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Naturalization in Bochum

Apply for German citizenship

Progress0 of 4 steps completed
Deadline
after 5 years residence (3 with special achievements)
Cost
€255 (adults), €51 (children)
If ignored
Application has no effect

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4 Schritte · ca. 3 Minuten0%

✓ Du bist in 3 Minuten fertig

Step 1⏱ 2–5 Min

Check requirements

Check if you meet the requirements for naturalisation in Germany. Since the modernisation of the Nationality Act (27.06.2024) conditions are easier: 5 years lawful residence suffice (instead of 7-8 years), dual nationality is now generally possible. In Bochum: apply online via bochum.de or by email to einbuergerung@bochum.de. Personal appointment only after scheduling. Current processing time approx. 12 months.

⚠️Since June 2024: 5 years residence (standard) or 3 years with special integration achievements (C1 + work/volunteering).
⏰ Check before applying💰 0 € (nur Prüfung)
🏛️ Lokale Behördeninfo
•Bochum naturalisation office: Town Hall level 4, room 450-468, Willy-Brandt-Platz 2-6, 44777 Bochum
✅Online application preferred | Email: einbuergerung@bochum.de | Tel: 0234 910-2555
💡 Weitere Tipps
  • Opening hours: Mon-Thu 8am-12pm and 2pm-4pm | Fri 8am-2pm
  • Fee: EUR 255 (adults) | EUR 51 (children in joint naturalisation)
  • New since 27.06.2024: Dual nationality now generally possible + 5 years (instead of 7-8)
Naturalisation Bochum - online application↗

Opens the official city page in a new tab

Request appointment online ↗
Step 2⏱ 5–10 Min

Take naturalization test

The naturalisation test consists of 33 questions (at least 17 correct = passed). You can take the test at approved test centres in Bochum. VHS Bochum offers preparation courses. All 310 possible questions for practice are available free on the BAMF website.

⚠️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
  • 33 questions, min. 17 correct - pass rate approx. 97%
  • BAMF: All 310 questions available free online for practice
  • VHS Bochum offers preparation courses: vhs@bochum.de | Tel 0234 910-1555
  • Test fee: approx. EUR 25 | Test not repeated if passed
  • Tip: District-specific questions can be practised at VHS
Naturalisation test - BAMF info & practice↗

Opens the official city page in a new tab

Preparation course VHS Bochum ↗
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
  • VHS Bochum: B1 certificate / integration course completion recognised
  • VHS Bochum: Tel 0234 910-1555 | vhs@bochum.de
  • Alternative: school leaving cert or degree in Germany = B1 recognised
  • Special integration achievements (C1) enables naturalisation after 3 years
  • Course cost: EUR 4.58/unit (free if obliged)
German courses & exams VHS Bochum↗

Opens the official city page in a new tab

Step 4⏱ 5–10 Min

Submit naturalization application

Submit your naturalisation application at the Bochum naturalisation office. A prior advisory meeting is required - request appointment via online form. Processing time: several months typically. At the end: official naturalisation ceremony with certificate presentation.

⚠️Processing time 6-18 months. Applying early is worth it. Since 2024 dual citizenship is allowed!
⏰ When all requirements are met💰 255 € (Erwachsene) / 51 € (Kinder)

📄 Required Documents

Complete all required documents first

🏛️ Lokale Behördeninfo
•Bochum naturalisation office: Town Hall level 4, room 450-468, Willy-Brandt-Platz 2-6, 44777 Bochum
✅Online application preferred | Email: einbuergerung@bochum.de | Tel: 0234 910-2555
💡 Weitere Tipps
  • Opening hours: Mon-Thu 8am-12pm and 2pm-4pm | Fri 8am-2pm
  • Fee: EUR 255 (adults) | EUR 51 (children in joint naturalisation)
  • New since 27.06.2024: Dual nationality now generally possible + 5 years (instead of 7-8)
Request naturalisation appointment Bochum↗

Opens the official city page in a new tab

⚖️ Compare legal protection ↗
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have time?
Vor Antragstellung prüfen
What does it cost?
0 € (nur Prüfung), 25 €, 150 - 250 € (Prüfung), 255 € (Erwachsene) / 51 € (Kinder)
What happens if I miss the deadline?
Seit Juni 2024: 5 Jahre Aufenthalt (Standard) oder frühestens 5 Jahre).

⚠️ 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.

📋What you should do next:

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

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