Upon naturalization, you will obtain German citizenship and become a citizen of the Federal Republic of Germany with equal rights and obligations.

With German citizenship, you can, among other things,

• exercise your right to vote in local elections, state elections, elections to the German Bundestag, and elections to the European Parliament.
• enjoy freedom of movement within the European Union (EU), meaning
  • move freely within the EU,
  • work as an employee or self-employed person within the EU, and
  • travel to many countries outside the EU without a visa.

Naturalization takes effect upon receipt of the naturalization certificate.

The competent authority is the citizenship office in your place of residence.