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Naturalization in Hamburg

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%

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Step 1⏱ 2–5 Min

Check requirements

Before applying, use the Quick-Check on hamburg.de to verify you meet all requirements. Hamburg offers free naturalization guides for support!

⚠️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
  • Quick-Check online: verify requirements beforehand
  • Naturalization guides: free volunteer help!
  • New law since 27.06.2024: only 5 years residence
  • Dual citizenship now possible!
  • Processing time: approx. 14 months
Hamburg Naturalization - Info↗

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
Register for test at VHS Hamburg↗

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
  • With C1 + work/volunteering: naturalization possible after just 3 years!
German course at VHS Hamburg↗

Opens the official city page in a new tab

Step 4⏱ 5–10 Min

Submit naturalization application

Now you can submit the naturalization application at the Hamburg naturalization 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 € (Kinder)

📄 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
Apply for naturalization in Hamburg↗

Opens the official city page in a new tab

⚖️ Compare legal protection ↗
Step 5⏱ 2–5 Min

Submit naturalization application

Submit your naturalization application online via the Hamburg Service Portal. Processing takes an average of over 14 months.

💡 Weitere Tipps
  • Online application speeds up processing
  • Fee: 255€ adults, 51€ children (with parents)
  • Naturalization ceremony at City Hall with Mayor!
  • Then apply for ID card at customer center
Hamburg naturalization application online↗

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), 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 HamburgView checklist →
›🌍
New to Germany in HamburgView checklist →
›🧑‍💼
Work & Job in HamburgView checklist →
›🏠
Moving in HamburgView checklist →
›

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