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Naturalization in Hannover

Apply for German citizenship

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Naturalization in Hannover

Responsible authority

Naturalization Division (City of Hannover) or Citizenship Team (Region Hannover)

If you live within the city of Hannover, the city's naturalization division is responsible (Am Schützenplatz 1). Residents of the surrounding Region Hannover municipalities are handled by the Region's citizenship team (Maschstr. 17).

✅ Online application: Yes📅 Appointment: Appointment required
Online application ↗Quick check ↗Contact form ↗
  • •Multi-step online process: explainer video → free online check → digital online application with document upload → in-person appointment with original documents.
  • •Officially stated processing time: at least 12 months (city) or more than a year (region, due to high application volume).

Official sources: Stadt Hannover, Region Hannover · 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 Hannover 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 Hannover for naturalization↗

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 Hannover↗

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
German course at VHS Hannover↗

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 Hannover 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 € (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
Apply for naturalization in Hannover↗

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 € (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 HannoverView checklist →
›🌍
New to Germany in HannoverView checklist →
›🧑‍💼
Work & Job in HannoverView checklist →
›🏠
Moving in HannoverView checklist →
›