German citizenship under Section 10 StAG: the five-year rule and the seven conditions

Last checked against the official source: 29 August 2026

Naturalisation by length of residence is governed by Section 10 of the German Nationality Act. The period required is five years of lawful, habitual residence, alongside seven substantive conditions that must all be met — one missing condition means the application is refused.

The seven conditions as the statute lists them

1. Commitment to the free democratic orderA declaration of commitment to the free democratic constitutional order, and no support for activities hostile to the constitution.
2. Acknowledgement of historical responsibilityRecognition of Germany’s historical responsibility for the National Socialist crimes and a commitment to peaceful coexistence. This is stated expressly in the text.
3. A settled right of residenceHolding an unlimited right of residence, or a status legally equivalent to it.
4. Secured subsistenceBeing able to support yourself and your dependants without recourse to social assistance, with defined exceptions for certain categories of workers.
5. A clean criminal recordNo criminal convictions and no security measures imposed.
6. Language abilityPassing a language examination at level B1.
7. Civic knowledgeKnowledge of the legal and social order and of living conditions in Germany.

Exemptions from the language requirement

The law provides for exemptions from the language requirement, among them older applicants, people with disabilities, and categories of guest workers who came to Germany in earlier historical periods. If you believe your case falls under one of them, ask the naturalisation authority about it explicitly — it is not applied automatically.

Frequently asked questions

How many years of residence are required for naturalisation?

Five years of lawful and habitual residence in Germany under Section 10 of the Nationality Act. The act also contains other provisions for special cases — such as spouses and children of German nationals — with different conditions and periods.

What language level is required?

Passing an examination at level B1 of the Common European Framework. This is one of the few places where the statute names a language level explicitly, unlike Section 9 on the settlement permit, which speaks only of “sufficient” knowledge.

What are the seven conditions?

Commitment to the free democratic order; acknowledgement of Germany’s historical responsibility for the National Socialist crimes; a settled right of residence; secured subsistence without social assistance; a clean criminal record; language level B1; and civic knowledge. One missing condition means refusal.

Can the language requirement be waived?

The law provides exemptions, among them older applicants, people with disabilities, and categories of guest workers who came to Germany in earlier historical periods. The exemption is not applied automatically — raise it with the naturalisation authority explicitly.

Is it true that naturalisation is possible after three years?

The text of Section 10 we checked states five years and contained no provision reducing that period for integration achievements. The other figures circulating relate to different provisions or to earlier versions of the act. Ask the naturalisation authority which provision applies to you.

Does receiving social assistance block naturalisation?

Section 10 requires you to support yourself and your dependants without recourse to social assistance, with defined exceptions for certain categories of workers. Whether an exception covers your case is a question for the naturalisation authority.