The German government has confirmed that foreigners seeking citizenship must have lived legally in the country for a minimum of five continuous years before they become eligible to apply. The announcement clarifies the residency requirement as part of the naturalisation process for 2026.
Continuous legal residency is mandatory
According to the German government, the five-year period must be uninterrupted. Applicants must have lived in Germany without a break and must still be residing in the country at the time of application. Short trips abroad for holidays do not break the continuity requirement, but any period spent under a temporary suspension of deportation—known as a Duldung—will not count toward the five-year threshold.
Asylum seekers face specific rules
For asylum seekers, time spent in the asylum process only counts towards the residency requirement if the applicant was ultimately granted one of three forms of protection: recognition as a person entitled to asylum under Article 16a of the Basic Law, refugee status under the Geneva Refugee Convention, or subsidiary protection status. Those who receive a negative decision cannot use that waiting period to build towards naturalisation.
The government emphasised that residency must be legal throughout the qualifying period. Holders of unauthorised or temporarily tolerated status cannot count that time. The clarification is particularly relevant for the large number of migrants, refugees, and long-term foreign residents in Germany who may be unsure whether their specific circumstances qualify them to begin the citizenship process.
Other conditions for citizenship
The five-year residency threshold is one of several conditions foreigners must satisfy. Applicants must genuinely establish Germany as their main place of residence throughout the qualifying period. In a related story, Legit.ng reported that the German government had explained the conditions for foreign spouses of German citizens who are seeking citizenship.
Germany skilled visa pathway
Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that Germany had explained the steps to get its skilled visa in 2026. In a newly published guide on its official portal, the German government mapped out a five-step blueprint for citizens of other countries to secure an apprenticeship, acquire a visa, and build a career as a skilled worker in Germany. For Nigerians looking to relocate through professional skill acquisition rather than traditional university routes, this system offers a structured, reliable, and funded path.
