The 5-year rule
If you have held a residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) or permanent settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) for at least 5 years and meet the other requirements (B1 language level, self-sufficiency, a clean criminal record, the naturalization test (Einbürgerungstest)), you can apply for naturalization. Your periods of residence must have been lawful.
What counts towards the residence period?
The following count: time with a residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis), a permanent settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis), a temporary residence permission during the asylum procedure (Aufenthaltsgestattung), and tolerated stay (Duldung) under certain conditions. Not counted: a tourist visa, studies alone (only to a limited extent).
What if I left Germany in the meantime?
Short stays abroad (holidays, business trips) do not interrupt the residence period. Longer absences (over 6 months) can interrupt the period or cause it to restart. In case of doubt, the authority examines your individual case.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 5-year rule also apply to refugees?
Yes — recognized refugees can also apply after 5 years. The previously possible reduction to 3 years for special integration achievements (§ 10 Abs. 3 StAG a. F.) was abolished without replacement as of 30 October 2025; the uniform 5-year period under § 10 Abs. 1 StAG now applies.
Does the time spent in the asylum procedure count?
Periods with a temporary residence permission during the asylum procedure (Aufenthaltsgestattung) generally count — but only if the Aufenthaltsgestattung was lawful.
What if I have been here for less than 5 years?
Then, as a rule, you are not yet entitled to naturalization — the shortened 3-year period for special integration achievements (§ 10 Abs. 3 StAG a. F., C1 language level, volunteer work) was abolished without replacement as of 30 October 2025. The only exception applies to spouses of German citizens (§ 9 StAG: 3 years of residence + 2 years of marriage).