Short answer
If you are married to a German, you can usually apply after 3 years of legal residence in Germany, as soon as the marriage has lasted 2 years (§ 9 StAG). Everything else stays the same: B1 German, the Einbürgerungstest, your own income and a clean record.
Two clocks, both have to run out
- Residence: 3 years of legal, habitual residence in Germany. Time before the wedding counts.
- Marriage: 2 years. This clock starts on the wedding date, wherever you married.
Example: you married in Istanbul in May 2023 and moved to Germany in March 2024. The marriage clock ends in May 2025, the residence clock in March 2027. You can apply from March 2027.
What else do you need?
- German at B1 level. See is B1 enough?
- A passed Einbürgerungstest (17 of 33). Practise here.
- You can support yourself and your family without Bürgergeld. Your German spouse’s income counts for the household.
- A clean criminal record and a commitment to the constitution.
- A permanent residence permit is not required, but your current permit must allow a stay that is not just temporary.
Is it processed faster?
No. You can apply earlier, but your file goes into the same queue as everyone else’s at your local office. In some cities that queue is longer than a year. Check your city on the Citizify timeline before you plan around a date.
Special cases
- Married for 3 years or more: the residence period can be shortened further if it is in the public interest. In practice this is rare and decided case by case.
- Children: your minor children can be naturalized with you, even if they have not lived in Germany for 3 years.
- Widowed or divorced: the same rule applies if you apply within one year and live with a minor child from the marriage who is already German.
- Living abroad with your German spouse: different rules apply. Ask the Federal Office of Administration (Bundesverwaltungsamt).
What to do next
Collect your documents early. A marriage certificate from abroad usually needs a certified translation and sometimes an apostille, and that alone can take weeks.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to be married to a German to get citizenship?
Two years of marriage, plus three years of legal residence in Germany. Both conditions must be met when you apply.
Does the wedding have to take place in Germany?
No. A marriage abroad counts from its date, as long as it is legally recognised in Germany.
Does my time in Germany before the wedding count?
Yes, for the 3-year residence period. The 2-year marriage period only starts on the wedding day.
Do I still need B1 and the Einbürgerungstest as a spouse?
Yes. Being married shortens the residence period. It does not remove the language or test requirements.
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