How to Become a German Citizen Through Marriage Route in 2026

One of the pecks of dating a spouse from another country is that it can be challenging to get the citizenship rights of your spouse country. However, one country that allows you to gain citizenship by being married is Germany. Well, to get full citizenship in Germany through the marriage route, you need to follow some steps.

In this post, you’ll be reading the steps on how to become a German citizen through the marriage route. You’ll also read how you can apply and what is required to get citizenship. Let’s get into it already. First, let’s examine how German citizenship through marriage works.

What Does German Citizenship Through Marriage Mean?

German citizenship through marriage means that you become a German citizen after marrying a German national. However, this is not automatic but involves meeting certain legal conditions in the process. In fact, you must still live in Germany legally and meet specific requirements set by German law to qualify.

When you marry a German citizen, you first get a residence permit as a spouse. With this residence permit, you will be able to live and work in Germany. Now, after living in Germany for a required number of years and meeting other conditions, you can then apply for German citizenship through naturalization.

Another thing you need to know is that the German government carefully checks marriages to make sure they are not fake marriages done only for immigration benefits. During these checks, applicants are required to show proof of a genuine relationship between the couples.

Who Can Apply for German Citizenship Through Marriage?

These are the set of people who qualify for German citizenship through marriage:

1. Foreign Nationals Of Other Countries

Any foreign national who is legally married to a German citizen can apply for German citizenship through marriage. It doesn’t matter which country that you are from, you can equally get German citizenship through the marriage route. This is because the German government treats all nationalities equally under their law.

2. All Types Of Marriage

In Germany, both opposite-sex and same-sex marriages are accepted to apply for citizenship. So, the marriage must be legally recognized in Germany. However, if the marriage happened outside Germany, it must be properly registered and translated before it is accepted.

You cannot apply while living outside Germany. According to the German law governing marriage, the couple must be married and living together in Germany.

Legal Requirements to Become a German Citizen Through Marriage Route

These are the legal requirements that you must meet before becoming a German citizen through the marriage route:

1. Length of Marriage Requirement

To qualify for German citizenship through marriage, you must have been married to a German citizen for at least two years. In addition, your marriage must still be valid at the time of application of this citizenship.

In fact, if there’s any hint of divorce or separation in your marriage during this application process, it can affect your eligibility. Yes, even living apart for long periods may raise questions during the process and officers could decline your application.

2. Valid Residence Permit

You must hold a valid residence permit for family reunification. This permit allows you to live and work in Germany as the spouse of a German citizen. Your residence permit must be active and valid at the time of application. It is important to note that expired permits can cause rejection.

3. Residency Requirements in Germany

You must have lived in Germany legally for at least three years before applying for citizenship through marriage. Well, short trips outside Germany are allowed but long absences would break your residency period. So before going through with this process, ensure that you have filled this gap very well.

4. German Language Requirement

Those who want to apply must show basic knowledge of the German language. It is recommended that you possess a B1 level German certificate to show this. In addition, the certificate must come from an approved institution.

5. Integration and Civic Knowledge Requirement

In many cases, your application process must include a stage where you must pass a naturalization test that shows you understand German laws, culture and history.

Some applicants have also chosen to complete an integration course instead. Either way, it is required that you understand what living in Germany entails and how to live your everyday life.

6. Clean Criminal Record Requirement

Another requirement that you must meet is to have a clean criminal record. Well, minor traffic fines are usually acceptable but serious crimes can lead to rejection of your application without second thought.

It would surprise you to know that Germany checks both your local and international criminal records. So, ensure that all your records are all in check to avoid unnecessary disapproval.

Documents Required for German Citizenship Through Marriage

Here are documents needed to apply for German citizenship through marriage:

1. Valid international passport

2. Marriage certificate (translated into German)

3. Proof of legal residence in Germany

4. Residence permit card

5. German language certificate (B1)

6. Naturalization test certificate

7. Proof of income or financial stability

8. Criminal record clearance certificate

9. Birth certificate (translated if necessary)

How to Become a German Citizen Through Marriage Route

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to become a German citizen through marriage route:

Step 1: Marry a German Citizen

The first step you must take is to ensure that you enter Germany through the legal means. This could include either through a family reunification visa or another valid visa. As for the marriage, it can take place in Germany or outside Germany but it must be legally recognized. The thing is that if the marriage happens outside Germany, you must register it with the German civil registry and that’s all.

Step 2: Apply for a Residence Permit as a Spouse

After marriage, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit for spouses of German citizens. With this permit in place, you can be able to live and work legally in Germany. In addition, you must submit marriage documents, proof of address, and your spouse’s German citizenship documents.

Step 3: Meet Residency Requirements in Germany

Then, you must live continuously in Germany for at least three years. During this time, you should register your address, pay taxes, and obey German laws. This period of stay helps German authorities confirm that your marriage is genuine and that you know what it means to live in Germany.

READ THIS: Best Job Boards for Finding Visa-Sponsored Jobs in 2026

Step 4: Learn German and Pass Language Test

In addition to staying in Germany, you should also enroll in a German language course and prepare for the B1 exam. The reason for this is because language ability strengthens your application. Now, if you pass the exams, it would even provide a solid proof that you are serious about living in Germany long-term.

Step 5: Apply for German Citizenship

Once all requirements are met, submit your citizenship application at the local naturalization office in Germany. Do well to attach all required documents and pay the application fee. Then, the office will review your file carefully and may invite you for an interview.

Step 6: Receive Approval and Become a German Citizen

If approved, you will receive a naturalization certificate. You may be asked to attend a short ceremony and take an oath. After that, you can apply for a German ID card and passport.

Conclusion

The honest truth about German citizenship through marriage is that it involves patience. Along with patience, you also need to show honesty at all times before and during the application. If you’ve ticked all the boxes, then you have a good chance that your citizenship through marriage route to Germany would go well.