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Naturalization in Düsseldorf

Apply for German citizenship

Progress0 of 5 steps completed

Naturalization in Düsseldorf

Responsible authority

Citizenship and Naturalization Department (54/22)

Organizationally and physically separate from the general immigration office (54/3).

✖️ Online application: No📅 Appointment: Appointment required
  • •Applications only by post — no online form for the application itself.
  • •Officially stated processing time: on average more than 12 months.
  • •Process: acknowledgment of receipt → review/agency inquiries → certificate collection appointment → formal declaration.

Official sources: Stadt Düsseldorf, Verfahrensablauf · As of 2026-07-23

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 Düsseldorf 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 →
5 Schritte · ca. 4 Minuten0%

✓ Du bist in 4 Minuten fertig

Step 1⏱ 2–5 Min

Check requirements

Check if you meet the requirements for naturalization: 5 years residence (since June 2024), secure livelihood, B1 language skills.

⚠️Since 2024: Dual citizenship generally allowed – no need to give up previous citizenship!
⏰ No deadline💰 0 €
💡 Weitere Tipps
  • 5 years lawful residence (since June 2024)
  • Permanent residence permit or settlement permit
  • German language skills at least B1
  • Naturalization test passed
  • No criminal convictions (minor offenses excluded)
  • Livelihood secured without social benefits
  • Commitment to free democratic basic order
Check requirements↗

Opens the official city page in a new tab

Step 2⏱ 5–10 Min

Take naturalization test

Register for the naturalization test (Life in Germany) at VHS or another test center. The test examines knowledge about law, history and society.

⚠️33 questions, 17 must be correct. Test can be repeated as often as needed.
⏰ Before application💰 25 €

📄 Required Documents

Complete all required documents first

💡 Weitere Tipps
  • VHS Düsseldorf offers test and preparation courses
  • 33 questions (30 general + 3 about NRW), 60 minutes
  • At least 17 correct answers to pass
  • Free practice material: bamf.de
  • Test waived with German school diploma
VHS Düsseldorf↗

Opens the official city page in a new tab

Step 3⏱ 2–5 Min

Book appointment for application

Book an appointment online at the Düsseldorf naturalization authority. Fill out the online appointment form in advance.

⚠️Long waiting times possible – book appointment early!
⏰ After meeting all requirements💰 0 €
🏛️ Lokale Behördeninfo
•Department for citizenship and naturalization: Redlichstraße 2a, 40239 Düsseldorf
•Tel. 0211 89-21020 | Email: staatsangehoerigkeit@duesseldorf.de
💡 Weitere Tipps
  • Online appointment booking via duesseldorf.de
Book appointment↗

Opens the official city page in a new tab

Step 4⏱ 5–10 Min

Submit naturalization application

Submit the naturalization application in person at your appointment. Bring all required documents as originals and copies.

⚠️Fee due at application – €255 for adults, €51 for minor children with no income of their own who are naturalized together with a parent.
⏰ At appointment💰 255 € (Erwachsene) / 51 € (minderjährige Kinder ohne eigenes Einkommen, die mit einem Elternteil miteingebürgert werden)

📄 Required Documents

Complete all required documents first

💡 Weitere Tipps
  • Bring all documents as original + copy
  • Foreign language documents: Certified translation required
  • Cash payment fee: +€1 surcharge
  • Processing time: Several months to 1 year
  • Application under § 10 StAG (entitlement naturalization)
Application form↗

Opens the official city page in a new tab

⚖️ Compare legal protection ↗
Step 5⏱ 10–15 Min

Receive naturalization certificate

After positive review you'll be invited to the naturalization ceremony. There you make the solemn declaration and receive your naturalization certificate.

⚠️With receipt of the certificate you are a German citizen – congratulations!
⏰ After application processing💰 Inkl. in Antragsgebühr

📄 Required Documents

Complete all required documents first

💡 Weitere Tipps
  • Solemn declaration: 'I solemnly declare that I will respect the Basic Law...'
  • With certificate: Apply for ID card and passport at citizen office
  • Keep certificate safe – if lost only positive confirmation possible
  • Voting rights: Immediately for all elections in Germany
Citizen office appointment↗

Opens the official city page in a new tab

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have time?
Keine Frist
What does it cost?
0 €, 25 €, 0 €, 255 € (Erwachsene) / 51 € (minderjährige Kinder ohne eigenes Einkommen, die mit einem Elternteil miteingebürgert werden), Inkl. in Antragsgebühr
What happens if I miss the deadline?
Seit 2024: Doppelte Staatsangehörigkeit generell erlaubt – keine Aufgabe der bisherigen Staatsangehörigkeit mehr nötig!

⚠️ 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 DüsseldorfView checklist →
›🌍
New to Germany in DüsseldorfView checklist →
›🧑‍💼
Work & Job in DüsseldorfView checklist →
›🏠
Moving in DüsseldorfView checklist →
›