How much does German citizenship cost? All fees at a glance

Naturalisation itself costs €255 per adult, or €51 for a minor child naturalised together with a parent. On top of that come €25 for each attempt at the citizenship test, the fee for your language exam, and costs for certificates and translations. Once you're German, you pay for your first German ID: from age 24, €46 for the ID card (Personalausweis) and, if you want one, €70 for a passport (Reisepass). For one adult that adds up to €326 (fee, one test attempt, ID card), or €396 with a passport as well. Not included are the language exam, certificates and translations – their cost depends on the provider and your country of origin.

All costs at a glance

The naturalisation fee: €255

The fee is set in Section 38 of the Nationality Act (StAG) and is the same across Germany: €255 per person. For a minor child with no income of their own who is naturalised together with a parent, it drops to €51. A minor naturalised on their own pays the full €255. How joint naturalisation works is explained in German citizenship for children.

Your authority decides when you pay. For online applications in Berlin and Munich, for example, payment comes before you can submit. There have been political calls to raise the fee, but what counts is the law – and as of September 2026 it says €255.

Reductions, waivers and instalments

Under Section 38(4) StAG, the authority can reduce or waive the fee on grounds of fairness (Billigkeit) or public interest. This is decided case by case; you have no right to it. Instalments aren't in the Nationality Act, but according to the BAMF they can be agreed with the authority if your income is very low or several children are naturalised with you – so ask. Ideally, request a reduction in writing before you submit your application and explain your financial situation.

If your application is refused or withdrawn

Once the authority has started working on your case, a refusal or a withdrawal still costs money: €25 up to the full naturalisation fee (Section 38(2) StAG). So you don't automatically get the €255 back. In Berlin, for example, a refusal means the full fee is due; if you withdraw after processing has started, it is halved. Check carefully that you meet every requirement before you apply – and wait until, for example, your five years of residence are genuinely complete. Our guide on how to apply for German citizenship shows how to prepare.

Citizenship test, language exam and documents

The citizenship test costs €25 per attempt. You can retake it as often as you like, but you pay every time – so good preparation saves money. You can practise for free on the BAMF's online test centre (oet.bamf.de) and here with all 460 questions and a practice exam under real conditions. Where to sign up is covered in how to register for the citizenship test.

Language exam prices are set by each provider, so compare before you book. If you have other proof – a German school qualification, for instance – you don't need an exam at all (see how to prove B1 German).

Harder to predict are the costs of certificates from your home country, certified translations and any certifications. Since 27 June 2024 Germany no longer requires you to give up your old citizenship. But if your home country's law requires its own procedure – a formal release, for example – or you choose to go through one, fees may apply there. More in dual citizenship in Germany.

After naturalisation: ID card and passport

From 16, German citizens must hold a valid ID card or passport. Since 7 February 2026 the ID card costs €46 from age 24 (valid for 10 years) and €27.60 under 24 (valid for 6 years) – it used to be €37. A passport costs €70 from 24 and €37.50 under 24. Extras: €32 for express processing and €22 for 48 pages instead of 32. Photos are now digital: having yours taken at the office usually costs €6, while a photo service sets its own price. If you're on a low income, you can apply for a reduced or waived ID card fee. For travel within the EU, the ID card is usually enough. More in naturalised – what now?

Example: one adult

Assumptions: you're 24 or older, pass the test first time, and then apply for an ID card and a passport.

Example: a family with two children

Assumptions: two adults aged 24 or over and two children under 16 with no income of their own, naturalised together. Children under 16 don't take the citizenship test and don't yet have to hold an ID.

Not included, and very different depending on the provider and country: up to two language exams (if the parents have no other proof), certificates and translations for four people, and photos. Every extra test attempt adds €25.