Three years instead of five is a major advantage — but both clocks must be satisfied: at least 3 years of residence AND 2 years of marriage at the time of the decision.
Citizenship as the Spouse of a German
Spouses of German citizens naturalise earlier: 3 years of residence with 2 years of marriage (§ 9 StAG). All other requirements stay the same.
✓ Verified: 15/08/2026
WHAT TO DO
AUTHORITY
Ausländerbehörde (ABH)
Municipal authorityThe Ausländerbehörde for your registered address is the one responsible. Enter your postcode and we will show yours.
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› Details and tips
👨🏻💻
Max recommends:
I started gathering documents half a year before the 3-year mark: the language certificate and the Life in Germany test can be taken in advance so everything is ready at the residence date.
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Lea recommends:
B1 suffices — the former C1 bonus was abolished on 08.10.2025, and the spouse route is the only short one left. Ask your citizenship office instead how it counts the two years of marriage: practice differs there.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
My spouse is German. Do 3 years really suffice? ▾
Yes: married to a German, naturalisation is possible after 3 years of residence and at least 2 years of marriage. The other conditions (language, test, self-support) are the same.
Divorced during the process — what happens? ▾
The spousal fast track depends on the existing marriage. On divorce the general periods apply (5 years), but the years already reached are not lost.
Does a marriage concluded abroad count? ▾
Yes, if recognised in Germany — usually via legalisation/apostille of the certificate and, if needed, registration at the Standesamt.
What if we divorce before the decision? ▾
The § 9 StAG privilege lapses — the application is assessed under the general rules (5 years). Divorce after naturalisation does not affect the passport.