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Naturalization in Dresden

Apply for German citizenship

Progress0 of 5 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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5 Schritte · ca. 4 Minuten0%

✓ Du bist in 4 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: 5 years residence (standard) or 3 years with special integration achievements (C1 + work/volunteering).
⏰ Check before applying💰 0 € (nur Prüfung)
💡 Weitere Tipps
  • 5 years legal residence (since June 2024)
  • With special integration achievements: possible after 3 years (C1 German + work/volunteering)
  • German skills: at least B1
  • Own livelihood without social benefits
  • No criminal record
  • Dual citizenship allowed since 2024!
Info on naturalization Dresden↗

Opens the official city page in a new tab

Step 2⏱ 2–5 Min

Fill out and submit questionnaire

🚨
Frist: Before application · IMPORTANT: No appointment without questionnaire! Current waiting time in Dresden: over 2.5 years.

In Dresden you must FIRST fill out a questionnaire and send it to the citizenship authority. This replaces the initial consultation.

🏛️ Lokale Behördeninfo
•Hotline: 0351-4886046
💡 Weitere Tipps
  • Download questionnaire from Dresden website
  • Separate questionnaire for each person 16+
  • Send by email to: einbuergerung@dresden.de
  • After review you receive application documents or consultation appointment
  • Do not send informal application by post!
Download Dresden questionnaire↗

Opens the official city page in a new tab

Step 3⏱ 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 Saxony)
  • 60 minutes time
  • Test can be repeated unlimited times
  • Certificate is valid indefinitely
  • Take test at VHS Dresden or Die Sprachwerkstatt Dresden
Register for test at VHS Dresden↗

Opens the official city page in a new tab

Practice naturalization test online ↗
Step 4If 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

🏛️ Lokale Behördeninfo
•VHS Dresden: Annenstraße 10, 01067 Dresden
💡 Weitere Tipps
  • DTZ from integration course is recognized
  • German school certificate (min. 9th grade) may also suffice
  • With C1 + work/volunteering: naturalization possible after just 3 years!
German course at VHS Dresden↗

Opens the official city page in a new tab

⚖️ Compare legal protection ↗
Step 5⏱ 5–10 Min

Submit naturalization application

🚨
Frist: When all requirements are met · Current waiting time: over 2.5 years! Cases from May 2023 are currently being processed. Since 2024 dual citizenship is allowed!

After the questionnaire review you will be invited to a personal appointment. The application can ONLY be submitted in person at the Dresden citizenship authority.

📄 Required Documents

Complete all required documents first

🏛️ Lokale Behördeninfo
•Citizenship authority Dresden: Theaterstraße 15, 01067 Dresden
•Hotline: 0351-4886046
💡 Weitere Tipps
  • Email: einbuergerung@dresden.de
  • Processing time: currently over 2.5 years
  • Since 2024: Dual citizenship allowed!
  • Bring all documents as copy + original
  • Foreign documents: certified translation required
Apply for naturalization in Dresden↗

Opens the official city page in a new tab

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have time?
Vor Antragstellung prüfen
What does it cost?
0 € (nur Prüfung), 0 €, 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 DresdenView checklist →
›🌍
New to Germany in DresdenView checklist →
›🧑‍💼
Work & Job in DresdenView checklist →
›🏠
Moving in DresdenView checklist →
›

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