How long does it take to convert from long-term residence in Germany to German citizenship? What materials are needed? Thanks

Germany stipulates that if you are over 16 years old, you can apply by yourself, and if you are under 16 years old, your parents must apply on their behalf.

1. When applying, I should hold long-term residence in Germany.

2. Passed the naturalization test (obtained relevant knowledge about German legal system, social system and life).

3. Eight years of normal and legal residence in Germany (for applicants who successfully participate in the immigrant integration class, this period can be shortened to seven years, and for those who participate in the integration class with particularly outstanding results, this period can be shortened to six years).

4. Have independent living expenses protection (also applies to family members), and do not receive social assistance and type II unemployment benefits ("Harz IV")

5. Yes Sufficient knowledge of German.

6. No criminal record.

7. Recognize the basic social system of freedom and democracy in the Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany.

8. Agree to give up the nationality of the original country. (Note: Germany does not recognize dual nationality)

It should be noted that if the applicant cannot meet the above conditions, in principle, he cannot apply for naturalization. At the same time, the relevant agencies responsible for naturalization applications have the right to make their own decisions. If the applicant's naturalization application is for the public interest, as long as several basic conditions are met, the applicant can be naturalized. But this rule is mostly for athletes. For example, after a Turkish football player applies for a German passport, he can play for the German national team and represent Germany in competitions.

For a child born in Germany, if both or one of the parents holds a German passport, the child will automatically acquire German nationality. If the child's parents are foreigners, but at least one parent has lived legally in Germany for more than eight years and has permanent residence when the child is born, the child can also obtain German citizenship, but they must make a choice when they are 18 to 23 years old. Should I retain German nationality or the nationality of my parents?

The cost of naturalization is 255 euros per person. Minor children who naturalize with their parents only need to pay 51 euros. Minors who naturalize alone without their parents still need to pay 255 euros. Applicants with low incomes, or those who have multiple children naturalized at the same time, can have the fees appropriately reduced or agree to pay in installments.