LumenCan you get German citizenship faster if you are married to a German?
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Yes. Germany's Nationality Act says spouses and registered partners of Germans should be naturalised after three years of lawful habitual residence in Germany, once the marriage or partnership has lasted two years. The other naturalisation conditions still apply, including B1 German and the naturalisation test. With three years of marriage, residence can be shortened for public interest.
Key facts
| What | The law says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Residence in Germany | Three years of lawful habitual residence | StAG § 9(1) sentence 1 |
| Marriage or registered partnership | Has existed for two years | StAG § 9(1) sentence 1 |
| Shorter residence | Possible for reasons of public interest if the marriage or partnership has existed for three years | StAG § 9(1) sentence 2 |
| Other conditions | Those of § 10(1): cleared identity, declarations, residence title, livelihood, no conviction, German, civic knowledge | StAG § 9(1) sentence 1; § 10(1) |
| German and the test | B1 German and the naturalisation test, with the same exceptions | StAG § 9(1) sentence 4; § 10(4)–(6) |
| Minor children | Can be naturalised together with you before three years of residence | StAG § 9(1) sentence 3 |
Compared with the standard route
The standard right to naturalisation needs five years of lawful habitual residence (§ 10(1)). For spouses and registered partners of Germans, § 9(1) says they “should” (sollen) be naturalised after three years, under the same § 10(1) conditions.
After death or divorce
The same rule applies if you apply within one year after your German spouse or partner died, or after the decision ending the marriage or partnership became final, provided you have custody of and live with a minor child from that marriage or partnership who is already German (§ 9(2)).
Sources
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This is general information, not legal advice, and Lumen is not a law firm. Rules change and offices differ: check the official sources above before you act. Found something wrong or out of date? Write to support@lumen.observer.