.g. Cologne, there is no district model with multiple branch offices.

✖️ Online application: No📅 Appointment: Appointment required
  • •Walk-in counter for general questions, no appointment needed: Mon–Fri 8:00–10:00, additionally Thu 14:30–16:00. Individual naturalization case processing requires an appointment.
  • •Appointments for case processing can be booked via the online booking portal (tempus-termine.com, item 54).
  • •Responsible exclusively for residents of the city of Bielefeld, not the surrounding region.
  • •Exact appointment waiting times are not officially documented — booking early is recommended.

Official sources: Ausländerbehörde Bielefeld · As of 2026-08-02

Deadline
after 5 years residence (3 with special achievements)
Cost
€255 (adults), €51 (children)
If ignored
Application has no effect

🧭 From this information, Amtpilot creates your personal plan for Naturalization in Bielefeld and guides you step by step through the next tasks:

📋 Step-by-step plan⏰ Deadlines incl. calendar reminder📍 Direct authority links📊 Visible progress
Plan my naturalization step by step →
4 Schritte · ca. 3 Minuten0%

✓ Du bist in 3 Minuten fertig

Step 1⏱ 2–5 Min

Check requirements

Before applying, you must ensure you meet all requirements. The main ones: residence, language, livelihood.

⚠️Since June 2024: Generally at least 5 years of lawful residence.
⏰ Check before applying💰 0 € (nur Prüfung)
💡 Weitere Tipps
  • 5 years legal residence (since June 2024)
  • German skills: at least B1
  • Own livelihood without social benefits
  • No criminal record
  • Dual citizenship allowed since 2024!
Contact Bielefeld Immigration Office↗

Opens the official city page in a new tab

Step 2⏱ 5–10 Min

Take naturalization test

The test has 33 questions about Germany, politics and history. You need at least 17 correct answers to pass.

⚠️The test is required. But don't worry: 98% pass on first try if they practice online beforehand.
⏰ Before naturalization application💰 25 €

📄 Required Documents

Complete all required documents first

💡 Weitere Tipps
  • Practice all 310 questions online (free at BAMF)
  • 33 questions in test (30 nationwide + 3 about your state)
  • 60 minutes time
  • Test can be repeated unlimited times
  • Certificate is valid indefinitely
Practice naturalization test (BAMF)↗

Opens the official city page in a new tab

Step 3If you don't have a B1 certificate yet⏱ 5–10 Min

Get B1 language certificate

You need an official B1 certificate for German. Accepted are telc, Goethe-Institut or DTZ (integration course).

⚠️B2 level not mandatory for naturalization, but helpful for application and career.
⏰ Before naturalization application💰 150 - 250 € (Prüfung)

📄 Required Documents

Complete all required documents first

💡 Weitere Tipps
  • DTZ from integration course is recognized
  • German school certificate may also suffice
  • VHS courses are often cheaper than private providers
Find integration course (BAMF)↗

Opens the official city page in a new tab

Step 4⏱ 10–15 Min

Submit naturalization application

Now you can submit the naturalization application at the Bielefeld immigration authority. Plan for several months processing time.

⚠️Processing time 6-18 months. Applying early is worth it. Since 2024 dual citizenship is allowed!
⏰ When all requirements are met💰 255 € (Erwachsene) / 51 € (minderjährige Kinder ohne eigenes Einkommen, die mit einem Elternteil miteingebürgert werden)

📄 Required Documents

Complete all required documents first

💡 Weitere Tipps
  • Processing time: 6-18 months
  • Since 2024: Dual citizenship allowed!
  • Bring all documents as copy + certified
  • Foreign documents: translation required
Book naturalization appointment↗

Opens the official city page in a new tab

⚖️ Compare legal protection ↗
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I need to go?
Bielefeld Immigration Office
Do I need an appointment?
Yes, an appointment is required.
How long do I have time?
Vor Antragstellung prüfen
What does it cost?
0 € (nur Prüfung), 25 €, 150 - 250 € (Prüfung), 255 € (Erwachsene) / 51 € (minderjährige Kinder ohne eigenes Einkommen, die mit einem Elternteil miteingebürgert werden)
What happens if I miss the deadline?
Seit Juni 2024: Grundsätzlich mindestens 5 Jahre rechtmäßiger gewöhnlicher Aufenthalt.

⚠️ Often forgotten

These points are often missed — check them before moving on.

  • Check language certificate validity (B1)
    Expired certificates (often > 5 years old) are rejected.
  • Take naturalization test BEFORE application
    Order is mandatory — test certificate is required for application.
  • Proof of livelihood: 12 months of records, no gaps
    Bank statements + payslips; reliance on social benefits generally excludes since 2024 reform.
  • Clarify dual citizenship with home country
    Despite 2024 StAG reform, some countries still require renunciation; check in advance.
  • Loyalty declaration — commitment to constitution
    Stricter since 2024 reform; frequently overlooked.

Part of: Migration

Naturalization is often the final step of a longer migration process. These usually belong to it too:

🛂
Visa & residence in BielefeldView checklist →
›🌍
New to Germany in BielefeldView checklist →
›🧑‍💼
Work & Job in BielefeldView checklist →
›🏠
Moving in BielefeldView checklist →
›